Process

This project was different from our other projects because it relied on our ability to draw and calculate a scientific model. The objective of this project was to make 5 models of the solar system. Each time we improved our model by adding better predictions and more complex equations. In the first model we were asked to make a model of the solar system just from our previous knowledge. It didn't turn out so well. For our second model we had to create another model of the solar system, but this time we got to use the internet and statistics from NASA. This made our model more to scale and informative. For our third model we choose two planets in the solar system to find their force of gravity and the acceleration due to gravity. We found these by doing complex formulas that tested our exponential skills. For the fourth model we had to combine all of our previous models into one all-inclusive scientific model. In this model we had to narrow our perspective and analyze many data points to create a detailed phenomenon. My group's was the relationship between mass and density to the amount of escape velocity. We found that the higher the density and mass, the higher a planets escape velocity was. Our final model was model 5a and 5b. In model 5a we had to make 4 statements on what we could predict about planets on what we learned in this project. For example the length of seasons based on the orbital period and a planets obliquity to orbit. In model 5b we had to find the orbital time and our weight on two theoretical planets. This being our final model was a great way to wrap up a great project.

Evidence of Work

Force of gravity- We used the equation for force of gravity many times during this projects it shows how much a said planet's gravitational pull is. For example Earth's is 9.8 m/s squared. F = G(m1)(m2)/r^2

Obliquity to orbit- This is how much a planet is tilted when orbiting another object. For example Earth's obliquity to orbit is 23.5 degrees.

Orbital velocity- This is the speed in which a object such as a planet orbits another object such as the Sun. Earth's velocity in relation to the Sun is about 1000 miles per hour.

Reflection

Two things that I thought I did well on in this project was organizing a complex subject into a simple model, and overcoming frustrating problems. In model 4 especially I improved my organizational layout skills because I had to put a lot of information into a small sheet of paper, and make it easy to read and comprehend. One way I did well overcoming frustrating problems was when I had to find a mathematical relationship between a planets density mass and escape velocity. It was my first time doing this and I overcame this challenge by thinking outside of the box. One thing that I think I could improve on for the next project was innovative thinking. I think that while my group and I did the project well, we could have done more to make it stand out against other groups. For example, we could have colored our models to make them look more appealing. We could of also made more precise limitations and descriptions for model 4.