Exploring the Planets

Our solar system includes eight amazing planets. Some are small and rocky, others are big and gassy; some are hot enough to melt metal while others are freezing cold. With the help of some fun activities and videos, Ms. Lee’s science students have been learning about the planets and what makes each one unique.

Simulating volcanic activityFor example, the planet Mercury is closest to the sun and covered with craters. Given a large tub filled with a combination of flour and cake mix, students dropped ping pong balls, marbles and other items to make craters in the mixture.

Venus is the hottest planet, due to a thick atmosphere that traps the sun’s heat, and has a surface of active volcanoes. Students enjoyed dropping a spoonful of baking soda into cups of colored liquid and watching their volcanoes erupt!

Students also enjoyed coloring pages of each planet provided by NASA to create their own poster of the solar system.

Simulating cratersTo learn more about the planets, visit these following links provided by Ms. Lee: 8 Planets, 8 Experiments, 8 Minutes!  and Nasa Space Place.




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