Learning Goals

1
Learning Goals

• Analyze a fictional solar system and select a
  planet most likely to support life as we know it.
• Describe what makes a planet habitable.

2
Prior Knowledge

• Carbon cycle
• Greenhouse effect
• Why life is on Earth and not other planets
• Atomic symbols
• Mass gravity
• Temperature scales

3
Misconceptions

• Greenhouse effect is always considered negative.
• Every planet has a similar atmosphere.
• Extremophiles and what they look like

4

• PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES
• Reading and answering questions about the
  Goldilocks principle
• Planetary cycles (ex. Carbon cycle)
• Greenhouse effect
• FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
• Origins of Life module

5
Atlas Insights

• 4G-1 Gravitys effect on mass
• 11A-1 Overall properties are different from the
  individual parts.
• 4D-7 Bio/Chemical/Physical phenomenon are
  explained by the properties of atoms and
  molecules
• 4D-8Configuration of atoms determine the
  properties

6
Atlas Insights

• SFAA During planet formation, the light elements
  ended up becoming part of the atmosphere. The
  heavier elements became part of the solid.
• 4C The rock cycle and plate tectonics
• 4E-4 Temperature and disorderly motion of
  molecules
• 5E-3 Bio/geo/chemical cycles

7

• ENGAGE
• Students discuss what makes a good environment
  and watches a video on life in extreme
  environments.
• EXPLORE
• Students brainstorm things they would need to
  survive on an extended trip into space. They
  choose a habitable planet to crash on.

8

• EXPLAIN
• Students discuss planet choices and why they
  considered them.
• ELABORATE
• Students discuss the habitable zone and factors
  that make a planet habitable.
• EVALUATE
• The teacher collects the Crash Landing! SAS and
  reviews the reasoning behind choices.

9

• TEACHER
• Modify for elementary and middle school levels
• Try not to skip around missing key concepts
• Art connection students create a model of the
  habitable planet

• STUDENT
• Critical thinking required
• Ambiguity-many different answers
• Engaging with multimedia and group work