Build Your Own Planet: Introduction to Planetology

This four week course introduces students to the foundations of planetary science. We will explore how planets are formed and evolve over time, their physical properties, and interactions with other celestial bodies.  

During the course, each student will create their own fictional planet based on what they learn, covering properties such as mass, orbit, structure, atmosphere, climate, surface features, and the presence of rings and moons. They will get to present their planet to their classmates during the final meeting.  

This is a highly interactive course. Students will learn through an image and video filled presentation and discussion. Students’ participation and questions are regularly encouraged. 

This course is perfect for the young space enthusiast who wants to deepen and expand their knowledge of Space. 

Classes are designed to encourage student engagement and follow their curiosity.


Week One: Introduction 
- Gravity 
- Formation
- Star system	   

Week Two: Planetary Properties 
- Mass and size
- Orbit and rotation
- Interior
- Temperature
- Magnetic field
- Surface composition and structure
- Atmosphere 

Week Three: Planetary Systems
- Rings 
-  Moons
- Binary systems
- Biology

Week Four: Presentations and Review


While we may discuss some of the mathematics used in planetology, learners will not need to use math in this course, unless they would like to for “extra credit”.