Names & Legends Behind the Planets

Created by
Patricia Link, Coordinator
Morris County Educational Technology Training Center

Introduction | Task | Procedure | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction:
The year is 800 BC. You are working as an apprentice for the notable author, Homer. He is hard at work at composing The Iliad and needs you to take over the task of teaching the local children the history of the planets. You must of course, prepare your lessons thoroughly, and begin to research the topics. During your work, you discover a planet that no one has noted or named before. What do you do? Name it of course! This is your chance to prove to your famous mentor, Homer, that you are truly a worthwile apprentice. If you can create a meaningful history (myth) for this planet; perhaps he will have your work published as well!

Task:
Show your boss, the famous Homer, your knowlege and resourcefulness. Teach the class about the naming of one of our known planets and present your discovery of your "new" planet and its name.

Procedure:

Use the resources below, classroom books &/or library books to research the myths and legends behind the planets in our solar system.
Using PowerPoint or other presentation tool, give a presentation to the class about the history behind the naming of one of the planets in our solar system.
Then, have your presentation segue into your discovery of a new planet and the myth behind it.
Write a story for your myth of the new planet.
Be sure that your graphics (slides, posters, graphic organizers, etc.) show the approximate location of the planets discussed.
Note: If desired, this project may be extended to cover constellations as well.

Resources:
The Nine Planets
Fundooz-Universe; Planets & Mythology
Characters of Greek Mythology-Planets
Planets and Their Mythology
History of Astronomy
Galileo's Biography
Greek Mythology
The Mythology of the Constellations

Evaluation:
The following rubric will be used to evaluate this project:

Mastery	Good	Fair	Poor
Accurately conveys the legend of one of our solar systems planet's namesakes. Distinguish between Greek & Roman names. Facts clear.	Accurately conveys the legend of one of our solar systems planet's namesakes. Most facts are clear.	Conveys the legend of one of our solar systems planet's namesakes. Some facts unclear.	Unclear in facts or legend.
Presentation is clear, creative & accurate. Contains many graphics.	Presentation is clear & accurate. Contains some graphics.	Presentation is accurate. Contains few graphics.	Presentation is unclear. Contains few or no graphics.
Story is creative, detailed and neat, with no grammar or spelling errors.	Story is creative, detailed, with 1 grammar or spelling error.	Story is creative, but has grammar or spelling errors.	Story is not creative or detailed & has grammar or spelling errors.

Conclusion:
After all students finish their presentations, all students should know the history behind the names of all of the planets in our solar system. In addition, as a result of creating your own myths, you should have a better understanding and appreciation for people thousands of years ago who tried to make sense of the unknown through their own creativity.

Created by
Patricia Link, Coordinator
Morris County Educational Technology Training Center

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Updated July 22, 2004 , ©2002 Patricia Link. All rights reserved.

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