Objective – Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
What are the Inner Planets? Graphic Organizer
The inner planets are the planets in the inner part of the Solar System that orbit closest to the sun.
The 4 inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars … The inner planets are composed
mostly of rock … Generally, inner planets are both smaller and denser than [the outer gas giants].
They also have few or no moons and no rings circling them… (Universe Today).
Using your planetary data sheets, complete the graphic organizer with facts
about each planet.
Mercury
Venus
The Inner Planets
Earth
Mars
Objective – Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
What are the Outer Planets?
The outer planets are also called the Jovian planets or gas giants … [T]he outer planets have similar
characteristics to one another. The outer planets are so much larger than the inner planets that they
make up 99 percent of the mass of the celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. Although mainly composed
of gas, the outer planets also have other ingredients. Somewhere at the center is what scientist refer to as
a rocky core, although it is actually composed of liquid heavy metals. While the inner planets have few
or no moons, the outer planets have dozens each. The inner and outer planets are separated by the
asteroid belt. (Universe Today).
Using your planetary data sheets, complete the graphic organizer with facts
about each planet.
Jupiter
Saturn
The Outer Planets
Uranus
Neptune
Objective – Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
Comparing the Rocky Inner Planets
Mercury
Earth
Distance from Sun:
Distance from Sun:
Diameter:
Diameter:
Number of Moons:
Number of Moons:
Rings:
Rings:
Atmosphere:
Atmosphere:
Weight on planet:
Weight on planet:
Venus
Mars
Distance from Sun:
Distance from Sun:
Diameter:
Diameter:
Number of Moons:
Number of Moons:
Rings:
Rings:
Atmosphere:
Atmosphere:
Weight on planet:
Weight on planet:
Objective – Using references, compare the physical properties of the planets (e.g., size, solid or gaseous).
Comparing the Outer Gas Giants
Jupiter
Uranus
Distance from Sun:
Distance from Sun:
Diameter:
Diameter:
Number of Moons:
Number of Moons:
Rings:
Rings:
Atmosphere:
Atmosphere:
Weight on planet:
Weight on planet:
Saturn
Neptune
Distance from Sun:
Distance from Sun:
Diameter:
Diameter:
Number of Moons:
Number of Moons:
Rings:
Rings:
Atmosphere:
Atmosphere:
Weight on planet:
Weight on planet: