Comparative Planetology: Course
The overall goals of this course focus on
gaining a holistic perspective of our solar system as a
collection of unique and individual worlds with many common
properties. Participants will examine NASA images and
information to find fundamental similarities and
enlightening differences in the processes that have shaped
our Solar System. Patterns will emerge as participants gain
new understandings of the many unique worlds that have a
single star, our Sun, as their common factor.
Upon completion of this course,
- identify the main objects and types
of objects that are in our Solar System.
- describe the relationships among
worlds, including scale, location, form, evolution,
similarities and differences.
- communicate an understanding of the
component parts and integrated whole of our Solar System
that is scientifically and conceptually
- categorize, sort, compare and
contrast various worlds within our system in numerous
ways, using appropriate and specific qualities such as
atmospheric and surface characteristics.
- locate, download and convert images
of objects (worlds, parts of worlds, systems) for
analysis using image processing software.
- use an image processing technique to
measure relevant details of an object.
- integrate concepts from Comparative
Planetology into classroom activities in space science
using technology and NASA data.
- construct an interdisciplinary view
of our Solar System by integrating prior knowledge to the
information, concepts, and techniques explored in this
class, which integrate elements from other scientific
fields. These other fields include: physics, chemistry,
geology, biology, paleontology, meteorology, climate,
environmental science, and social science.
- participate in scientific
explorations by drawing conclusions and inferences from
- explore and use NASA resources in
- identify some of the processes common
throughout our Solar System, such as gravity, chemistry,
physical laws, and formation processes.
Objectives for each module
Module 1: Perspectives
- design and/or construct a scale model
of our Solar System based on size and/or
- identify the National
Science Education Standards
for space science at their teaching level, and relate the
Unifying Concepts and Processes of the National Science
Education Standards (Chapter 6) to the scientific methods
of Comparative Planetology.
Module 2: How We Know What We
- describe several ways in which
scientists explore and refine our understanding of the
- describe accurately the specific
methods of studying the Solar System.
Module 3: Orbits and
- identify and explore orbital
characteristics of various worlds in our solar
- explore patterns found within
- explain the effect of the gravity on
Module 4: Solid Surfaces &
- identify the four processes that
effect terrestrial surfaces.
- conduct an investigation of factors
that effect impact craters using scientific
Module 5: Interiors &
- explore magnetic fields of
- describe how interiors of terrestrial
worlds are cooled.
Module 6: Atmospheres and
- analyze weather patterns on other
- explain the transfer of energy that
occurs within atmospheric systems.
Module 7: Synthesis
- integrate the National
Science Education Standards
Unifying Concepts and Processes into a developmentally
appropriate, inquiry-based lesson in Comparative
Planetology for application in their teaching
environment. Learners will complete activities
individually and in their teaching situation in which
they utilize scientific processes in the exploration of
- evaluate lessons developed by other
participants for scientific concepts, inclusion of
Science Education Standards,
instructional design and inquiry-based
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Montana State University
last updated 1/21/02