• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
• Understandings about scientific inquiry

Earth and Space Science

• Earth in the solar system
• The origin and evolutions of the Earth system
• The origin and evolution of the universe
• Energy in the Earth system
• Geochemical cycles

Physical Science

• Properties and changes of properties in matter
• Motions and forces
• Transfer of energy
• Interactions of matter and energy

Science and Technology

• Understandings about science and technology

History and Nature of Science

• Science as a human endeavor
• Nature of science and scientific knowledge
• History of science and historical perspectives

Short Description: In this activity, students use measurements (and results of calculations involving these measurements) regarding the planets' physical and chemical characteristics. They will start with some of the most universally accepted planetary data. Students will also be working with information that is often presented as known facts when, indeed, those "facts" may be conclusions based on limited basic data. Students should be encouraged to look for their own methods of grouping or "patterning."