Hobbies And Interests
Model of a Planet
To better understand the physical characteristics of a planet, you can draw a picture or build a model of it. Research what the planet looks like according to professional renderings, and give the planet detailed coloring. You can even try to look at the planet through a telescope. In your representation, include special features such as moons, rings, frozen poles, a tilted axis or craters. For a three-dimensional model, you can use a Styrofoam ball, paper-mache or found objects, such as golf balls, basket balls or beach balls.
Model of the Solar System
If you want to explore the layout and relationships between the planets, you can build a model of the entire solar system. For a simple model, use different sized cutout circles to build a mobile, or use different sized balls on wire coat hangers to create a spinning model. For a little bit harder model, try to replicate the orbits of the planets, or try to build a model to scale on a football field, using an orange as the sun.
Interplanetary Travel
Imagine that you are traveling to each planet for a vacation. Describe what you would need to pack, taking into account the weather and the terrain. Investigate what you would weigh, what the effects of gravity would be, how old you would be and what kind of atmosphere you would have to be able to breathe. Imagine what types of activities you might be able to do on different planets. Older students can investigate which planets are most likely to be able to sustain life.
The Red Planet
There are several theories about why Mars, the Red Planet, is the color that it is. You can test one theory by putting a layer of sand in a ceramic or glass baking dish. Cut up a piece of steel wool or gather some iron filings, and sprinkle the pieces over the sand. Pour water over the sand to moisten all of it, but don't fill it with so much water that it rises up past the sand. Keep an eye on the sand over the next few days as the water evaporates, adding more water when the sand gets dry. After a few days, the sand will turn red from the oxidizing (rusting) iron.