 Unit 7: Astronomy and Space ExplorationActivity 5 Planetary Comparison (SI GLEs: 7, 8, 19, 38; ESS GLE: 38)
CC: After the students have finished discussing the planets, ask them to work in groups once again to answer the following question: After studying the planetary data charts, decide which planet, other than Earth, would best support an exploratory Earth colony. Ask each group to discuss their decisions and explain their reasoning, supported by data. Explain to the students that in the same way they analyzed planetary data, scientists have used planetary knowledge and data to make decisions on developing planetary exploration missions throughout the solar system. By sending space probes to the planets, we have a better idea of how and when the solar system formed as well as theories about the planets' future as well as our own Earth's future.
Have the students research the discoveries made by Pioneer 10 and 11, Voyager 1 and 2, Mars Rover Expeditions, Venera project, Galileo mission, Cassini, and the Hubble Space Telescope.
Websites for the properties of the planets:
Orbits and Properties of Planets http://vathena.arc.nasa.gov/curric/space/planets/planorbi.html
The Nine Planets Solar System Tour
Planet Facts and Figures http://www.teachervision.fen.com/page/2183.html
Planetary Data Viewer http://www.solarviews.com/eng/query.htm
For the section covering the research of the discoveries made by the various probes and spacecraft, the NASA site will be excellent; www.nasa.gov Additional sites include: |