Planet Projects

I'm thrilled to start our Science Project!  The format of the project is what I'm most excited about.  The concept of "choice" is so important in learning.  Everyone learns in different ways.  By having these choices you have the ability to gear these projects to what you do best.  Some people like to write, some like to draw, some like to sing... why not show your understanding of planets in multiple ways?  

The goal is to reach 100 points.  (However, after giving out the project many of you have asked if you can do more- which I love!! So I have extended it to 110 points).  There are 10, 30, 50, and 100 point projects.  For many of the projects, there are more specific requirements in the red packet.  Requirements such as, what size paper, how many cards, what size model, etc.  
You do not need to go out and buy materials, unless you want to.  It is not required.  You can use materials we have at school or around your house.  The project will be done in school and at home. 

10 Point Projects:

flipbook example

• On a long piece of paper, draw the planets according to scale and color them as accurately as possible.
• Create a planet mobile with at least two facts about each planet. *See Red Packet for further details  How to make a mobile ideas
• Create a set of trading cards for planets of our solar system *See Red Packet for further details
• Make a flipbook for the solar system.  On front, draw the planets in order; on the inside flaps, record information about each planet. *See Red Packet for further details
• Make a cross-sectional model of one of the planets.  Be as realistic as possible concerning its color and size. *See Red Packet for further details- Model  Cross Sectional model example  Another cross-sectional model example
• Create a concentration game to help other students learn the planets and their characteristics. *See Red Packet for further details
• Develop a worksheet for younger students to complete about the planets and their characteristics. *See Red Packet for further details

30 Point Projects:

• Create an original song to help remember the names of the planets in order and at least three details about each. Can be done with partner! *See Red Packet for further details
• Create a travel brochure highlighting a planet of your choice. *See Red Packet for further details
• Research the history describing how the planets were named.  Make an instructional poster that explains how each planet received its name. *See Red Packet for further details
• Venus is often called Earth's twin.  Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast Earth and Venus.  *See Red Packet for further details
• Research the astroid belt.  Prepare a report that describes the asteroid belt and discuss how scientist think he came to exist in its present location. 
• Create a solar system scrapbook with at least one page dedicated to each planet. *See Red Packet for further details
• Your friend the astronomer has just finished a book on the outer planets called, "Its All Gas!"  Design a book cover for your friend's book.  *See Red Packet for further details

50 Point Projects:

board game example 

• Create a game about the planets. Could be a board game, card game, etc. *See Red Packet- game for further details
• Develop a powerpoint quiz show or presentation with little known facts about our planets. *See Red Packet- game for further details
• Think about which planet you think has the most interesting features.  Write a poem about that planet and include references to some of its amazing features. *See Red Packet- game for further details
• Write an original myth (as a play) to explain why Jupiter has a red spot.  You may work with a partner. *See Red Packet- game for further details
• Choose one of the planets you find fascinating.  Think about what kind of alien could survive on the planet.  Include a written description of this alien, as well as a drawing that shows the alien's adaptations.  *There are no further details in red packet. 

100 Point Project:

• Design a cruise brochure (booklet) and itinerary for an interplanetary cruise company.  This company will be selling space cruises from the Earth to Mercury, and then out to Neptune and eventually returning to Earth.  Of course, this cruise will be stopping at all planets and points of interest in between.  Your booklet should include a realistic itinerary with travel times and the various planets or ports the cruise will visit as it travels.  Each port should have its own page of information including side trips planned to points of interest on that planet.  Finally, include a description of the ship and a pricing page based on the cabin chosen by the tourist.   *Sample Itineraries