The Process
In this part of your mission, you and your team will work like real astronauts!
You will first investigate the planets using reliable science sources, then share and compare your findings with your teammates, and finally create a visual model of the Solar System along with a well-supported decision about the best planet for exploration.
Each phase is designed to help you build knowledge step by step, improve teamwork skills, and think critically like astronauts planning a real space mission.
Research (Discover the Planets)
Your mission begins with exploration and data collection.
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Your teacher will assign you to an astronaut team.
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Each team member will receive a specific role to ensure collaboration and responsibility:
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Mission Scientist: Focuses on studying the planets and gathers facts and discoveries about them.
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Safety Officer: Focuses on the planets' surfaces and conditions to ensure safety and to decide whether astronauts could explore them.
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Map Designer: Focuses on the planets’ locations and order to help create a clear and accurate Solar System map.
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Communication Specialist: Focuses on defending the team’s final decision by choosing the strongest facts and explaining them clearly.
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Important Reminder: Even though everyone has a special role, you must work together to complete the mission successfully.
Using teacher-approved science websites such as NASA resources, you will investigate each of the eight planets in the Solar System.
For every planet, you must collect and record important scientific information, including:
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Size and position in the Solar System
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Average temperature and climate conditions
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Number of moons
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Unique features (rings, storms, surface conditions, atmosphere, etc.)
You will carefully write your findings in your Solar System Exploration Booklet using your own words.
Your goal is to make your notes clear, accurate, and easy for your team to understand later.
01
Compare & Discuss
Now that you have gathered information, it is time to work as a team of scientists.
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Share your planet research with your astronaut crew.
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Compare the characteristics of the planets, such as size, temperature, and moons.
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Identify similarities (what planets have in common) and differences (what makes each planet unique).
During your discussion, think critically about each planet:
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Which planets seem too extreme or difficult to explore?
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Which planets have interesting features that make them stand out?
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Which planets might be useful or valuable for future space missions?
As a team, begin forming ideas about which planet might be the best candidate for exploration. Use evidence from your research to support your thinking.
02
Create & Present
In the final phase, you will turn your research into a finished space mission project.
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Create a Solar System Map that shows all eight planets in the correct order starting from the Sun.
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Make sure your map is clear, organized, and scientifically accurate. You may include:
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Labels for each planet
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Colors, drawings, or symbols
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Creative details that represent each planet’s features
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After completing your map, your team will make a final decision:
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Choose the best planet for astronauts to explore
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Use scientific evidence from your research to justify your choice
Then, prepare a short group explanation that includes:
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Clear reasoning for your decision
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At least 2–3 scientific facts supporting your choice
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A comparison with other planets to show why your selection is the strongest option
Finally, your team will present:
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Your Solar System Exploration Booklet
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Your Solar System Map
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Your final planet choice and explanation
Your presentation should show teamwork, understanding of the Solar System, and strong scientific thinking.
03
Click the buttons below to access the activities and instructions.
Phase 1 & 2 Activity
Click the button below to find the booklet you and your crewmates will be using for phase 1 and phase 2.
Click the button below to find the solar system map instructions for phase 3.
Click the button below to find the final presentation instructions to complete your mission.
Activities
Phase 3 Activities