In this unit, students become familiar with the names, characteristics, and positions of the planets, researching one planet and sharing information with the class. Next, combining geometry and astronomy concepts, they study llipses and orbit paths, then circles and planet shapes. Model planets and a classroom-size model solar system built to scale dramatize the relative sizes and distaances of our cosmic neighborhood. The unit introduces students to some of the satellites in our solar system, such as asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.

Science Links:
BBC Earth, Sun, and Moon
Astro Adventure