Aspiring astronomers assess the inner planets using this handout. They read about the characteristics of each, noting that all four of them have rocky surfaces. Rotation and revolution are introduced, including Venus' retrograde rotation, and the greenhouse effect created by the atmospheres of Venus and Earth are explained. 

Concepts

planets, the atmosphere, rotations

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Additional Tags

planet, terrestrial planet, inner planet, rotation, atmosphere, science

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Pros

• Handout is nicely formatted, which makes it attractive and easy to read
• Can be used to address Common Core standards for literacy in science
• A variety of question styles keep upper-elementary children engaged

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.5.1 RI.5.2 RI.5.4 RI.5.8 RST.6-8.1 RST.6-8.2 RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.5 RST.6-8.6 RST.6-8.8