Explore the rings of Saturn! Space scholars discover the immense Saturn system through an interactive lesson. The activity, part of PBS's Space series for grades six through eight, features images captured by the Cassini spacecraft of Saturn's many rings and moons. Pupils engage in individual reading and large group discussion to develop an understanding of these features.

Concepts

saturn, the solar system, outer planets, moons, orbiting, space, space exploration, space programs, gravity

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Kick off the lesson by having students sketch Saturn, then compare their drawings to actual pictures
• Assess learning using the discussion questions, or print the supplemental questions and use them as a quick quiz
  

Classroom Considerations

• Ensure learners understand that some of the images in the video are real, and others are conceptual drawings
  

Pros

• The discussion questions promote scientific reasoning and problem solving
• Captivating photos keep the class on the edge of their seats
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.2