Planets Aren’t Plain

 

Our knowledge about planets is largely based on the eight (or nine) planets in our solar system. But the universe has many more planets. Explore or neighborhood planets and or distant planet relatives in these online activities. It’s out of this world!

CONNECT:

• Just what exactly constitutes a planet? National Geographic has the answer at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/space/article/what-is-a-planet
• Discover our solar system’s planets as NASA explains them at its SpacePlace: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/planets/en/
• When is a planet not a planet? When it is beyond our solar system. Then it is called an exoplanet. Get the details at https://sciencetrek.org/topics/exoplanets

 

CREATE:

• Little ones can make a solar system with play-doh; see how at https://onlypassionatecuriosity.com/fun-easy-solar-system-activity/
• Create your own planet by following the guidelines at https://www.starnetlibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Build-A-Planet.pdf
• Expand your solar system knowledge with these hands-on activities at https://www.uaf.edu/museum/education/educators/heliophysics-aurora-outre/activities/solar-system/index.php

 

CARE:

• Become a planet protector; find out how at https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids
• Watch 10 ways to take care of Earth’s environment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2YgM1Zw4_E
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 2, but you can honor our planet every day. Here are some ways that parents can help raise environmentally-responsible kids: https://www.pbs.org/parents/protecting-our-planet

 

 

CAREERS:

Does thinking about planets put stars in your eyes? You could have a career as an astronomer, an astronaut, a geologist, a teacher or a writer. Here are some possibilities:

• https://sd2.org/exploring-planetary-science-careers-a-guide-for-students/
• https://www.europlanet.org/space-careers/
• Watch a planetary scientist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUc_9d_HwIk