In a spectacular, comprehensive presentation The Planets draws on consultations with over a thousand leading astronomers, engineers, scientists and astronauts. Featuring seldom-seen NASA archival footage, awe-inspiring imagery from instruments like the Hubble space telescope, and 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.

Life

From the startling Copernican revelation that the Earth was not the center of the Universe, humanity has wondered if life was unique to our world. But how likely is it that the Earth is only reservoir of life in the vastness of space. Planetary researchers discover how recent findings hint there may be alien life "hiding out" in places we've overlooked.

OBJECTIVES

Students will explore the theories of the creation of the universe and examine the different properties of celestial bodies. They will analyze the relationship between the sun, our own planet Earth and the other planets. They will discover the unlimited potential of the science of astronomy, and the most current space 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.

• Arid
• Cauldron
• Emissary
• Entice
• Hypothesis
• Imperative
• Microscopic
• Photosynthesis
• Relic
• Veritable

1. Scientists continue to search for life on other planets, but what is life? How would you define it? What makes something alive?

2. What is necessary to sustain life as we know it?

3. Researchers and scientists, as well as ordinary people have wondered about and searched for life on other planets for centuries. Why does the idea of life on other planets fascinate humanity?

4. Percival Lowell, founder and director of the Lowell observatory at Flagstaff, Arizona, created the first maps of Mars. What prompted Lowell so spend so much time and energy on his maps?

5. One of the mission objectives of the Viking spacecrafts was to check Mars's soil for signs of life. How did the scientists in the Viking carry out this objective?

6. The Viking scientists searched soil samples for microbes. What are microbes? Can you name some examples?

7. Why do NASA scientists believe that here is water on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons?

8. Discuss the challenges scientists face in exploring if there is life on the moon Europa

9. How does space exploration help scientists answer the questions when and how does life start?

10. Why do scientists believe that Mars may once have had rivers and oceans?

11. How did Apollo 12 prove that bacteria could survive the harsh environment of space?

1. What do you think life on other planets may look like? Using any medium of your choice, create a drawing or model of what you think alien life might look like.

2. Research the Viking space program on the Internet. Using your data, create a chart or graph that illustrates the gains and discoveries of the program.

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Air Dates

• June 17, 2004