Mercury

Mercury is a fascinating planet in our solar system. It is the closest planet to the sun and has a number of unique characteristics that make it an interesting object of study.

Basic Information

Distance from the Sun: Approximately 36 million miles
Size: Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system
Surface: It has a heavily cratered surface, similar to the Earth's moon
Atmosphere: Mercury has a very thin atmosphere consisting of trace amounts of hydrogen, helium, and oxygen
Temperature: Surface temperatures on Mercury can range from extremely hot during the day to very cold at night

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying Mercury:

What is the distance of Mercury from the sun?
Describe Mercury's size compared to other planets.
What is the surface of Mercury like?
What is the composition of Mercury's atmosphere?
How do surface temperatures vary on Mercury?

Answers

The distance from the Sun to Mercury is approximately 36 million miles.
Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system.
Mercury has a heavily cratered surface, similar to the Earth's moon.
Mercury has a very thin atmosphere consisting of trace amounts of hydrogen, helium, and oxygen.
Surface temperatures on Mercury can range from extremely hot during the day to very cold at night.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. Science in our world

Vocabulary/Answer key

Science in our world

The resources above cover the following skills:

LIFE SCIENCE (NGSS)

Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the diversity of living things in each of a variety of different habitats.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include specific animal and plant names in specific habitats.]