David+Reynolds

Map A Planet Lab - Rubric

The Idea:

 * 1) ===== Use a web based resource to learn about solar system objects (planets, moons, astroids, etc.). =====
 * 2) ===== Discover the sizes and distances of objects in the solar system from the Sun =====
 * 3) ===== Describe an object of interest on your selected solar system object and compare it to sizes and distances you know. =====

The Activity:

 * 1) ===== Pick a solar system body to map from those available in the database. (Click on the picture thumbnails) =====
 * 2) ===== Explore the control buttons on the left hand side control panel of the interface. Try changing some of the characteristics of the map you have by trying different control buttons. =====
 * 3) ===== Find an interesting feature on the map and do the following: =====

d)Use the information above to determine the size, in kilometers, of the object.

 * 1) ===== Write and describe your object: =====

d)Compare the size of the object you selected to a familiar distance from your experience (e.g. the distance from Bakersfield to Los Angeles)

 * 1) ===== Look up information about the Planet/ Moon you are viewing using the following resources after watching the class wiki video Saturn Activity Promo: =====

c) NASA’s Planetary Sciences Resource ([])

 * 1) ===== Write down all the information displayed in the Wolfram Alpha Search for the object. =====

vi) Add more later

 * 1) ===== Compare the Information you compiled in the previous question to details of the Earth. (You have to look up similar information about the Earth to make the comparison. Use multiple resources, including the websites listed above, and describe the Earth and discussion of similarities and differences in as much detail as you can find.) =====
 * 2) ===== Add more later =====

Scoring:
====4pt - Color, Shape, and Size were all discussed in detail and multiple comparisons were made with distances and sizes of objects familiar to the student. Student further discussed comparisons of objects they are familiar with and the object of interest (eg. densitiy, composition, etc.)====

0 pt - No attempt was made to answer any questions about the object of interest.
3. Did you compare and contrast the solar system object with the Earth?

Scoring: 4pt - A clear, detailed list/description comparing and contrasting the solar system object and the Earth was made. Each point on the list or description was further discussed in detail with source information provided (website, book, etc.). 3pt - The list was stated and some information was given, but no further discussion was offered. 2pt - The list/ description was partial possibly stating only one or two similarities or differences. 1pt - A one word list/ description was given with no explanation. 0pt - No attempt was made to create a list/ description or there was only one similarity or difference written with or without discussion of that one point.