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The Best of the Solar System

Teaching Tips - Lesson Summary


Level:
Middle School (grades 6-8)

Time:
Approximately one hour prep time for the teacher and four class periods for the students.

Overview:
This activity introduces students to planetary research. By studying some of the most famous and interesting images of the Solar System, students increase their ability to recognize the planets and their surface features. In this exploratory activity students learn to focus on details by studying uncaptioned images. Next, students increase their knowledge of the planets and their features by comparing their observations to those of experienced researchers.

Skills:
Students should know the names of the planets and their order from the Sun. Students need basic familiarity with using the computer.

Materials:
Student journals or notebook paper for each student. On-line computer access with one computer for every two-three students.

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Created by: Smithsonian National Air and Space MuseumNASM Educational Services

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