Comparing the planets

Part 1:  Start with the circular orbital sets found on my desk. Our Earth is the 'third rock from the sun'.   Figure how much of a year is represented by the 24 cards, and compare that orbit in proportion to the orbit of a) Mercury and b) Mars.   Note what direction the planets are moving during the time frame.
a) How much of a year is represented?
b) One Mercury year represents how much of an Earth year?  Explain your answer.
c) Repeat for Mars.

When you are done, turn the yellow cards and your work in, on individual paper.

Part 2:   Get into groups of 3 or less. You will be comparing one of the following sets.   Not everyone can choose the same set, so pick wisely so it is distributed across the class.  If you are not working, I will be disappointed.  While I do not expect you to complete the entire project, your research should be done, and you should be started on the brochure.

• Mars and Neptune and Earth
• Mercury and Saturn and Earth
• Our Moon and Titan and Earth
• Venus and Uranus and Earth
• Ceres and Jupiter and Earth

You may start by looking here, as well as looking at the materials I have given you, the textbooks, and the Nine Planets.  Any other resources must be referenced in the body of an email.

Organize your materials in a t-chart format.  At the end of the hour, give it to the substitute.

Your goal tomorrow is to create a travel brochure that will move you from one location to another.  You must include an itinerary of events, how the magnetic field and your weight on the locations will matter, the probably time frame, assuming you travel at space shuttle speeds, safety equipment needed and a variety of visuals.   The brochure will be printed in color for grading; please send the completed document to my gmail address.

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