This WebQuest addresses the following Utah 6th Grade Science Standards:

STANDARD III:  Students will understand the relationship and attributes of objects in the solar system.

Objective 1:  Describe and compare the components of the solar system.
a. Identify the planets in the solar system by name and relative location from the sun.
b. Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
d. Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.

(modified from Journey Through the Universe, a NASA MESSENGER lesson plan)

Introduction

If you wanted to know what’s available at a company like Sears, what would you do?  You would want to look thorough a catalog.  You can see a picture of the item, read a description, and get information you need. 

Task

What if you wanted to know what’s in the Solar System?  You would look at a “catalog” that gave you information about the Solar System. 

Catalogs about the Solar System don’t exit.  Your first task is to make a Solar System Catalog.  Click here to get a copy of your assignment sheet.  (If you already have an assignment sheet, you DO NOT need to get another one!)

As you can see reding the assignment sheet, before you can make a catalog, you must have information.  You will need to use the Internet to get the required information.  If you do not have a copy of the research sheet, click here.

How will I be graded? Great question! Click here to get the grading rubric. (If you already have a rubric sheet, you DO NOT need to get another one!)

Resources

Here are some outstanding websites that will help you get the information you need to complete this assignment.

Windows to the Universe - Our Solar System
KidsZone - The Planets
The Planets - FactMonster.com
F9 Kids - About the Planets
Interactive Solar System Facts
StarChild - The Planets
The Eight Planets for Kids
Asteroid Introduction
ZOOM Asteroids
Asteroids Overview
Comet Introduction
ZOOM Comets
Amazing Space - Comets
The Kuiper Belt
Windows to the Universe - The Kuiper Belt
Kuiper Belt Objects
List of Planetary Space Probes

Don't forget, you also need pictures for your catalog. Here are some great websites.

Welcome to the Planets
Planetary PhotoJournal
Views of the Solar System Photo Gallery
Hubble Solar System Collection

Task, the Sequel

Now that you have learned about the Solar System, your next assignment is to make a scale model of one of those objects.  Use the information from your research to help you make the 3-D model.

First, you need to know what is meant by a scale model.  Here’s a good website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scale_model

Click here to get the assignment sheet.  (If you already have an assignment sheet, you DO NOT need to get another one!)

Conclusion

Congratulations!  You are now an expert about the Solar System.