Solar System Simulator

Materials:
(provided) Actual Planet/Sun/moon textures, Blitz programming software

Day 1

Objective:
TLW collect and analyze solar system data of our Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn

Terms:
revolution, rotation, astronomical unit, moon phases, retrograde
Prepare to gain a deeper understanding regarding the dynamics of our solar system by creating a fly through simulator!


* Using Google, collect and JOURNAL relative size, distance, and revolution info on Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn
(nice site here!)

* START Intro to Blitz BASIC programming
Day 2

Objective:
TLW use BASIC 3D programming to create spheres, scale, texture, and position planets (sun,moon) according to planetary data researched previously

Textures: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn

* Create spheres, scale, texture, and position planets (sun,moon) according to data researched previously
Day 3

Objective:
TLW use BASIC 3D programming to create pivots and parenting and timed motion updating for revolution action previously researched

* 3D Programming continued
* Use pivots and parenting and timed motion updating for revolution action previously researched
* Add "docking" hot keys to observe moon phases and retrograde motion
Day 4/5

Objective:
TLW explore 3D modelling program to create a spacecraft to "fly" through their solar system and a new planet to explore

cLICK FOR LARGER PIC* Use Anim8or , a FREE & EASY 3D modeling tool to build your space vessel
* Attach to the camera then create your own planet
* Record a sketch of your space vessel in your JOURNAL
* Demonstrate your simulator to the instructor (70/100 pts)
* Turn in your JOURNAL for remainder of grade

Alternate Activities/Bonus Options:

  • Investigate some of the following and modify your program: albedo, axis tilt, elliptical orbits, comets, collision, ecliptic plane deviations, multiple moons, asteroids, atmosphere, rings

  • POWERPOINT (10-page minimum, with graphics, in your own words) from one of the following topics: 3D modeling basics, solar system basics, why a moon base?, why a mars base?, requirements for a habitable planet, new rocket propulsion ideas. ( 2 required to replace this unit )

  • CREATE A GAME (with Klik & Play, game maker 6, or ? ) about one of the following:
    space travel adventure, mars colonization, ?