Welcome to Exploring the Planets Cyber-Center. Have you ever wondered why the Moon has so many craters? Do you know which planet has the largest volcano, or what causes storms on Jupiter? The Cyber-Center is a simulated research center at the National Air and Space Museum where you can explore these and many other mysteries of the Solar System.

At the Cyber-Center you will see for yourself how scientists study planets that are millions of miles away. Although the activities are designed to be used in a classroom with a teacher, please feel free to try them on your own. No matter where you do the activities, the staff at the Cyber-Center want you to experience the excitement of planetary research. So get out your science journal and get ready to use on-line data and images to investigate the planets and other members of the Solar System.

At this time the Cyber-Center is still under construction and only one assignment is available. New assignments will be added periodically, and in the future you will be able to choose assignments from three different levels: student intern, research assistant and principal investigator. The first activity, The Best of the Solar System is an orientation for student interns at the Cyber-Center. The assignment consists of three activities and a lesson plan for the teacher. To begin the student activity select Observing Images.

The Best of the Solar System

I. Observing Images
Look at some fantastic images of the Solar System. Describe the planets and their features. Identify them, if you can.

II. The Researcher's Description
Compare your descriptions of the images to those of experienced researchers.

III. Summary
Review what you have learned and find out where you can go for more information.

Teaching Tips
A lesson plan with background information and suggestions for using this activity in a classroom.

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