RILINK Schools: Stadium Research Guides: Planets

Our Solar System

Websites

NASA
This site from NASA has current information on all the planets. Use the menu bar on the left and click on your planet. You'll find facts, photos, videos and other resources. Check out the 3D exploration.
Air and Space Museum
Visit the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum site, Exploring the Planets: Our Solar System. Click on the planet link to access information. Discover surface features and planetary characteristics.
Star Child: The Planets and Dwarf Planets
Look at the table of Inner Planets, Outer Planets and Dwarf Planets. Click on your planet to read basic information and view images. View the planet's symbol. Scroll down the page to click the button "The Facts" and "Did You Know." There is a Level 1 version which may be easier to read.
National Geographic: Planets
Click on your planet to find more information. Check out the interactive feature.
Login: ebasso@cpsed.net
Password: 401woodridge
Planet Size Comparison
Compare the size of any two planets. Be sure to change the unit of measure to "miles."
Your Weight on Other Worlds
Find out how much you weigh on each planet by typing in your weight on Earth.

Standards

CCSs for Reading Informational Text 7 - 8

Students will read for integration of knowledge and ideas.

CCSs for Writing 7 - 9

Students will research to build and present knowledge.

GSEs for Earth and Space Science 5 - 8

Students will understand the characteristics of the Solar System.

AAS Library Standards 1, 3

Students will inquire, think, critically, and gain knowledge.

Students will share knowledge and participate ethically and productively.

Research Assignment

Use books and approved websites to find information about your planet in our solar system. Be sure to use your graphic organizer to find the following information:

Planet Name
Symbol
Distance from the Sun in MIles
Two nearest neighbors
Moons
Period of Revolution around the Sun (in Earth Years)
Atmosphere (weather, clouds, storms, etc.)
Surface (hills, valleys, craters, mountains, etc.)
Temperature range
Inner Planet of Outer Planet
Terrestrial Planet or Gas Giant
Your weight on Earth and on your planet
Other interesting facts

World Book Student

World Book Student This link opens in a new window
Type the name of your planet in the search box. Choose the best article to continue your research.

Books from Our Catalog

Look for planet books in 523.3, 523.4 and 525 in the Nonfictionof our library. Use our library catalog to locate your subject. Here are a few titles to get you started.

Children's Atlas of the Universe by Reader's Digest Editors (Editor)
Call Number: REF 523.2 BUR
ISBN: 1575843730
Publication Date: 2000-06-01
Combining spectacular color art (including maps of the planets) and hundreds of photographic images from space missions and telescopes, the atlas tells the story of the universe as it has never been told before. Every page is a storehouse of riveting, up-to-the minute information.
Let's Explore Jupiter by Helen Orme; David Orme
ISBN: 0836879406
Publication Date: 2007-01-12
Space Launch Series: many planets available.
Let's Explore "Planet" investigates the latest discoveries about each planet.
Neptune by Dana Meachen Rau
Call Number: 523
ISBN: 0756502969
Publication Date: 2002-07-01
Series: Our Solar System, many planets available.
The books in this series explore the amazing worlds in our planetary neighborhood. Each book contains full-color photographs and answers fascinating questions about our solar system.
The Kingfisher Young People's Book of Space by Redfern, Matt
ISBN: 0753451360
Publication Date: 1998
A fascinating guide to the Universe. Start the voyage with the incredible achievements of space exploration and a dazzling tour of the Solar System. Then go back in time to discover the origins of the Universe, and learn about the amazing life cycles of starts and galaxies.