It is the year 2106.  You are a member of a fact-finding team with the
Galactic space Travel Agency.  This agency is interested in providing
information and presentations about various vacation packages to the planets in our solar system.

The Task

Your fact-finding team is responsible for developing a presentation and brochure to promote your planet as the "Number One Travel Destination In The Universe."  Every planet has something to offer the adventurous traveler.  Information to incorporate into your presentation could include such things as the best spots to visit and the best time of year, what to pack, activities available (i.e. climbing, swimming, snorkeling, exploring).  Your team will develop a travel brochure and a HyperStudio presentation to present to the other members of the Agency.  Include background information about the physical characteristics of your planet, mythology behind your planet's name, and any exploration that has been done of your planet.

To complete this project, you will need to go to the following sites on the internet:

 Astronomy for Kids is a very elementary site with basic information about each of the planets.  It includes a color picture as well.

The  Nine Planets: A Multimedia Tour of the Solar System gives an overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in our solar system.

 Views of the Solar System presents a vivid multimedia adventure unfolding the splendor of the Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, space missions, and spacecraft through a vast archive of photographs, scientific facts, text, graphics and videos.  Views of the solar system and beyond.

 Windows to the Universe has general information on the solar system and the universe.  You will also find information on myths, art books and film, space missions, people, and data.  Go to the table of contents by clicking on "Enter this site."

You may also use information from encyclopedias, periodicals, CD roms, books you find in the library and in the classroom.

The Process

You will be assigned to a team of four students.  Each team will complete research related to your planet in the areas of physical characteristics, weather, seasonal information, mythology, space exploration, and relationship to the Earth and the Sun.

Follow these steps:

1.    Each team member will select a role and assignment from the selections below.

2.    Each team will create an action plan.

3.    Each team will determine the method of presenting their final project.

4.    Each team will present their final project to their classmates.

Team Roles and Assignments:
 

The presentation will include all members of the group and will be assessed by both teacher and peers.  The criteria for evaluating the project will be decided jointly by students and teacher, and will include the following areas:

1.     Group Cooperation
2.    Organization of material
3.    Completion of assignments
4.     Creativity                      
5.     Accuracy of detail and depth
6.     Effort
 

The following ratings will be used:
 

Novice	Signals insufficient preparation, weak organization, and incorrect information; completes at least one of the assignments.
Apprentice	Shows little detail and some erroneous or unclear information; completes some of the assignments.
Proficient	Has a well-organized, logical, and focused presentation with few errors; completes most of the assignments.
Distinguished	Shows outstanding work rich-in-depth and precise detail with a consistent, powerful presentation and little or no errors; completes all of the assignments.

Conclusion

By completing this project, you should:
 

• Demonstrate your knowledge of a planet in our solar system through its physical characteristics, its relationship to the Earth and the Sun, its mythology, and the history of its space exploration.
• Complete research related to a planet in order to provide information for your final project.
• Communicate clearly and effectively the information you have organized in your research.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as a team.
• Demonstrate effective use of technology.