Useful Links to Learn about Planets

The Characteristics of the Eight Planets

Planet Facts for Kids

NASA: SpacePlace

Kids World Travel Guide: Solar System

Eyes on the Solar System: App from NASA

Our Universe: Dwarf Planets

Dwarf Planet Facts for Kids

Sun and Other Stars

Sun and Other Stars Video

Read about the Sun and Stars

Do It Yourself Activity

Now try out these exit ticket questions.

Level 1

Why does our sun appear so much bigger and brighter than other stars?

Level 2

Why is the distance of a planet to the star it orbits very important?

Level 3

How does a star’s brightness change as it gets closer? How about as it gets bigger?

Earth's Orbit and Rotation

Watch this video about Earth's orbit and rotation.

Read about Earth's orbit and rotation.

Try out this do it yourself activity.

Now answer these Exit Ticket questions (take a picture of your drawing for number 2).

Level 1

What is one pattern we observe because of Earth’s rotation? Explain.

Level 2

Draw a diagram of Earth’s orbit and rotation. Label the “orbit” and “rotation.”

Level 3

Explain why we need a leap year. Is it because of Earth’s orbit or rotation?

Voyager 1 reaches the edge of the Solar System

In the news recently, Voyager 1 has reached the edge of our solar system.  This journey began in 1977 (the year I was born).  I thought this made for very exciting summertime reading.  Check out the story in the New York Times.
Here is the story in National Geographic.

Learn more from NASA:
Voyager - NASA
Voyager Mission -- NASA