ARCturus

The terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus and Mars are very much alike as to their
essence and size. These characteristics will be examined as a whole.  In the picture below, there is a model of the Earth in the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre, Enontekiö (picture IH, Finland).

 

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Aim: To examine the essence of the small planets near to
the Sun. What is their constitution? What is their
special value in the exploration of the nearest universe?

 

Explorations: 1) To make the
comparison between the planets easier, it is worthwhile to start by collecting
the basic information on all four planets, the Earth included; such as diametre,
distance from the Sun, revolution period, rotation time, temperatures on the
surface as well as the amount of satellites.

2) Examine the information table and discuss with the
students the values in it. Ask
the students to bring out their own observations of each piece of information. Try
to find similarities and differences.

3) Prepare mini-size
models in scale of the terrestrial planets. It is easy to prepare balls
in many ways. That is why a 3-dimensional model is the most illustrative and
easy to carry out. Paint the balls
using colours that are the best to illustrate the planet.  

4) * Prepare the
satellites for the planets and discuss their essence.

5) * Explore the exceptionality
of Venus. What is a day on Venus like and how long is its year?

6) * Compare the
circumstances on the planets. Discuss the results of the probes sent to the
planets.

Methods: A
statistical comparison and discussion with the students on their level of
education. Preparing a mini-size model to illustrate the mutual relations
between the planets. This activity can be carried out either in teams or as a
project of the class. When working in teams, each team prepares a mini model of
its own with all four planets. If the work is done as a project in the
classroom, each group prepares a mini-size model of one planet in a chosen
scale.

Materials: The material of the balls can be self-made paper mass.
Also prefabricated balls may be used. Cover the balls or paint them with craft
colours. A thin wire will be needed for fixing the satellites.

 

Pondering: Is there a
chance for life on various planets? What makes the globe special in comparison
with other terrestrial planets? Why is it impossible to live on Venus? What
would it be like to live on Mars? Wonder what will happen to the Earth in the
future?

Evaluation of the results: Compare the mini-size
models made in teams: their implementation and rationality. Ensure that the parts
of the model prepared as a
project are compatible.

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Hints: The revolution of the planets around the Sun may be
illustrated by using a short video presentation.

Keywords: Planet, Earth, Venus, Mercury, Mars, planet research.

 

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