Introduction

Many people claim that we live in an Information Age. The Internet seems to be the world's biggest fire hydrant. Still, just as we need water to survive, scholars need information to learn. Your task in this activity is to answer some key questions on the topic. The Web offers interesting facts and opinions that may not be available anywhere else, but to find the truth you may have to read between the lines. Enjoy and have fun! 

Questions

1. After watching the space video, list some new things that you have learnt about the solar system.
2. After clicking on Level 2: Solar System read the information about the Sun, the Planets,the Moon, Asteroids, Meteoroids and Comets. Now make a 'Space Table' and list two interesting facts for each of these topics.
3. Take a look at 'About the Planets'. Then click on each planet and read the information. Now it is your turn to create your own planet. Use the information you have just read to help you. Have fun!!
4. Have a look at the planet profile about Saturn. Using the information you have just read,complete the following sentence. After reading about Saturn, I have learnt that.......
5. Read the information about Black Holes. Take a look at 'A hole in Space', 'Recipe for a Monster', 'Anatomy of a Black Hole', and 'Stalking the Unseen'. Choose three facts from each of the sub-headings and write your own mini report.
6. The empty spaces of our Solar System are littered with small objects known as what? Several comets return like clockwork on a cycle that brings them back every few years. Name the comet that returns every 76 years.
7. It's amazing! There are so many different types of stars. Can you identify and name the stars below? Make sure you read all about STARS first. a. A large star that is reddish or orange in colour. b. This star is also called a failed star.
8. Discuss with a friend what you already know about the moon. Now read the 'Phases of the Moon'. Share with your friend what you have just learnt. Also discuss why someone might think some of the moon is missing when they look at the moon in the night sky.
9. What could the Hubble Space Telescope see in Tokyo all the way from space?
10. What is special about Pluto compared to other planets? How many moons does Pluto have and what is its name?
11. Read about the Apollo Program. Now make a chart listing the positives and negatives of this space program. Use examples from the information.
12. Blastoff!! Take a look at some work from children. Take your time to explore this site. What was your favourite part?

Web Resources Links

Space Video

A Learning Center for Young Astonomers

ABC Space Games

Exploring Space - Saturn

Cosmic Wonders - Black Holes

Cosmic Wonders - Asteroids and Comets

Cosmic Wonders - Stars

Astronomy for Kids - Phases of the Moon

Astronomy for Kids - Observation Equipment

Planets, Moons and Stars - Pluto.

Beyond Our Skies - The Apollo Program

The Planets for Kids

The Big Question

Imagine you have just won a trip to one of the planets in our solar system. Which planet would you choose to explore and why?

Conclusion

People use to think that learning was all about gaining information and memorizing facts. We hope you've learned some important information in this Knowledge Hunt, but more than that, it would be great if you saw ways to use this knowledge to expand your understanding about our wonderful Solar System. Remember, with so much info exploding all around us, finding a nugget of knowledge is not as important as doing something with it. What will you do with your learning?