CLASSIFYING THE PLANETS

Introduction

Scientists classify planets in many different ways. Today you work for NASA and will use information you gather from the Internet and/or other references to make decisions on how you will classify the planets.

The Task

1. Classify each of the nine planets using these criteria:

Its orbit in relation to Earth--INFERIOR or SUPERIOR.
The make-up of its surface--ROCKY (TERRESTRIAL) or GAS (JOVIAN).
Its size or diameter--GIANT or SMALL.
Its ability to be seen by our eyes--CLASSICAL or MODERN.

2. After looking at information about the planets, how would you classify the planets?

Resources

You will use resources from the internet to find information about the planets in order to classify them. While you are looking up information, keep in mind how you would classify the planets in a new way, using a feature about the planets that you select.

THE NINE PLANETS Use this link to get information on the planets. Scroll down to the picture of the planets you wish to visit.
NASA'S PLANET INFORMATION Another source for planet information. Follow same procedure as above.
Our Solar System Use for general information about each planet, especially the size. First scroll down and use the INTERMEDIATE button. VisitOUR SOLAR SYSTEM and then PLANETARY SYSTEMS. After choosing planet use REFERENCE DATA.

The Process

1. Look below to "Learning Advice" for glossary help on some of the terms.
Go to one of the resources and get the order of the planets' orbits around the sun. </ol>
AGAIN, IF MORE ARE NEEDED, PRECEED EACH STEP WITH THE COMMAND FOR A LIST ITEM &ltli>.
#4
#5

Learning Advice
INCLUDE HERE ANY ADVICE TO HELP THE LEARNER THROUGH THE WEBQUEST

Conclusion
CONCLUSION HERE

This page written by Your Name
Last updated date, 1996.
This page was adapted from Bernie Dodge 's WebQuest_Template1.html by Tom March