What planet would you create?

Our 2nd graders were asked the question - if you were able to discover a new planet, what would it be like?  They learned about planets in our solar system as well as other exoplanets, and started drawing what their planet would look like from space.  Each week they were able to connect their science studies with the project - weather, landforms, habitat, food chains.  They were also able to draw from their own experience and dreams as they wrote about what type of house they would built for their families and what food they would like to eat on their planet.  All of their ideas where eventually put together in a 'travel brochure' for their planet.

As an extension to the project was a planet art activity so they could touch, design, and see their special planet.  Using paper mache over Starbucks plastic lids, each student had their own  half dome to decorate.