Planet Trek: Mapping New Worlds

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As we begin to explore the worlds of our solar system with probes and new technologies, we are realizing that similar processes have shaped the surfaces of all known worlds. This not only helps us understand those terrestrial worlds better, but our own planet as well. In these activities students will explore surface features of nearby worlds, learn how planetary features are named and create maps of their surface features. Finally, students will create their own extra-solar worlds using potatoes, name and map their unique world's surface features.

Part I: Concept Exploration: Surfaces

Activity #1 - Comparing Surfaces

Part II: Concept Introduction: Features

Activity #2 - Terrestrial Surface Features

Activity #3 - Surface Processes

Activity # 4 - Nomenclature

Part III: Concept Application: Mapping

Activity # 5 - Map Features by Latitude & Longitude

Activity # 6 - Potato Worlds

Credits:

Thanks to the USGS and NASA who were the source of all the images and information used in developing these lessons.

Thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Roettger & John Keller who reviewed these activities and provided valuable input.

NSES STANDARDS:

SCIENCE AS INQUIRY 5-8, 9-12

EARTH IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM 5-8

ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE UNIVERSE 9-12

UNIFYING PROCESSES & CONCEPTS:

• Systems, order, and organization.
• Evidence, models, and explanation.
• Change, constancy, and measurement.
• Evolution and equilibrium.
• Form and function.