The Process

Let's get started.  First your class will be broken down into groups and assigned a planet that is being considered by NAHS. Or course since Earth is already colonized, it will not need to be researched.

Once in your group, decide which person will assume each role. The roles are:

• Expeditor - assists the Publisher and Presenter in their roles. The Expeditor also compares the Data Collection sheets to make sure the information that the group members have recorded is accurate. After all, we can't have people building houses on Venus if we've based our decision on inaccurate information! This person also acts as the team coordinator in making sure the Publisher and Presenter are staying on task and making progress.
  
  
• Publisher - responsible for publishing a Planet Fact Sheet with Microsoft Publisher.
  
  
• Presenter - responsible for creating a four slide PowerPoint presentation on the information in the Data Collection Sheet.

Even though each person has a specific job, the responsibility for completing the task belongs to everyone.  As a team, you'll need to help each other accomplish the mission.

EVERYONE in the group is responsible for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling. In other words, all group members should proofread the final project, whether the information is in Publisher or PowerPoint.

If we are going to be comparing planets and making a recommendation on whether or not to develop the planet to accommodate human life on it, it's good sense for groups to collect the same information. For your Data Collection Sheet, click here. Remember each person will be completing a Data Collection Sheet. This must be done before you return to computer class next week. 

Publisher

Your Planet Fact Sheet must be one page.  For an example of what a completed Planet Fact Sheet looks like, click here.  Instructions will be given in class on how to use Publisher.

In addition make sure your planet fact sheet includes the following:

• all of the information asked for on the Data Collection Sheet including the name of the planet and the group members
  
• a picture of the planet (from one of the on-line resources provided)
  
• at least one piece of space clip art (using clips on-line)
  
• the use of text boxes
  
• the use of at least two different fonts, font sizes and colors
  
• a centered title, the rest of the text left aligned
  
• the information on the fact sheet must be logically arranged and well organized
  
• one of the paragraphs about an interesting fact about the planet (As a group you must decide which paragraph is the most newsworthy and well written. The Mission Commander [aka teacher] may ask you to support your choice with reasons.)
  
• YOUR BEST EFFORT! Make sure you proofread your work! This is vital to the success of this mission.

PowerPoint

The PowerPoint presentation on your planet should include four slides. For an example of what a completed PowerPoint Presentation looks like, click here. Instructions will be given in class on how to use PowerPoint.

In addition make sure your PowerPoint Presentation includes the following:

• a title slide that states the name of your planet and the group members
  
• information that YOU think is important from your Data Collection Sheet
  
• a picture of the planet (from one of the on-line resources provided)
  
• at least one piece of space clip art (using clips on-line)
  
• only one animated gif (moving clip art)
  
• the use of at least two different fonts, font sizes and colors
  
• the use of ONE background color on all four slides
  
• the use of slide transitions
  
• YOUR BEST EFFORT! Make sure you proofread your work! This is vital to the success of this mission.

For design guidelines while creating your PowerPoint presentation, click here.

Resources

Using ONLY these resources, conduct an investigation about your planet.  All team members should complete a Data Collection Sheet.  When using your Data Collection Sheet, keep in mind you may make discoveries in the order listed.  If you encounter a "toughie" skip that question and go onto the next. Many inventions and discoveries have been made while working on something else. In your research, keep a watchful eye for the answer to the question you were having difficulty with.

Astronomy for Kids

Nine Planets

Solar Views

Astronomy and Cosmology

How much would you weigh?

How old would you be?

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