Hobbies And Interests
Build a Model
If you are interested in the relationship between planets or the physical characteristics of them, build a model of a single planet or of the entire set. Research the colors and distinguishing characteristics of the planets, such as rings, polar ice caps and craters. Use foam balls or paper-mache to make three-dimensional models, or simply cut out circles of construction paper and make a mobile. For a more challenging project, try to make a model that is to scale. You will need a very large space, like a football field, and the planets will have to be very small --- the sun should be no bigger than an orange.
The Sun
The sun is the center of the solar system, and it is responsible for keeping our planet habitable. This important star is also home to many strange astronomical events, such as solar flares and sun spots. You can investigate the effects of solar flares on human health, radio waves or the weather, or you can explore the makeup of the sun, why it is so hot, how long it will continue to burn, what causes sun spots and how large the sun is compared to other types of stars.
A Planet-Hopping Vacation
Every planet has a unique environment, from sweltering sulfur storms to rocky craters well beyond freezing. Explore what it would be like to visit each planet, and imagine having to pack for a planet-hopping vacation. Describe what the weather would be like on each planet, what kind of terrain you would need to be prepared for, what kind of chemicals or rays you would be exposed to and what kind of atmosphere you would be breathing, Explain also how much you would weigh and how old you would be on each planet.
Non-Planetary Objects
Though often forgotten, there are many objects in the solar system besides the planets and the sun. Meteors, asteroids, dwarf planets and comets are just a few of the notable non-planetary objects. You can explore how these objects are formed, what they are made of, where they tend to reside and where they go. You can also explore famous non-planetary objects, like Halley's Comet, or you can make your own objects. To make a comet, line a mixing bowl with a heavy trash bag. In the bowl, mix together water, sand, a dash of ammonia, organic material (such as corn syrup) and crushed dry ice. Wearing heavy gloves, form the mixture into a ball. Blow on it with a hair dryer to create a tail, or watch it slowly melt and sublimate.