module 2-4
Module 2:
The student will post a discussion describing the major characteristics of Earth’s moon and respond to at least one other student’s post. The discussion/posting must be at least two paragraphs in length. (5 pts)
Here is a video link in addition to your reading assignment describing characteristics of the moon.
NASA | Tour of the Moon – YouTube (Links to an external site.)
Lab Activity: The student will watch the moon over a period of hours on a night when you can see one or more bright stars near it. Estimate how many moon diameters it moves per hour relative to the stars. The Moon’s diameter is half of a degree. Based on that information, how many degrees does it move per hour. With that information, what is your estimate of the Moon’s orbital period? (5 pts).
Module 3:
Compare the atmosphere of Mars with those of Earth and Venus and explain why the evolutionary histories of these three worlds diverged so sharply.
Lab Activity: The student will view the following video concerning Mars Atmosphere. Was the atmosphere on Mars once like ours here on Earth? Please explain your answer. (5 points)
Module 4:
Describe the composition of the solar system beyond Neptune and explain why astronomers no longer regard Pluto as a planet.
Lab Activity: The student will view the following video concerning Pluto. It is one of the most mysterious and controversial celestial objects in the solar system. Find out what most mystifies scientists and stargazers about this dwarf planet. What mystifies you about Pluto? Please explain? (5 points).
Is Pluto a planet?
