A Solar System Journey

A Solar System Journey provides an introduction to the planets in the solar system. From the app’s main screen, users are shown a snapshot of the planets that comprise the solar system. By tapping a planet, the app zooms to it and provides users with basic information about it. Users can then tap the “left” or “right” arrows to change to another planet. If users wish to return to the snapshot view of the Solar System, they can tap the “Back to Space” button on the top of the screen.

Instructional Ideas

1. When beginning a unit on the solar system, teachers can have students open this app to view the snapshot of the solar system and read basic information about the planets. Teachers can then have students complete a KWL introductory activity by asking students what they know about the solar system and what they want to know about the solar system. At the end of the lesson or unit, teachers can have students return to this app and explain what they learned about the solar system.
2. As an activity, teachers can have students play a “Guess the Planet” game. To do so, students can be put into groups and each group can be assigned a planet. Next, students will use this app and other sources to research their group’s planet. As they research, students will have to write hints and clues that describe their planet. Once all groups are ready, each group will read their hints and clues and the other groups are supposed to guess the planet being described.
3. To practice Internet research skills, students can identify a fact about a planet on this app. Next, students will have to search the Internet to find a reliable source that confirms the fact they identified. Students will have to cite the source and document the fact that it confirms. Students can use an Office app to record this information.