The Best of the Solar System
Teaching Tips - Lesson Summary
Level:
Middle School (grades 6-8)
Time:
Approximately one hour prep time for the teacher and four class periods for
the students.
Overview:
This activity introduces students to planetary research. By studying some of
the most famous and interesting images of the Solar System, students increase
their ability to recognize the planets and their surface features. In this exploratory
activity students learn to focus on details by studying uncaptioned images.
Next students increase their knowledge of the planets and their features by
comparing their observations to those of experienced researchers.
Skills:
Students should know the names of the planets and their order from the Sun.
Students need basic familiarity with using the computer.
Materials:
Student journals or notebook paper for each student. On-line computer access
with one computer for every two-three students.
