Solar System
Step 1. Questions
Most scientists agree that the solar system formed after a huge explosion called the Big Bang. When this happened matter and energy started flying in all directions. Heavier materials didn’t travel as far as light ones. Imagine blowing a mixture of pebbles and bubbles out of a large straw. The pebbles would plop at your feet while the bubbles would float away. This is why the heavier materials formed the rocky inner planets. The lighter materials formed the gas giants, which are the outer planets.
For all of their differences the planets of our solar system orbit the Sun like a well arranged dance. Within their company are the other members, such as asteroids, meteors, and comets. For this project you will take your own journey through the solar system. Use these questions as your guide.
- How do scientists think the solar system formed?
- What are the characteristics of the planets?
- What other objects are found in our solar system?
- How do we learn about the solar system?
By using the following Web sites you can answer these questions, as well as some of your own. When your research is complete, use the steps that follow to write a report on your findings.
Step 2. Research
Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!
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