Mercury and Venus
Mercury and Venus.Copyright (Mercury image) NASA, http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpegMod/PIA03104_modest.jpg (Venus image) NASA, http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpegMod/PIA00104_modest.jpg.
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. NASA engineers have launched 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.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- 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.