This is a collection of four Hubble Space Telescope images of the giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
The text outlines some of the remarkable attributes that set these planets apart from the smaller, rocky, terrestrial planets and includes a discussion of the planets' rings, moons, and atmospheric conditions.
Included is an inquiry-based classroom activity that focuses on the image and text.
This is a collection of four Hubble Space Telescope images of the giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The text outlines some of the remarkable attributes that set these planets apart from the smaller, rocky, terrestrial planets and includes a discussion of the rings, moons, and atmospheric conditions on the planets. An inquiry-based classroom activity is included in the lithograph package.
Teachers can use this lithograph as:
An engagement tool in an inquiry-based lesson. Have students study the image side of the lithograph. Ask them to write down any questions they have about the image. When the students are finished, their questions can be used in a variety of ways:
A content reading tool. Have students read the back of the lithograph and then write a quiz for the class.
A component in a compare/contrast activity. Use the inquiry-based classroom activity called "In Search of Jovian Planets," which is included with the PDF lithograph. Have students compare the features/structure of the terrestrial planets with those of the giant planets depicted in this lithograph and discussed in the text. A T-chart or Venn diagram would be a good organizational tool to use with this activity. Examples of Graphic Organizers are included in the related resources below.
HubbleSite press release: "Going, Going, Gone: Hubble Captures Uranus's Rings on Edge"
HubbleSite press release: "Neptune Completes Its Frist Circuit Around the Sun Since Its Discovery"
Lithograph: Mars 2003: Closest Approach
Amazing Space resources by type: Graphic Organizers
Amazing Space resources by topic: Solar system