Intergalactic Planetary

Task

For this project, we were to make six models in total. These models were to help us expand our knowledge on our solar system and the planets in it. The main concepts of this project was the effects that the planet's orbit and gravity has on many different things and the factors that affect gravity itself.

Model 1

This was our first model that we made. To make this model, we used our own current knowledge that we have of the solar system. We tried to put as much information on this model as possible, but that was a little challenging, given that we were limited to our own knowledge. This model wasn't very detailed.

Model 3

For Model 3, we narrowed it down to make this more specifically informational. We were to choose two planets; one rocky planet (besides Earth) and one gas giant. My partner and I chose Mercury for our terrestrial planet and Jupiter for our gas giant. We included some calculations and information on each planet, such as their mass, radius, distance from sun, gravitational constant, a diagram of the planet, and the force of gravity between the planet and the sun.

Model 5a

For this first part of Model 5, we were given a chart on Planet X, Planet Y, and Earth so we could find things to predict about each planet. The information given included their obliquity to orbit, radius, mass, orbital speed, and distance from the Sun. Based off of this information, we predicted four things about the planets; their orbital velocity, acceleration due to gravity, ring system, and surface temperature. You can refer back to the model for more information.

Model 2

For this model, we decided to add more detail. We added more numbers, color, data and information about each planet. We were given three sources of information that included each planet's numerical representation of their size and distance between one another. We drew the entire solar system, including their each individual orbit and showing the order of the planets and their distance relative to the sun. This model consisted more of labels and vocabulary.

Model 4

For this model, we focused on phenomena and patterns that was shown to predict certain things about an unknown, made-up planet, that we called Planet X. We were to come up with our own phenomenon that follows the relation of the planets and could predict information about the unknown planet. My partner and I decided to focus on three planets; Venus, Saturn, and Uranus. We took some information from a given data chart and created our own table of that data. The phenomenon that we came up with was that the amount of gravity that affects the planet is proportionate to its escape velocity. We found that these three planets were the best evidence to back this up. As we went into depth on this phenomena, we realized that mass is a factor in this as well. We came up with an equation that proves this.

Model 5b

For this last model, using the given information from our previous model, we calculated the orbital period of each planet and our weight (force of gravity) on each planet. To find their orbital period, we used the equation, T= 2πd/v. For finding our weight on each planet, we used the equation, F=Gm₁m₂ / r² .

Main Concepts / Calculations

force of gravity (Fg) = Gm₁m₂ / r²
acceleration due to gravity (ag) = G (m of planet) / r²
orbital velocity (v) = 2πr / T
orbital period (T) = 2πr / v
gravitational constant (G) = 6.67 x 10^-11 Nm²/kg²

Reflection:

Throughout this project, I felt that our process worked very well. Something I think I could work on in the future is my Communication. When we divided up the work between the two of us, I failed to tell my partner about my calculations for the equations and converting the units. This messed up the process of keeping everything in a specific unit and the calculations were unorganized. For our following projects, I can't let my lack of communication skills get in the way of our process. I need to work on communicating with my peers in the future. I also need to work on my Character. I feel that having the ability to proudly share out our own ideas is very important when working with others. I want to insure that everyone in my group gets the chance to share out. For the next projects in the rest of this semester, I will keep in mind that I need to work on being a good communicator and having an uplifting character.

Despite the challenges that we faced, my partner and I collaborated very well. Because we worked in groups of two for most of this project, it was a little more challenging in some areas. This meant that we needed to work more efficiently and keep in mind that we had limited time during class. Our Collaboration was competent throughout this project. We easily came to agreements when there were problems. When we thought there was a slight issue, we attempted to find the root of the problem and fix it. As we continued to make more models, I learned about the affects that gravity has on everything in the universe. When we first began this project, we had limited information on the solar system and the planets, so it was difficult to make the first model. I also feel that Conscientious Learner was a strong area during this project. It was an imperative part when continuing to make the models. When my partner and I didn't understand something, we asked questions and solved our problems. We worked harder each day and achieved our goals in the end.

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