Name: ____________________________________

Science / Burns – Astronomy Project

DUE DATE: ______January 13th_______________

Presenting your information:

Choose one of the following: (Visual neatness – 25 Points)

• Make a Newsletter for your planet
• Keynote Presentation
• Idea Sketch
• Screen Chomp
  

Information that will need to be presented: (total – 55 Points)

1. Name of your planet  - __________________________2 Points
   
2. Mythological origin of your planet's name  - 3 points
   
3. Order of this planet from the sun (first, second, etc.) - 3 points
   
4. Average distance from the sun in miles, kilometers, and astronomical units - 3 points
   
5. Period of rotation (length of day) - 3 points
   
6. Period of revolution (length of year) - 3 points
   
7. Average density, g/cm3. Compare the average density of your planet with Earth's average density. What percent of Earth's density does your planet have? - 3 points
   
8. Temperature range, high and low (Fahrenheit and Celsius) - 3 points
   
9. Diameter in miles and kilometers. Compare the diameter of your planet with that of Earth. What percent larger or smaller is your planet than Earth?  - 3 points
   
10. Compare the gravity of your planet with Earth's gravity. What percent of Earth's gravity does your planet have? If an object weighed 100 pounds on Earth, how much would it weigh on your planet? - 3 points
    
11. List the most common elements present and their physical state (solid, liquid or gas) - 3 points
    
12. Describe the atmosphere (if any) on your planet. List the gases present and their percentages. - 3 points
    
13. How many moons does your planet have? Describe any unique features found on your planet's moons. What are the names of your planet's moons? (If your planet has more than five moons, just name five.) - 5 points
    
14. What probes have been sent or are planned to be sent to your planet? Include names of the missions, when they were sent or are planned to be sent. What information have they found out about your planet? - 5 points
    
15. What does your planet look like? Describe its surface features, such as volcanoes, craters or canyons. Does your planet have rings? Describe the rings. - 5 points
    
16. Based on what you have learned, do you think life could exist on your planet? Think about what conditions a living organism would have to adapt to in order to survive on your planet when answering your question. Remember, life doesn't necessarily mean life as we know it on Earth! - 5 points
    

For information to help with this project, you can visit some of the sites below or conduct your own search.

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/index.cfm      http://www.windows.ucar.edu/

http://www.nineplanets.org/            http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/

Presentation of Planet to Class:  20 points