The Outer Planets

Students explore the outermost planets of our solar system: Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. They also learn about characteristics of Pluto and its interactions with Neptune. Students learn a little about the history of space travel as well as the different technologies that engineers develop to make space travel and scientific discovery possible. In this lesson, students learn about the characteristics of the outer planets.

Weblink address (URL): 
The Outer Planets

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • List several characteristics of Saturn, including that it is the sixth planet from the Sun, made of gases, and is known for its rings.
  • List several characteristics of Uranus, including that it is the seventh planet from the Sun, looks blue-green, and is tilted on its side.
  • List several characteristics of Neptune, including that it is the eighth planet from the Sun, looks bright blue, and is very windy.
  • List several characteristics of Pluto, including that it is categorized as a dwarf planet, and has an odd-shaped orbit.
  • Explain that engineers have made it possible to explore the planets in space.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 
  • Have students find out how much they would weigh on Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto by using the online calculator at the NASA website locations provided in the Additional Multimedia Support section.
  • Make a list of past, present and upcoming space missions to the outer planets and hang them up in your classroom.

References

Contributors: 
Karla Fultz
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation