jovian planet compositions and densities

#Jovian planet compositions and densities series

Substitute as needed, using the Dunking the Planets: Selecting Appropriate Foods to select appropriate fruits and other foods to represent the planets, based on their size and density.

Because of the differences between individual fruits and changes in their composition over time, you will need to test your materials before the activity.

Review the complete background information.

Dunking the Planets: Selecting Appropriate Foods.

Countless Small Objects Are Part of Our Solar System's Extended Family.

Inner, Rocky Neighbors Are Siblings to Earth.

The Other Distant Giants Are Kindred Planets with Individual Quirks.

His/her My Trip to Jupiter Journal or just the relevant 'Dunking the Planets' page.

Optional: 1 ping-pong ball or a marble that is similar in size to the ball bearing.

1 (18' wide x 8' deep or larger) bowl, tub, or small wading pool.

(4 1/2'-wide) large unpeeled orange, coconut, or cantaloupe.

One of each of the following fresh fruits and other foods (listed from largest to smallest):.

Saturn is massive and second in size to Jupiter, but its density is so low that it would float in water!.

However, they are larger in size and much more massive! The outer planets are composed primarily of gas, so their overall density is lower. The inner planets are made up mainly of dense, solid rock. The four inner terrestrial planets are dense compared to the four outer planets.

A planet's density is related to its composition.

An object's density cannot be determined by its size alone (larger objects are not necessarily more or less dense), but also depends on its mass.

Planets have measurable properties, such as size, mass, and composition.

Models can help us compare characteristics of planets.

#Jovian planet compositions and densities series

This series is appropriate for children ages 10 to 13. Facilitators who choose to undertake this activity should have a firm grasp of the scientific basis so that misconceptions are not introduced to the children. These concepts involve more advanced science than previous activities in Jupiter's Family Secrets, and they explore more deeply the science of the Juno mission and the rich information it will return to us. It should be conducted before Heavyweight Champion: Jupiter! in order for the children to better distinguish the concepts of size, weight, and mass.

This activity establishes the relationship between density and composition. They discuss how a planet's density is related to whether it is mainly made up of rock or gas. The children dunk the 'planets' in water to highlight the fact that even a large, massive planet - such as Saturn - can have low density. In this 30-minute demonstration, children compare the relative sizes and masses of scale models of the planets as represented by fruits and other foods.