American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: Ology: Astronomy: In Pictures: Beyond Planet Earth
What would it be like to travel across the solar system and explore space? Take a look at some of the places that humans might go to someday, and the questions that scientists are asking.
Smithsonian Institution
National Air and Space Museum: Exploring the Planets: Ancient Times & the Greeks
In ancient times only five planets were known: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Learn about Greek astronomer Ptolemy's theory for the solar system that was to survive for fourteen centuries.
NASA
Nasa: Solar System Exploration: Planets: Venus
Comprehensive look at the planet Venus, with many useful facts, figures, photos, and related links. Provides an account of how Venus got it's name and a timeline of significant dates.
Other
Space Science Institute: Alien Earths: Star and Planet Formation
Learn about the lives of stars, and how stars and planets form. The Interactive activity, 'Planet Families' requires Adobe Flash and cannot be launched.
National Earth Science Teachers Association
Windows to the Universe: History & People
Biographies of people throughout history who looked at the sky and wondered what was there. Links to a detailed description of the planets and interactive activities.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Trb 3:1 Investigation 1 Comparing the Earth & Moon
Third graders compare the earth and the moon in this activity.
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: Formation and Evolution of the Earth
As part of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook, this site examines a variety of topics related to the Earth. Topics covered in the discussion include formation of the solar system, the planets, the continents, primary differentiation...
Nine Planets
The Eight Planets: Just for Kids
Here is a clear, simple picture of the solar system. Click on the names of the planets to learn more about each. Clicking on underlined terms takes you to more and more detailed scientific information.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Our Solar System: The Universe
A video and a short multiple-choice quiz on the Universe and what it is made up of.
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Mc Donald Observatory: Venus
Discover interesting facts about Venus, the hottest planet and the second planet from the Sun.
Nine Planets
The Nine Planets: Small Bodies
This site explores the smaller bodies in the solar system, namely the various asteroids and comets. Links are also provided for additional information on related subjects.
Other
All (Known) Bodies in Our Solar System Larger Than 200 Miles in Diameter
How big is the Earth compared to the Sun? Is Mars bigger than the Moon? Seeing all bodies in the solar system larger than 200 miles in diameter side by side provides an excellent comparison and an interesting perspective.
Utah Education Network
Uen: My Solar System
Students will use a simulation to build their own solar system discovering the relationship between gravity and motion that keeps a planet in orbit.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Astronomy
Eight hands-on lessons module in which students explore the characteristics of planet Earth, its moons, the sun, the solar system, planets, and the difference between science fact and science fiction.
NASA
Nasa: Neptune: Overview: The Windiest Planet
Prepared by NASA, this site provides a detailed look at the planet Neptune. The menu tabs are divided into overview, moons, rings, photo gallery, and facts and figures. Just click to access specific information on any of these topics.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum: Our Place in the Universe
Part of a larger online exhibit on the moon and space, this site deals with one's place in the universe. The topics covered include the sun and solar system, the galaxy, and the universe.