1. Welcome to Mrs. G’s Aspiring Astronaut Training Lesson

2. Introduction You have now completed your readiness quiz and are ready to begin learning more about our unique solar system. In this lesson you will be exploring websites and taking virtual tours in order to complete your final mission.

3. Mission #1 You need to find out how many planets are really known to exist in our solar system. Visit The Nine Planets Solar System Tour and find out why the number of known planets has recently changed. The Nine Planets Solar System TourThe Nine Planets Solar System Tour Learn how planets are classified.

4. Now that you know how many planets there are, let’s move on to Mission #2! During your exploration, you are going to be filling in a chart so you can keep track of all you are learning. Please open the file link to the chart and keep it open in another window so you can fill it in as you research. This chart will be very important to help you study for your final test. You will also get a separate grade for completing the chart so don’t forget to submit it to me in the assignment folder on the wiki.

5. Mission #2-Simulation Alright Astronauts!! You are going into space! Are you ready? Visit ForgeFX - 3D Solar System Simulation ForgeFX - 3D Solar System SimulationForgeFX - 3D Solar System Simulation Make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for the real time tour. Pay special attention to the size of the orbits and the speed at which the planets travel around the sun.

6. Mission continued Make sure to click back to previous slides and websites to compare information. Some sites give more or different detail that you need for your chart. Visit Astronomy: Little Explorers Picture Dictionary and write down the definitions of the following in your dictionary chart: Astronomy: Little Explorers Picture DictionaryAstronomy: Little Explorers Picture Dictionary Asteroid,comet,asteroid belt,solar system,moon,Sun,planet

7. Now you are ready for your space launch! Visit Jupiter - Astronomy For Kids - KidsAstronomy.com to fill in your planetary chart Jupiter - Astronomy For Kids - KidsAstronomy.comJupiter - Astronomy For Kids - KidsAstronomy.com Check out the asteroid and comet facts too! Okay, if you think you’re ready to take your Solar System Quiz, click on the wiki link. Don’t forget to write your name and submit it to the test folder. Good luck!