This book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of comets. It presents a fascinating survey of the study of comets throughout history, from antiquity to the present day, and includes the most recent discoveries on the exceptional comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake. The authors discuss the role of comets in the formation of our Solar System and describe the links between comets, asteroids and the recently discovered Kuiper-belt objects. The book also includes new insights into the composition and nature of cometary nuclei, with results from the most up-to-date observation techniques. Written in a clear and lively style, and beautifully illustrated, this book will appeal to anyone interested in comets and astronomy, professionals and amateurs alike. It will be of particular interest to students and researchers in astronomy, astrophysics and planetary science, as well as general readers with a good background in physics.
The field of planetary biology and chemical evolution draws together experts in astronomy, paleobiology, biochemistry, and space science who work together to understand the evolution of living systems. This field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules-the origin of life. This volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs-including an ambitious effort centered on Mars-to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years. The book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues: The biogenic elements and their interaction in the interstellar clouds and in solar nebulae. Early planetary environments and the conditions that lead to the origin of life. The evolution of cellular and multicellular life. The search for life outside the solar system. This volume will become required reading for anyone involved in the search for life's beginnings-including exobiologists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, and U.S. space and science policymakers.
Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.
Teach scientific concepts and the inquiry process with self-contained, hands-on lab activities while improving students' critical thinking skills. Students will learn the scientific process and build content knowledge. Teacher Resource CD provides all labs as printable PDFs.
Uncover the M.A.D. (motivated and driven) scientists in K-2 learners through the inquiry process! Teach scientific concepts and the inquiry process through self-contained, hands-on lab activities, while helping learners to improve their critical thinking skills and build content knowledge. This resource teaches learners how to create inquiry notebooks to record their developing science knowledge through writing and drawing. The activities are suitable for all language levels and require minimal prior knowledge. Includes a Teacher Resource CD with PDFs of all labs. This resource is aligned to the interdisciplinary themes from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and supports core concepts of STEM instruction.192 pages + CD
Uncover the M.A.D. (motivated and driven) scientists in learners (grades 6-8) through the inquiry process! Teach scientific concepts and the inquiry process through self-contained, hands-on lab activities, while helping learners to improve their critical thinking skills and build content knowledge. This resource teaches learners how to create inquiry notebooks to record their developing science knowledge through writing and drawing. The activities are suitable for all language levels and require minimal prior knowledge. Includes a Teacher Resource CD with PDFs of all labs. This resource is aligned to the interdisciplinary themes from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and supports core concepts of STEM instruction. 192 pages + CD
Designed to meet the needs of both general readers and students, The Solar System Singles cover all major topics on Earth's solar system as it is understood from the latest perspectives. Each of the 35-45 essays begins with standard, ready-reference information. An ""Overview"" section details basic information about the subject and discusses the main facts about the topic. ""Knowledge Gained/Methods of Study/Applications"" details how the topic is investigated, what scientific knowledge we have accumulated, or the uses of the knowledge we have gained.
"In this new view of the planets, images from NASA and other space agencies reveal how volcanoes, wind, asteroids, and flowing fluids have shaped the entire solar system - and tell us about the history and future of our Earth. Planetology pairs dramatic images of Earth's terrain with the latest, astonishing views of alien surfaces - examining landforms never before seen and highlighting, for the first time, the similarities between Earth and its sister planets." "Using the very best and latest NASA images - including those from the Cassini mission to Saturn and the fleet of spacecraft on and around Mars - Planetology examines the forces that shape the solar system, comparing mountains, craters, volcanoes, glaciers, and other landscapes across its myriad planets and moons."--BOOK JACKET.
Solar System Planets and Exoplanets provides a current viewpoint of planetary systems. The solar system’s planets and exoplanets are addressed in an overview manner, and specific space probe data are used to provide a current state of knowledge of Venus and Mars. Recent Mars data and associated observations are addressed in several chapters. Of particular interest are data that suggest the possibility that life could have existed on the planet’s surface during its past when Mars’ atmosphere was wetter and denser. The search for life on Mars is one of the main objectives of space missions, and it is an ongoing theme of this book. Key to the existence of life is the evolution of the radiation output of the Sun that is discussed and projected into the future. Space probe data related to the Asteroid Belt is also presented. Technological advances in terms of operating aircraft on Mars and propulsion systems provide useful commentary regarding future innovations that will enhance upcoming space missions and the search for life.
