Now it's time to wrap-up our survey of the planets of our solar system. Turn to page 534 and read 534-535. Be sure to check out the facts chart on Neptune then answer the checkpoint question. Checkpoint Question: How does Neptune compare in size to the other planets? Go ahead and check out the video. Neptune
Now turn to p 536. Read p536-537 about Pluto, its odd orbit, and about objects beyond Pluto. By the way, what's the name of the object the book calls 2003 UB313? Now answer the checkpoint question: Checkpoint: List the planets in order from smallest to largest. Be sure to use the Fact charts to get their sizes (or look at the guided inquiry at the beginning of the chapter. Now check out the videos on Pluto and Eris. Pluto
Today we are going to be looking at the gas giants that make up many of the outer planets of our solar system. These worlds are called "gas giants" because they are made up of gas (like oxygen and hydrogen) and they are truly gigantic worlds. However they are not worlds like Earth and the inner planets which are rocky! In fact, you really can't even walk on these planets because there is no land on any of them! Now go on and open your book to page 528 and read up on Jupiter! As you read answer these questions: 1. What is a gas giant? 2. What is the Great Red Spot and how big is it?
Here's a video on Jupiter to check out:
Now turn to page 530 and read about Saturn. Once you've read over the page answer these questions. 1. What are Saturn's rings made of?
Now check out this video on Saturn.
Off to Uranus. Turn to page 532 and read about this tilted planet! Now show me what you know by answering these questions. Here's a video on Uranus.
1. How is the atmosphere of Uranus different from that of Saturn? 2. How is Uranus different from other gas giants? Think you know about about these gas giants? Then try your luck with this on-line quiz! Gas Giant's Quiz