Planetary Debate - Student Sheet
1. Day one – In last 5 minutes of class, choose a partner to work on this project with.
2. Day two — Choose planetary body (Choose a planetary body from list below...No repeats will be allowed within the classroom).
2003UB313 (Object found in outer solar system that will likely be considered the 10th planet)
Titan (moon of Saturn)
Triton (moon of Neptune)
Io (moon of Jupiter)
Europa (moon of Jupiter)
Ganymede (moon of Jupiter)
Callisto (moon of Jupiter)
3. Also on Day two - Use library materials to research your planet/moon (use card catalog, encyclopedias, computers…).
Use the internet to research your planet/moon. These internet sites would be a good place to start:
Windows to the Universe (Our Solar System Section) http://www.windows2universe.org
The Nine Planets http://www.nineplanets.org/
Google Search http://www.google.com
Ask Jeeves http://www.ask.com
4. Day three – Finish any research and begin writing opening and closing arguments.
5. Day four - Write opening and closing arguments and practice these. Make sure to look up the basics about your opponents' planet/moon so you can use these facts during rebuttal time.
6. Day five-six – Great Planetary Debate!
Grading for Great Planetary Debate project:
10 points In class work and participation
10 points Information sheet
10 points Written and Spoken Opening/Closing statement
10 points Debate participation
Total: 40 points
1. Name of your planet/moon.
2. What is the order of this planet from the sun? If you are researching a moon, what is its order from the mother planet?
3. What is the average distance from the sun? (miles and kilometers) If you are researching a moon, use the average distance of the mother planet.
4. What is the minimum distance from Earth? (miles and kilometers) If you are researching a moon, use the minimum distance of the mother planet. Hint: use the Windows to the Universe site for this!
5. A. Give the mythological origin of the name of your planet/moon.
B. Why was that name chosen for your planet/moon?
6. What is the diameter of your planet/moon in miles and kilometers?
7. Compare the size of your planet/moon to that of the Earth (using diameters of the two bodies). How much larger or smaller is your planet than the Earth?
8. A. Compare the gravity of your planet/moon to that of the Earth.
B. If an object weighed 100 pounds on the Earth, what would it weigh on your planet/moon?
9. What is the temperature range, highs and lows, found on your planet/moon? (Fahrenheit and Celsius)
10. What does your planet/moon look like? Describe its colors, surface features or appearance of clouds/atmosphere, and unique features.
11. List the common elements present and their state of matter (solid, liquid, gas).
12. What is the atmosphere like on your planet/moon? List the gases present and their percentages.
13. What are the names of your planet's moons. Describe any unique features found on your planet's moons. If you are researching a moon, omit this question.
14. What probes have been sent or will be sent to your planet/moon? What did they find out? (If many missions have been sent, list the most important and their findings.).
15. Based on what you have learned, do you think life as we know it can be found on your planet/moon? Explain your answer using fact and reason.
16. Give any other information that you would like to share about your planet/moon. (What makes your planet unique? special? distinct from the others?)
17. Attach a picture you've printed (or drawn) of your planet/moon. Label important features.
18. Please write your opening or closing statement here. These statements should provide important facts and information about the planet/moon and should convince the class they want to visit your planet/moon above any other! Remember, you will only have 30 seconds for your opening and closing statements (so practice, practice, practice!).
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