The Assignment

The assignment was to create a series of 5 models of our solar system, or of a few of the planets. For each of the models, we were given a specific amount of information, and with that, we had to create and base our model off it to the best of our abilities. Our models also weren't 3D or had to be pictures, and so most of ours turned out to be words and a few small diagrams that we included as visuals.

The Process

The process for each individual model is named below, but in general, here are the steps we had to take to complete our models to the fullest extent.

Our Models

Model 1

For our first model, we were told to draw a diagram/drawing of our solar system to the best of our abilities. We weren't given any additional information, and we were not allowed to look at outside sources. So we drew what we thought was a fairly accurate model, but we didn't take into account any of the distances between planets or their actual size, so while it may look sort of accurate to the common person, it is actually far from close to being a precise model.

Model 2

For model 2, we were given 3 pieces of information that was useful for creating a more accurate model. We were given each planet's distance from the sun and also the planet's size relative to Earth. For the last piece of information, we were given a data chart that included the same data from the past 2 information pieces, but it was easier to process and view that information because it was an actual chart unlike the other ones which were images with a few numbers, so this was the most reliable piece of information. Using this, we could create and accurate model to scale of the solar system. The one piece that we didn't and couldn't really include was the planets' orbit paths because we didn't have that information.

Model 3

Our third model was different from the first two. For this one we first had to pick two planets. From there, we were given the mass of the planet, the radius of the planet, and the distance between the sun and that planet. Then, with that information we had to calculate and find the gravity on that planet and the force of gravity between the sun and that planet. Once we were finished with those calculations, we had to color the planet in semi-realistically.

Model 4

For model 4, we had to create a phenomena that we would explain and show the process of through data, diagrams, and explanations. It was easier to think through this model because we had access to the most information out of all of the models. We were given a data table made by NASA that stated 10-15 things about each planet, including mass, distance from sun, orbital period, orbit velocity, radius of planet, rotation speed, obliquity to orbit, and more. From there, we chose three planets to work with. For example, we chose Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. After, we gathered three pieces of information from each planet. We chose to use distance from sun, orbital period, and orbital velocity. From there, our teacher gave us information about a 'new planet', Planet X. He gave our group the information about its distance from the sun and its orbital velocity. Our job was to use what information we had gathered from our other three planets to try and predict its orbital period. We did this by making a vector diagram and then finding it with an equation and calculations. Finally, to finish the model, we had to give an explanation of our process, show our prediction, give limitations and modifications, and then show our work to another group.

Model 5 (Models 5a and 5b)

Data Chart

Model 5a

For both Models 5a and 5b, we were given the document of information shown above. For model 5a, we were supposed to look at the information given to us in the first chart. From there, we had to be able to predict 4 things. After thinking it over, we thought that we could predict the orbital period, the acceleration due to gravity, the seasonal change, and the surface temperature of a planet with that information. We then had to say what those 4 predictions were based on, and finally, we had to write a brief explanation and draw a small diagram for each.

Model 5b

For model 5b, we were to use the chart at the very bottom of that document above. The chart had 3 planets that we would need to find information for. The first one was planet Earth, and the second and third ones were made up Planets X and Y. With the given information from the first chart, 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. FInally, the last step of this was to show our work for each of the six calculations, and then our last model was complete.

Equations

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

Space Concepts

Force of Gravity

Force of gravity is the idea that every object is attracted to every other object directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the distance between them squared. When force of gravity is directly proportional to objects' masses (Fg~m), than the greater the masses, the more gravitational force between them. It is also, however indirectly proportional to the distance between the objects squared (Fg~1/d^2), meaning that the further away the objects are, than the force of gravity becomes weaker. The equation for calculating force of gravity is Fg=G(m[1])(m[2])/d^2. In words, force of gravity is equal to the gravitational constant times the masses of the first and second objects. Then that is all divided by the distance between them squared. The final unit for force of gravity is Newtons (N).

Gravitational Constant

The gravitational constant is a unit of measure that represents the gravitational effects in Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. The equation for The gravitational constant is G=6.67*10^-11 Nm^2/kg^-2. We usually use the gravitational constant when plugging into the equation for force of gravity and so all of the units at the end generally cancel out to become Newtons (N).

Gravitational Pull in Orbit

When the planets in our solar system are in orbit, they are all pulled in by our sun's gravitational force. But, there is one thing keeping them from falling right into the sun, and that is their tangential velocity. When in orbit, the planets are being pulled towards the sun by its gravity. At the same time, their tangential, or horizontal, velocity is pulling them horizontally and keeping them from going straight into the sun. Both velocities keep them in orbit and going in a circle or an ellipse. An ellipse is when a planet orbits the sun in a more oval-like shape rather than a circle. Basically, the amount of forward velocity is equal to that planet's tangential velocity, and this keeps it in its orbit instead of allowing it to crash into the sun.

Units in Space

In space, people generally do not say that Mars or Neptune is ____ (blank) meters away from the sun. They can use two methods. The first one is calculating the distance in kilometers and then putting it into scientific notation. The other way is calculating it in AUs (Astronomical Units). 1 AU is the distance from the sun to the Earth (approximately 93 million miles). There is one other method of calculating far distances in space, and that is in light years. Light travels extremely fast, so fast that it only takes it 8 minutes to get from the sun to the Earth. Scientists and astronomers use this as another unit to compare distance between objects in space.

Reflection

I think for the most part, during this project, my group and I were on task and worked well together. Two categories of the 6 C's that I think we did really well were conscientious learner and critical thinking. For conscientious learner, we did a good job managing our time to stay on task and meeting all of the deadlines. We also incorporated goal settings into this project because we knew what we wanted the models to look like, but it took time and effort to make sure that we completed it in a way that would satisfy our goal. For critical thinking, we were given a set amount of information and we had to use that and interpret it in different ways to make and improve upon our models to create them successfully.

Two things that I think we could have done a little better with our communication and collaboration skills. For communication, at times we were unclear about what others wanted to have put into the model, and there were a few times where we had to redo or remake some sections because they were incorrect or needed more added. For collaboration, going along with communication, when making the models, at times, we would disagree on how to set up the model or what to put in it. In the end, we figured it out and completed our models successfully, but for two or three of them, we had a little bit of a rough start.

In all, I think our final products came out well, and I really enjoyed learning about the solar system and outer space, and it was a unit that I am definitely interested in going into more depth into later in life.