Intergalactic Planetary
Our Task
For this project, a partner and I worked to create five different models of the solar system. Each time, we improved our model by adding more information and factors such as predictions and equations as well as complex calculations. They became more complicated, accurate, and detailed as we moved to the next model.
Model 1
For our first model, our assignment was to draw a diagram of the solar system as detailed as we could using only our prior knowledge. It did not turn out too well. We were not allowed to use any outside sources, just what we knew about the solar system. We were not able to make it precise or totally accurate.
Model 2
For our second model, we were asked to create another diagram of the solar system. But this time we were able to look at NASA statistics and the internet. This helped us create a model that more accurate and to scale. It was also more detailed and included much more information.
Model 3
For our third model, we chose two planets in the solar system to calculate their force of gravity and acceleration due to gravity. We found these by working with complex formulas that tested our exponential skills. This model also included semi-accurately colored drawings of the planets we chose.
Model 4
In our fourth model, we combined all of our previous models into one all-inclusive scientific model. This was a highly detailed and informative representation of our data. We had to narrow our perspective and analyze a lot of data to create a phenomenon. We talked about the relationship between mass and density to the amount of escape velocity. We found that the higher mass and density, the higher a planet's escape velocity was.
Model 5a
We had two separate models, 5a and 5b. In model 5a, we made four predictions and statements about planets from what we had learned throughout this project. We also included mini diagrams for each of them to farther explain our statements.
Model 5b
In this model, we had to find the orbital period of the planets and what our weight would be on them. To find these out, we were given equations for each that we could use to solve. The last step was to show our work for each of the calculations, and then our last model was complete.
The formulas we used throughout this project were:
- Force of Gravity
Fg=G(m[1])(m[2])/d^2
- Gravitational Constant
G=6.67*10^-11 Nm^2/kg^-2
- Orbital Velocity
V=2(pi)r/T
- Orbital Period
T=2(pi)r/v
Reflection
This project was sometimes very challenging. It was different from anything we had learned previously. All these things we were working with required a lot of focus and hard work. They were very complex and easy to make mistakes with. Since we were working with the solar system, space, etc., it forced us to open our mind to new ideas that did not make any sense. Understanding was a challenge at times.
I was definitely able to expand my knowledge about space-related concepts throughout this assignment. My partner and I got stuck sometimes, but were definitely able to push through and produce models we were proud of. I learned that I'm better with formulas and calculating than understanding new ideas that don't exactly make sense to think about. They are fascinating to me, but sometimes a struggle to work with. I want to work on keeping an open mind, for example with these new kinds of concepts. This project helped me learn a lot of new things about space, as well as helped me with things that will make me a better worker and partner in future projects.