Characteristics of the Planets in the Solar System

​CHARACTERISTICS OF PLANETS

​Let us determine how much you already know about the planets. Analyze the following statements then answer by clicking the box that contains your answer. Remember that each question has a time limit of 30 seconds. You must be able to answer before the time ends.

Multiple Choice

Why is Neptune the farthest planet from the sun?

• The orbit of Uranus is bigger than Neptune’s.

• Neptune moves faster than all the planets.

• Neptune has the biggest orbit.

• The orbit of Neptune expands.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following planets are the giant planets?

• Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

• Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, Earth

• Saturn, Uranus, Mars, Venus

• Saturn, Mars, Earth, Neptune

Multiple Choice

Which is the hottest and brightest planet?

• Mars

• Earth

• Venus

• Mercury

Multiple Choice

How long does Earth revolve around the sun?

• 300 days         

• 72 hours         

• 24 hours

• 365 days

Multiple Choice

Which planet is NOT among the terrestrial planets?

• Mars

• Earth

• Saturn

• Venus

Multiple Choice

What planet is known to rotate on its side?

• Uranus
• Mars
• Neptune
• Saturn

Multiple Choice

Why is Venus the hottest planet?

• It has volcanic craters

• Its orbit is most tilted from the plane of revolution of most of the planets.

• It is very near the Sun

• Carbon dioxide in its atmosphere traps heat.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements describes the planets?

• They move around the sun.

• They are made of gases.

• They are bright and light.

• They possess a life-sustaining atmosphere.

Multiple Choice

How does Earth rotate on its axis?

• East to west

• West to east

• North to south

• South to north

Multiple Choice

Which description about each planet is INCORRECT?

• Mercury – the hottest planet

• Earth – the blue planet           

• Venus – Earth’s twin planet

• Mars – the red planet

​ In the previous lesson, you’ve differentiated between rotation and revolution and able to describe the effects of the Earth’s motion. At this moment, you will be learning the different planets of the solar system. What are the characteristics of planets in the solar system? So let’s discover!

Read and analyze the question in each number. Choose the best answer by clicking on the box that contains your answer.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following gas giant planets moves the fastest around the sun?

• Saturn 

• Jupiter

• Uranus

• Saturn

Multiple Choice

It is the smallest planet in in the solar system.

• Venus
• Jupiter
• Earth
• Mercury

Multiple Choice

All of the following are inner planets, EXCEPT ___________________.

• Venus
• Saturn

• Earth
• Mercury

Multiple Choice

Which of the following represents a list of planets arrange in increasing distance from the sun?

• Mercury, Neptune, Uranus, Earth, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn

• Mercury, Earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus

• Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

• Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune

Multiple Choice

How are Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus considered as giants?

• Because they all have incredibly large atmosphere.

• Because they are all liquid in form.

• Because they are all solid and big

• Because they all have incredibly large amount of plasma.

​Let us check what you have learned by clicking the box that contains your answer. Each question has a 45 seconds time limit so do not rush in answering.

Multiple Choice

Which is the second largest planet?

• Mars
• Saturn
• Jupiter
• Neptune

Multiple Choice

Which planet has the “Great Red Spot”?

• Jupiter
• Neptune
• Saturn
• Mars

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the biggest moon in Neptune?

• Europa
• Ganymede
• Callisto
• Triton

Multiple Choice

It is the giant gas planet.

• Jupiter
• Mars
• Saturn
• Neptune

Multiple Choice

Those who study the heavenly bodies are called _______________.

• geologists
• astronomers
• chemists
• biologists

​Each number contains a name of a planet. Type 2 characteristics of the planets given. You have 3 minutes per number to type your answer. Good luck!

Open Ended

Give two characteristics of Mercury.

Open Ended

Give two characteristics of Mercury.

Open Ended

Give two characteristics of Venus

Open Ended

Give two characteristics of Neptune

Open Ended

Give two characteristics of Saturn

​Performance Task
- to be recorded as project
- to be done individually or by two's
- due date for submission: not later than May 6,
2024
* You may take a picture of this slide so that you
have a guide.

​Criteria	​Possible Points	​Points Received
​Title, Name, Planet Labels are correct	​10	​
​All planets and the sun are in correct order	​25	​
​Model shows difference in size between planets	​20	​
​Creativity and use of color	​20	​
​Brief (1-2 sentences) description of each planet, sun and moon	​25	​
​Total	​100	​

​Rubrics for Grading your Performance Task