Planet Poster Project

(Sources: Central Spryfield Elementary, T. Williams website; Bright Hub Education website)

According to the 6th Grade Science core, a student will be able to…

  • Describe and compare the components of the Solar System.
  • Identify the planets in the Solar System by name and relative location from the Sun.
  • Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
  • Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.
  • Research and report on the use of manmade satellites orbiting Earth and various planets.

Students will make a poster about one of the following:

  • One of the planets (except Earth) in our solar system
  • The sun
  • A combination of the asteroids, comets, and meteors.

This project will allow students learn and apply this scientific knowledge and share it visually for others to learn. The project is to be completed on one side of a standard sized piece of poster board (color is not important).No class time will be given to students for this project. Thisdue on Friday, November 20th.

Include the following information about your planet on your Planet Poster.

  • Name of your planet.
  • A picture of your planet (may be hand drawn or printed off the internet).
  • Classification (rocky, gas giant, dwarf, etc.).
  • Order of this planet from the sun (first, second, etc.).
  • Average distance from the sun in miles and kilometers.
  • Period of rotation (length of day).
  • Period of revolution (length of year).
  • Temperaturerange, high and low (Fahrenheit and Celsius). If a temperature range is not available, find an average temperature.
  • Diameter in miles and kilometers.
  • Compare thegravity of your planet with Earth's gravity. What percent of Earth's gravity does your planet have? If an object weighed 100 pounds on Earth, how much would it weigh on your planet?
  • Describe the atmosphere (if any) on your planet. List the gases present and their percentages.
  • How manymoons does your planet have? Describe any unique features found on your planet's moons. What are the names of your planet's moons? (If your planet has more than five moons, just name five.)
  • What probes have been sent or are planned to be sent to your planet? Include names of the missions, when they were sent or are planned to be sent. What information have they found out about your planet?

You may also include extra information, diagrams, graphs, and creativity.

Poster Rubric

Category / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Content - Accuracy / All facts in the poster are accurate. / Most of the facts in the poster are accurate. / Some of the facts in the poster are accurate. / Few facts in the poster are accurate.
Knowledge Gained / Student can accurately answer all questions related to facts in the poster and to technical processes used to create the poster beyond what was required. / Student can accurately answer all questions related to facts in the poster and to technical processes used to create the poster. / Student can accurately answer most questions related to facts in the poster and to technical processes used to create the poster. / Student can accurately answer some questions related to facts in the poster and to technical processes used to create the poster.
Required Elements / Student included more elements than required. / Student included all required elements. / Student included most required elements. / Student left off most required elements.

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