Glossary

atmosphere – the gaseous material which surrounds a celestial object (like a planet or moon) and is held in place by gravity

meteorites – a meteoroid that reaches the surface of the Earth without being completely vaporized

organic materials - relating to, or coming from living organisms

ovoids – resembling an egg in shape

permafrost - a permanently frozen layer at some depth below the surface in frigid regions of a planet

polar ice caps – regions on planets which normally receive the least direct sunlight; this allows liquid water to freeze and remain as ice

Robot landers – uncrewed probes which land on other planets and moons which are remotely controlled; they allow scientists to safely study these objects without endangering humans

space probes – uncrewed instruments which study celestial objects such as planets and moons close-up and send the collected information back to scientists on Earth

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Content Standard A: Science as Inquiry

• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (K–8)
• Understandings about scientific inquiry (K–8)

Content Standard B: Physical Science

• Properties of objects and materials (K–4)

Content Standard C: Life Science

• Organisms and their environment (K-4)
• Populations and ecosystems (5-8)
• Diversity and adaptations of organisms (5-8)

Content Standard D: Earth and Space Science

• Properties of Earth materials (K-4)
• Earth in the solar system (5-8)

Content Standard E: Science and Technology

• Abilities of technological design (K-8)

Content Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

• Types of resources (K-4)
• Changes in environment (K-4)

International Technology Education Association (ITEA)

Technology and Society

• Standard 7: Students will develop an understanding of the influence of technology on history.

National Health Education Standards (NHES)

Health Education Standard 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks.

• demonstrate strategies to improve or maintain personal health.

National Mathematics Education Standards (NCTM)

Representation

• Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas
• Select, apply, and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems

Communication:

• Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication
• Communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others
• Analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others

U.S. National Geography Standards (NCGE)

• Standard 14: How human actions modify the physical environment
• Standard 15: How physical systems affect human systems
• Standard 18: How to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future.

National Language Arts Standards (NCTE)

• Standard 1: Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• Standard 4: Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• Standard 8: Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• Standard 12: Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).