After developing an understanding of the origin of the solar system, you will explore in detail the evolution of the terrestrial planets. You will be most involved in exploring the evolution of their atmospheres and their tectonic past and present. Enjoy!!!
Complete
each of the Learning Objectives and the Learning Activities Associated with
them. To access the Learning Activities for each objective, click on the link(s)
associated with each objective. You should complete the objectives in the order
in which they are listed.
- Be able to describe the different types of "solar systems" and efforts to locate other planetary systems.
- Be able to describe how planetary systems are discovered .
- Be able to describe the basic properties of the solar system.
- Be able to contrast the properties of the jovian and terrestrial planets.
- Be able to summarize the solar nebular hypothesis of the origin of the solar system.
- Be able to summarize the theory behind radiometric dating and how it can be used to detemine the age of the solar system.
- Be able to calculate the age of a substance using the principles of radiometric dating.
- Be able to summarize the basic assumptions behind radiometric dating.
- Be able to contrast the atmospheres of the Jovians and the Terrestrials.
- Be able to summarize the factors that are important in the evolution of planetary atmospheres.
- Be able compare and contrast the atmospheres of the terrestrial planets. Be able to explain in what way the Earth's atmosphere is unique among those of the terrestrials and the factors that contributed to its uniqueness.
- Be able to summarize the theory of plate tectonics. Be able to state the significance of the following terms: subduction, sea-floor spreading, divergent plate boundary, convergent plate boundary, trench, mid-ocean ridge, San Andreas fault, convection, lithosphere and asthenosphere
- Be able to compare and contrast the tectonic processes (past and present) on the terrestrial planets. Also be able to compare and contrast the tectonic landforms on the terrestrial planets.
- Be able to compare and contrast surface processes on the four terrestrial planets.
- Be able to describe how extraterrestrial processes have helped to shape terrestrial planets.
Submit
the Unit Homework. There is unit homework that must be submitted by the
deadline posted in the calendar in the Communications Center. Instructions for
submitting the homework are provided in the objectives for the unit.
Participate
in the Unit Discussion Board Discussions: Participation
in discussion board discussions is graded. You will be graded on the quality
of your participation. A maximum of 30 points per unit can be earned. Discussion
topics are included in each unit. Click on the Unit Discussions link at the
top of any unit page to access the topics and instructions on how to post your
response. The instructions for posting to the discussion questions are located
in the How To.... section of the Communications Center.
Take
the Practice Quiz and Review the Answers. At the top of every page
in the unit is a menu with a link to the Practice Quiz for the Unit. It is ungraded
but will help you determine if you understand the material that will be tested.
Be
Prepared to Write a 20 Point Essay on the Topic Below. Guidelines on
how I grade an essay are available in the How To section in the Communications
Center.
Using concepts learned in this unit, be able to write a 20 point essay comparing OR contrasting either atmospheric OR tectonic processes on the Earth and one of the other terrestrial planets. Note: You should decide whether your essay will be an essay of comparison or contrast and whether the topic will deal with atmospheric OR tectonic processes. Remember to discuss both the Earth and the terrestrial planet of your choice with regard to either plate tectonics or their atmospheres. It will not suffice to discuss only one of the two planets.
Complete
the Unit Exam. The deadline for this unit is provided in the calendar
in the Communications Center.
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