The Best of the Solar System
Teaching Tips - Lesson Summary
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.
Created
by: 
© Copyright 2001 UC Regents. last update 8/27/01