Postcards from Outer Space

Introduction: You will be taking a journey through our solar system. Along the way you will be learning about the sun, the moon, the planets and other objects in space. You will choose one planet to study in-depth.

Grab your space gear and get ready for take-off, the launch pad is ready.

The Task: Write a postcard to someone back home on planet Earth. Mix fantasy and fact in your message.
 (Similar to The Magic School Bus.) Tell them what you've
learned  about the planet. Add some fanciful news and
 comments that relate to your planet along with facts.
 

The Process:
1. Students will read and discuss  The Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degan.

2. Visit 3 or more websites below and learn more about our solar system.

3. Choose one planet that you find interesting to report on in detail. Print out the worksheet.  Using the websites, answer the questions.

4.  Next, send a postcard to someone back home on planet Earth. Your postcard should include the facts you have learned about your planet along with some fanciful comments about your journey through the solar system.

5.  Illustrate the front of your postcard with a detailed picture of your planet in space.

6. Finally, print your "letter report" and glue it on the back of the tagboard. Address the "postcard" to the person you are sending it to.
 
 

Then find your way back to planet Earth!

Helpful Websites for your journey:

1. Star Child
2. Astronomy for Kids
3.  NASA
4.  Space and Astronomy