Mission Library

Encrypted Escape
Properties of Celestial Bodies
Grades 6-8

The Mission
29 min

Storyline

Using their knowledge of the properties of celestial bodies, the crew will figure out an encrypted code to save Dr. Zyla's research from the Crooked Snakes.

Dr. Zyla, one of the leading scientists in time travel has been hiding somewhere in the Princel Solar System, where she has been making life-changing discoveries about time travel in black holes. The Crooked Snakes are actively searching for her so that they can steal her findings. She has sent us an emergency evacuation request. They will find her soon if we can’t get to her first. Because of the potential for our communication to be intercepted by the Crooked Snakes, Dr. Zyla can’t send us her location directly. Instead, she is giving us cryptic questions about the Princel Solar System based on the properties and scale of celestial bodies that will help us to open her secure encrypted file, which houses her location. We need to figure out the encrypted email before the Crooked Snakes do!

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Objects in the solar system have properties and scale that can be observed and measured.

Science and Engineering Practices

Using mathematics and computational thinking

Students will compare and order sizes and distances among various objects in space. They will also determine the average temperatures (mean) of different celestial bodies.

Analyzing and interpreting data

Students will analyze data from tables and graphs regarding the properties, size, and scale of various celestial bodies.

Crosscutting Concepts

Scale, proportion, and quantity

Students determine scales and properties of objects in the solar system. Scale analysis includes size and distance. Celestrial bodies' properties emphasize layers and temperature.

Patterns

Students identify patterns among characteristics of objects in the solar system.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action