Solar System WebQuest

Miss. Hanson

Introduction:
Dear Universe Explorer,
Mission: The space program has hired you on to explore one of the planets of our solar system. Before
you can receive your final mission, you must complete an introductory program that the space program
provided. You must be prepared to answer any question that comes your way during the exploration.
Prepare to discover things of great importance. At the end of your mission you will have to create a poster
about your assigned planet. The only way to get your assignment is to

Task:
Go through the following mission tasks and answer the questions in order to develop a basic knowledge
before you are launched into the space program. Each question must be answered in complete sentence or
thought. You will be graded on the knowledge you require.

Process: The process is setup in mission format. Complete each mission before going to the
next.
Mission 1: Before you can launch into your exploration. The space program requires you to
know the basics of space first. Answer the following questions in complete sentences, using this
site www.nasa.gov
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

What is a solar system?

What solar system do we live in?
What are planets?
What is a moon?
What is the sun?
How many planets does the Milky Way Galaxy have and what are their names?
How many suns does the Milky Way Galaxy have?

Solar System WebQuest

Miss. Hanson

Mission 2: Dear Explorer; it is time for you to Explore the Sun. The space program puts
this at first priority, because the Sun serves a great purpose in our solar system. The sun
provides heat and light, which our necessary for us to survive on our planet, Earth. The sun
is also at the center of our solar system. Before we can explore the solar system we must
understand what affects the sun has on all the planets and their orbits. The space program
has provided a reading of frequently asked questions about the sun. Read the entire article
then answer the questions below in your own words.

1. How big is the sun?

2. What is the sun made of?
3. What is the temperature of the sun?
4. What orbits around the sun?
5. Why is the sun orange?
6. How heavy is the sun?
7. If the sun is so hot, why doesnt it burn up?
Congratulations, explorer! You have discovered all the necessary information
about the sun that you need to in order to move to mission 3. Remember to keep
the pace up before time runs out.

Mission 3: Explorer, it is time to Venture into the planets. The space program needs you to
answer a few questions before your launch, to your assigned planet. I know the work is getting
exhaustive but persevere through the details and you will soon be ready for the next mission.
SITE 1
SITE 2
SITE 3
In order list the planets and answer the questions:
Planet name:
a. Temperature of planet:
b. Number of moons:
c. Size of the planet:
d. Planets contents:

Solar System WebQuest

Miss. Hanson
Beginning
1

Developing
2

Proficient
3

Exemplary
4

Objective 1

Defined most of the

vocabulary.

Defined all
vocabulary.

Defined all
vocabulary in
complete sentences.

Objective 2

Beginning level of
understanding of the
sun.

Moving toward
mastery of the sun.

Objective 3

Shows basic
awareness of the 9
planets.

Moving toward
mastery of the 9
planets.

Basically
understands the
purpose, location,
and contents of the
sun.
Understands the 9
planets and their
basic characteristics.

Defined all
vocabulary in
complete and
grammatically
correct sentences.
Thoroughly
understands the
purpose, location,
and contents of the
sun.
Able to describe and
understand the 9
planets and basic
characteristics.

Evaluation:

Conclusion:
CONGRATULATIONS, EXPLORER! You have finished the launch preparations!
You are now equipped and able to launch into your planetary exploration. You have
discovered the basics of this solar system and the planets within it. Turn in your this
paper to the teacher and receive your planet assignment.

Score