Course Activity

Expanding Universe, Escape and Orbital Velocities

This Course Activity will help you meet these educational goals:

InquiryYou will conduct online research in which you will collect information, make observations, and communicate your results in written form.

21^st Century SkillsYou will employ online tools for research and analysis.

Introduction

The universe is expanding continuously. In the following tasks, you will research this expansion, extrasolar planets, and the different velocities of planets in the solar system.

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Directions and Analysis

Task 1: Extrasolar Planets in the Habitable Zone

Study the extrasolar planet catalog and determine which planets are in the habitable zone and potentially suitable for life.

Type your response here:

Task 2: Expansion of the Universe

We have learned that the universe is expanding. Is it expanding at some particular point? Exactly what is expanding? Write a detailed report.

Type your response here:

Task 3: Escape Velocity

The minimum velocity required for an object to leave Earth's gravity is called escape velocity. Write a detailed report and calculate the escape velocity for all the planets of our solar system and also for the Moon. What do the results imply?

Type your response here:

Task 4: Orbital Velocity

What is an orbital velocity? Calculate the orbital velocity for all the planets in the solar system and also for the moon.

Type your response here:

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Evaluation

Your teacher will use this rubric to evaluate the completeness of your work as well as the clarity of thinking that you exhibit.

Total Points: 100

Task 1: Extrasolar Planets in the Habitable Zone	Task points: 20
studying the extrasolar catalogue and listing the habitable planets	20

Task 2: Expansion of the Universe	Task points: 30
explaining how the universe is expanding and at what point	30