In a spectacular, comprehensive presentation The Planets draws on consultations with over a thousand leading astronomers, engineers, scientists and astronauts. Featuring rare NASA archival footage, awe-inspiring imagery from the Hubble space telescope, stunning computer graphics and special effects, this unprecedented series explores both the alien beauty of our local space environment and the extraordinary technology that enables us to unlock its secrets.

The Planets would be useful for classes on Science and Technology, Astronomy, and World History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Moon

While moons of all sizes and compositions accompany a number of the planets, only the Earth boasts such a comparatively huge "companion world." What forces could have resulted in this planetary odd couple? Moon searches for the answer to one of the solar system's most baffling mysteries, from Cold War scientists racing to be first on the moon, to current theories and remarkable computer-generated visions of the moon's explosive creation.

OBJECTIVES

Students will explore the theories of the creation of the universe and examine the properties of celestial bodies. They will analyze the relationship between the sun, Earth and the other planets. They will discover the infinite potential of the science of astronomy, and the most current information about space travel and exploration.

NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS

The Planets fulfills the following National Science Education Standards: unifying concepts and processes in science; science as inquiry; physical science; Earth and space science; Science and technology; history and nature of science.

• coup
• covert
• expertise
• facsimile
• muster
• plausible
• propaganda
• simulation
• tantalizing

1. Discuss how the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union was a factor in the Cold War. Why was it so important for both nations to reach the moon first? Why didn't the two countries work together instead of against each other?

2. What is the dark side of the moon? What role did it play in lunar exploration?

3. Discuss how the election of President John F. Kennedy fueled the U.S. space race to the moon.

4. Why did the United States send men to the moon? What was the stated goal or purpose of the American lunar program?

5. Ranger probes explored the moon "kamikaze style." What does this mean? What are the origins of this term?

6. The moon's surface is covered with craters. What are the origins of these craters? What do they prove?

7. Discuss how geologists and NASA trained astronauts for their lunar observations.

8. Discuss the American reaction to Apollo 11.

9. Discuss some of the theories of the moon's origins.

10. What was the goal of the Apollo 15 mission?

11. What is the Genesis rock? Why was it so important?

1. Research the reactions to Apollo 11 and design a commemorative coin celebrating the 1969 moon landing.

2. Create a chart illustrating the features of the moon.

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Air Dates

• June 14, 2004