The section begins with an overview of planet characteristics. As a class, students model a space probe “flyby” and create a composite image. Then they view a video showing computer images of planet surfaces. Students participate in a model of how space probes relay information to Earth.

Student Resources

• 7.1 Vocabulary
• 7.2 Planet Information
• 7.3 Analyzing Data from a Chart
• 7.4 Exploring a Mystery Planet
• 7.5 Receiving a Satellite Image
• 7.6 Section 7 Assessment

Learn by Reading

For additional content-area reading, check out the Houghton Mifflin Science eBook: Grade 4, Unit D, pages 38–40.