Teaching tools > Q&As > Overview: Solar system Q&A

Description:

Q&A: Our solar system is a series of questions and answers about our solar system written for teachers and students. The questions are ones that students might ask while studying our solar system. Teachers can use this Q&A to gain additional knowledge about our solar system, or use it in the classroom as outlined below.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page

Grades: Adaptable, at teacher's discretion

Teachers can use Q&A: Our solar system as:

• An engagement activity. Use selected questions to start a discussion.

• An inquiry tool. Use selected questions and answers to help students generate questions. Propose a question, such as "How did the solar system form?" (see question 3 in Q&A: Our solar system). Have students read the answer to the question and write down 3–5 questions they would like answered as a result of reading the material.

• A source of information. Students can use the questions and answers as part of their research on our solar system.

• A form of review. Use the questions as a review at the end of a unit on our solar system.

• A follow-up. Have students read the questions and answers to gain additional information about our solar system following a related activity.

• A starting point for a debate. "Is Pluto a major or dwarf planet?" This idea is addressed in the question "Why is there a discussion over whether Pluto is or is not a planet?" (see question 15 in Q&A: Our solar system).

Related materials

Online exploration: Solar System Trading Cards

HubbleSite — Gallery: Solar system:
http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/solar_system/

HubbleSite — News & Views: Solar system:
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/category/solar%20system/

Teaching tools > Q&As > Overview: Solar system Q&A