Intergalactic Planetary
In this project, groups had to create and revise planetary models. We learned about space, gravity, and forces. We were then assessed with a series of logical thinking questions regarding what we'd learned.
Groups had to make five models. First we had to draw out the planets, using only information we already knew about their order, size, etc. and modelling. The first revision was the simplest, including only one piece of information (planet sizes, distances between planets or from the sun, surface temperatures, etc.). We had to decide on one factor to add to our original model to make it more accurate. Our next model had to include vocabulary and specifications for the eight planets. We then had to make predictions about planet X based on the information we had about it and the other planets.
We decided to try to find the escape velocity of Planet X by making our own equation, but it didn't quite work out, so we ended up looking up the equation online and working backward to find its origins. Once we understood the logic of this equation, we applied it to find the escape velocity of Planet X. We checked the accuracy of our conclusion by comparing Planet X and Pluto, which have very similar sizes, which means that they has very similar escape velocities.
Our last model was two drawings of predictions we could make for Planet X, Planet Y, and Earth based on the information we were giving, such as mass, density, temperature, etc. We then tried to calculate the orbital period of these three planets and then find our weight on them. We made four predictions based on what we had learned and the information we had. We found that seasons change based on a planet's tilt, escape velocity is based on a planet's mass, acceleration due to gravity is based on a planet's mass and radius, and finally that surface temperature is based on distance from the sun and atmospheric pressure. Our last models can be seen below.
Here are the links to my teammate's websites: