http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_solar/cub_solar_lesson03.xmllessontext/xmlIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program, Mercuryplanetsolar systemspaceVenusCoronaeEngineerErosionGreenhouse effectPlate tectonicsRemotelyRetrogradeSulfuric acid

Students explore Mercury and Venus, the first and second planets nearest the Sun. They learn about the planets’ characteristics, including their differences from Earth. Students also learn how engineers are involved in the study of planets by designing equipment and spacecraft to go where it is too dangerous for humans.

Exploring space beyond our planet has intrigued humans for centuries. During modern times, space exploration has become a reality through manned and unmanned spacecraft missions. In 2004, NASA engineers launched the Messenger spacecraft to discover more about the planets Venus and Mercury. Many types of engineers work with scientists to design, install, test, launch and remotely operate systems for space-bound instruments and craft to creatively gather data in harsh conditions. Contributors to successful missions include aerospace, mechanical, electrical, computer, materials, thermal, systems, structural and communications engineers.List several characteristics of Mercury, including nearest planet to our Sun, fastest planet to rotate the Sun, and from there the Sun looks larger than from Earth.List several characteristics of Venus, including second planet from the Sun, hottest surface temperatures, and spins in the opposite direction than Earth.Explain that engineers design things that help us travel into outer space.Describe how we can learn about the planets without sending people to them.20TeachEngineering.orgJessica ToddSam SemakulaJessica ButterfieldMalinda Schaefer ZarskeDenise W. Carlsonhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/cub_/lessons/cub_solar/cub_solar_lesson03_visualaid.dochttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/cub_/lessons/cub_solar/cub_solar_lesson03_visualaid.pdfhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/cub_/lessons/cub_solar/cub_solar_lesson03_venndiagram.dochttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/cub_/lessons/cub_solar/cub_solar_lesson03_venndiagram.pdfhttp://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/magellan/image15.htmlCouper, Heather and Nigel Henbest. How the Universe Works. London, UK: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1994.Lafontaine, Bruce. Exploring the Solar System. A Dover Coloring Book. New York, ON: General Publishing Company, Ltd., 1998.http://www.m-w.comhttp://solarsystem.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Mercury&Display=Overviewhttp://solarsystem.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Venus&Display=OverviewS11417B7International_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyD. The use of transportation allows people and goods to be moved from place to place. 35S11416DAInternational_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyC. Various relationships exist between technology and other fields of study.35S1142599ColoradoSciencea. Gather, analyze, and interpret data about components of the solar system 44S114259BColoradoSciencec. Gather, analyze, and interpret data about the Sunrise and Sunset, and Moon movements and phases 44United StatesCopyright 2012 - Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulderhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2011-03-304Teacher