Planet Project Part 1
[30 Points]
Name:_________________
Task:
You will collecting data about a planet/ celestial object to share with the class. You will be using
either a physical poster, PowerPoint, Google slides, Website (Wix.com), or Prezi to share your
information. If you have other ideas on how to share your project discuss that with your
teacher. Follow the attached rubric carefully to receive the most credit.
STEP 1: Pick a Celestial Object
Pick your object from the list below. Each topic can only be picked once! Get approval after you
have made your decision.
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Earth
Venus
Mars
Ganymede
Titan
Mercury
Calisto
Moon
Europa
Triton
Pluto
Eris
Iapetus
Charon
STEP 2: Pick your media
How will you create your presentation?
-Poster
-PowerPoint
-Google Slides
-Website
-Prezi
-Other (with approval)
 I’m using…_____________________________
STEP 3: Research
Begin researching your topic. Use your resources to better understand your topic and become
familiar with what it looks like and where it is in space. Follow the rubric that is attached to see
a complete list of research requirements.
ASTRONOMY PROJECT RUBRIC
Topic
5 Points
Basic Description
Size, density, Diameter,
Distance from sun,
Description of
composition,
Description of major
physical features.
Missing two
elements from the
5 point box, or
information
presented was
incomplete.
Missing three
elements from the 5
point box and poorly
researched.
No evidence of
research for this
section.
History
Includes information
on what spacecraft(s)
have visited the object
or recorded data of the
object. Includes
information on the
origin of the object(s)
name. Includes date it
was discovered.
Provided an image of
the object. Provided an
image of a spacecraft
that has recorded data
about the object.
Missing vital
information on
either the visiting
spacecraft(s) or
planet name and
origin/ discover
date.
Only one element
from the 5 point box
was presented, or
most information
was poorly
researched.
No evidence of
research for this
section.
Missing an image
that was required.
Only one image
presented but of low
quality.
No images
Provided information
about research that is
currently being done
about this object. (Or
as current as possible.)
Explained the
importance of this
object in some way.
Listed future missions
to better explore this
object if available.
All information was
easy to read and find
within the project. It is
easy to navigate the
project to find all
information. At least 5
Sources given.
Missing one of the
elements in the 5
point box or poorly
presented one of
the items.
Only presented one
of the items from the
5 point box with
valuable information.
Most information
was left out or poorly
presented.
No evidence of
research for this
section.
Some information
was hard to find or
was too hard to
read. Only 3
Sources given.
Most information
was hard to find or
was difficult to read.
Only 2 Sources given
Project was poorly
constructed. Clearly
minimal effort was
put into the design.
Either had only 1 or
no sources.
Images
Current Research
Neatness/Sources
3 Points
1 Point
0 Points
Planet Project Part 2
[20 Points]
Name:_________________
Task:
Using you research from Part 1 you will create a scale model of your planet. The scale will be based on
our classroom being the ‘size’ of the sun. Some models will be quite small, others quite large. Accuracy
is important! Your planet can be made from any material you desire, paper and foam will be provided.
You must also calculate the size of the orbit relative to the ‘sun’ and determine where that orbit would
fall compared to our location (see below). You should represent that with a map such as Google Maps,
Google Earth, etc.
STEP 1: Celestial Object: _____________________
Size of classroom: 9 m. Location: 32°53'04.0"N 80°00'00.8"W or 32.884440, -80.000214
Actual size of object:
__________________ Approximate size of model: __________________
STEP 2: Orbital Path
Size of orbit: _____________________
Size of model orbit: __________________
Total out of 20
Use of class time (2)
Work is Cited (3)
Orbit mapped accurately (3)
Orbit calculations (3)
Student Comprehension (3)
Model Creativity (2)
Model Shape (2)
odel Dimensions/ Size (4)
Figure 1: Sample
map of the
approximate size
of the asteroid
belt.
Pts presentation: _____
Pts model: _____
Total pts: _____ / 50
A
B
C
D
F