Planets!
A Grade Three Webquest
created by Nancy Reagan

Introduction

The solar system contains the sun and all of the objects that move about it. In our solar system there are nine known planets. The planets that make up our solar system are very different from one another. Each of these planets has features that make them fascinating subjects to study.

Task

There is to be a solar system display in the library. Your class has been assigned to make brochures of the nine planets.

Process

1. First, you will be assigned a partner. You and your partner will explore. Star Child and NASA Kids to find out about the solar system.

2. Next, you and your partner will pick three planets you would be interested in finding out more about.

3. Submit your choices to the project director.

4. While the project director is assigning planets, you and your partner will find out more about the sun by answering questions on the Sun Worksheet.

5. Print out a copy of the worksheet and go to The Sun or Sun Info to do your research.

Go to Your Weight in Other Worlds to find out how much you would weigh on the sun. (Check out how much you would weigh on different planets, too!)

6. Once you’ve been assigned a planet, you will first fill in the Planets worksheet. The information on this sheet must be included in your brochure.

7. Print out a copy of the Planet worksheet and use the following websites to find your information.

8. Next, find a picture of your planet for your brochure. Use any of the above websites. The Space Spot has some great photos of the planets as well.

9. Your next job is to think of an interesting title for your brochure. It should be something that will catch a reader’s attention.

10. Now you are ready to make your brochure! We will use Microsoft Publisher to make our brochure. Go to Open Office Documents and find the file with your planet plus brochure. (ex: Mercury Brochure). Do as much as you can and the project director will be around to help. Print out the Brochure Checklist to keep track of all the things you need in your brochure.

Evaluation

Now is the time to see how well you did! Use the Brochure Checklist to make sure you have included everything you need. If you have, you may print your brochure. If not, do some more work on it!

After your brochure is printed, use the Rubric to evaluate the whole project.

You are to be congratulated for a job well done! Your brochure will be on display in the library for the whole Greenlodge community to admire.