Astronomy Lesson 21: The Planets, Part 2

Reading:

Book of Astronomy & Space, pg. 26-37

               

Vocabulary:

Mars
Jupiter
Saturn

Activity 1: Make your own edible Mars Rover.

1. Read facts about Mars from KidsAstronomy.com.

2. See NASA's Curiosity Rover as it successfully lands on Mars:

3. Make your own edible Mars Rover.

Activity 2: Core Sampling of Mars

1. Watch another video about Mars:

2. Follow the directions on page 14-18 to understand how astronauts study the land on Mars.

Supplies Needed:
- "Fun Size" candy bar for each student (Snickers, Reeses, or Milky Way)
- 2 3" long sections of clear plastic straw
- paper plate
- plastic knife
- small ruler

Activity 3: Complete your study of Mars.

1. Complete your Planet Mini Report about Mars, or color the picture.

2. Add Mars to your wall diagram of the solar system.

Activity 4: Learn About Jupiter

1. Read about Jupiter on KidsAstronomy.com.

2. Read even more from NASA's Solar System website.

3. Read one of the additional reading books about Jupiter.

4. Take a video tour of Jupiter and Saturn.

5. Complete your Planet Mini Report about Jupiter, or color the picture.

6. Add Jupiter to your wall diagram of the Solar System.

Activity 5: Learn About Saturn

1. Read about Saturn on KidsAstronomy.com.

2. Watch a video about Saturn's rings.

Activity 6: Make a Model of Saturn

1. Read a book about Saturn.

2. Craft a model of Saturn using a styrofoam ball, following the directions at the link.

Supplies Needed:
- 4" styrofoam ball
- paint
- toothpick
- old CD or DVD
- hot glue

3. Complete your Planet Mini Report about Saturn or color the picture.

4. Add Saturn to your wall diagram of the Solar System.