1. Cut out the statement cards.2. Have students read the passage on inner and outer planets (page 2).3. Scatter the statement cards throughout the room.4. Have individuals or partners find the statement cards around the room.5. When students find a card, have them record the statement in the correct
column on their recording sheet.6. Students continue until they have found and recorded all the statements on
Inner and Outer Planets Our solar system contains 8 planets – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
and Neptune. These planets can be divided into two groups, known as the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) and the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). Although these 2 groups have many common characteristics, there are several important differences between the inner and outer planets as well.
An important similarity between these two groups is that both the inner planets and the outer planets orbit the sun. In fact, one of the qualifications for being classified as a planet is orbiting the sun. Another likeness is that both the inner planets and outer planets are big enough that gravity has caused them to take a very round, almost spherical form. Also, both groups of planets are closer to the sun than the Kuiper Belt, which is an area full of icy objects past Neptune’s orbit. Finally, both groups, like everything else in our solar system, are a part of the Milky Way Galaxy, one of billions of galaxies that are in our universe.
Despite these many similarities, there are some essential differences between these two groups of planets. For example, the inner planets, also known as the terrestrial planets, are much closer to the sun than the outer planets and are also much rockier. The outer planets, sometimes called the Jovian planets, are more gaseous instead of rocky. Another interesting difference involves the moons around the planets. Although the inner planets have a few moons (3 total), the outer planets each have 14 moons or more! Furthermore, all of the outer planets have rings, while none of the inner planets do! Finally, an important contrast between the two groups is the size of the planets. The inner planets are much smaller, while the outer planets are often referred to as giants.
These similarities and differences have been carefully studied by astronomers. As they continue to examine the planets, they will probably discover even more similarities and differences between the inner planets and the outer planets!
Read the passage below. Use the information from this passage to complete the Inner and Outer Planets Scavenger Hunt!
