Word: planet (noun)

Associations

A planet is a large celestial body that orbits a star, like the Sun. It is a place where life can exist or has existed.

• Example 1: "Earth is the only planet known to support life." This shows that Earth is unique among planets.
• Example 2: "Mars is often called the Red Planet because of its color." This highlights a specific characteristic of Mars.
• Example 3: "Scientists are discovering new planets outside our solar system." This indicates that there are many planets yet to be explored.

The synonym "world" can be used instead of "planet," but "world" often refers to the human experience or environment, while "planet" is more about the physical celestial body.

Substitution

Other words you might use instead of "planet" include "celestial body," "sphere," or "world."

• "Celestial body" is a broader term that can include planets, stars, and moons.
• "Sphere" usually refers to a round object but can be used in a more abstract sense.
• "World" often implies a more human-centric view of a planet.

Deconstruction

The word "planet" comes from the Greek word "planetes," meaning "wanderer." This reflects how planets move across the sky compared to fixed stars. There are no prefixes or suffixes in this word.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a planet other than Earth and what makes it interesting?
• How do you think life on another planet would be different from life on Earth?
• What do you imagine when you think of a planet?