Our Solar System from an Alien Perspective

Ideas for a Mini-Unit: A Work in Progress

Draft 7-2-98

Major Concept: The Solar System and Beyond

Content Skills

Description of Solar System Measuring

Motion of objects in Solar System Collecting Data

Gravity and motion Using Graphs

Recognizing Patterns

Inferring

Using Tools and Models

Communicating Results

The Challenge

Traveling and living in space is no longer science fiction. Ever since Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, the dream of humankind traveling to the stars has become a scientific goal. Our first step in returning to the moon and traveling to Mars and beyond is establishing the International Space Station. In conjunction with our research with Russia on the Mir space station, the construction of the International Space Station is imminent.

Former astronaut and active Senator John Glenn is returning to space in the shuttle later this year in an effort to study the effects of aging in microgravity conditions. As John Glenn was selected to be the first American to orbit the Earth, you have been selected as a finalist candidate to be the first middle school student to work on the space station. The final selection will be made after an assessment of all candidate's knowledge of the solar system and beyond.

Besides just existing in space, you will have a series of duties and responsibilities that will be your responsibility. All efforts have been made to minimize the danger on such a mission, but risks are always present on such a mission. You will be expected to conduct yourself as a professional member of an international crew representing planet Earth. (No Pressure!)

Performance Tasks

Task 1: Learn how to determine weight on other planets

Armed with an understanding of gravity, research the gravitational pull on each planet. Then redesign a bathroom scale to give your correct weight on Mars.

Task 2: Learn the Physical Requirements for Life in Our Solar System

Create a data base of information on each planet in our solar system of the physical and environmental conditions as they exist. Then, considering the above noted data base, choose one location, and design an alien life form that can survive and prosper at this location. Describe, in detail, the reasons for your choice of location and the details of the alien's features. After your design is completed, provide the rationale for rejection of other locations in the solar system.