http://kids.nineplanets.org/

Name:                            The Nine Planets for Kids
Curriculum Concepts:    Solar system, Eclipse
Level of Information:     Beginner to intermediate

This beautiful website contains good information on the solar system using lots of images, satellite photographs, movies, and trivia. The site begins with a brief introduction describing the layout of the solar system. The second section provides a size comparison of the planets and presents 2 ways to categorize the planets, by composition and by size. Subsequent sections can be visited in no particular order, but they are arranged from closest to farthest from the sun, including the Asteroid Belt separating the inner planets from the outer planets. Within each section, each planet’s mythological significance, astronomical symbol, position in solar system, and composition are examined. A sidebar within each section also provides more notes, fun facts, and trivia.

This is a beautiful website suitable for all ages. Fonts are large and bright, making for an easy read. All material is written in a way that students of all ages can grasp and enjoy. Younger students will appreciate the simple explanations while older students will like the slightly more advanced facts and trivia. All users will appreciate the site’s tips on viewing some of the planets with the naked eye or with telescopes. There are lots of images, satellite photographs, animations, and videos...all perfect for project work. The always-present menu makes it easy to navigate to any section at anytime. The Planet Pit Stop section contains links to other useful resources devoted to the solar system. This is a very good site for both teachers and all students to use.

http://www.kidseclipse.com/teach.htm

Name:                            KidsEclipse
Curriculum Concepts:    Eclipse, Comets, Asteroids, Meteors
Level of Information:     Beginner to intermediate

This excellent website was designed around an elementary teacher’s lesson plan. The sections follow a specific order matching the lesson plan’s outline. The first section examines the movements of the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon. With an understanding of these movements, the second section introduces eclipses and the 2 types, lunar and solar eclipses. This section also contains a suggestion for a hands-on activity simulating an eclipse. The third and fourth sections define and describe total solar eclipses. This section also contains a suggestion for a hands-on activity illustrating the process of a total eclipse. The fifth section offers safety tips for viewing solar eclipses. The sixth section describes myths, stories, and historical references to eclipses. The seventh section provides information about the Sun. The eighth section provides information about the Moon. The next 3 sections examine comets and their movements throughout the solar system. The final section briefly examines asteroids and meteors.

This is a well-made website that has been specifically designed by a teacher to enhance students’ learning. All the explanations are tailored for this purpose and are very easy to understand. All important terms and concepts are hyperlinked to a glossary of terms. Many images, satellite photographs, and animations complement each section nicely. The lack of an always-present menu makes navigation a bit difficult. Users cannot jump through sections randomly and must rely on the browser’s Back button. The links section contains plenty of other resources devoted to astronomy. This is a very good site for both teachers and all students to use.