In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Chapter 8: Chapter Challenge.

Reference

Earth’s Location

The Cosmic Distance Scale, NASA
This resource gives an impression of how immense our Universe is by starting with an image of the Earth and then zooming out to the furthest visible reaches of our Universe.

The Formation of Earth’s Solar System

The Origin of the Solar System, Royal Museum Grenwich
Read an outline of different theories for the formation of the solar system.

The Sun’s Influence on the Earth

Climate and Earth's Energy Budget, NASA
An in-depth article on Earth's energy budget.

The Sun’s Composition and Structure

A Look Inside Our Nearest Star!, Montana State University
Find out more about the interior structure of our nearest star. This page features a brief introduction with links to separate pages on different parts of the sun.

The Structure of the Sun, NASA
Read this in-depth description of the Sun’s structure.

How the Sun Compares to Other Stars

What are the main differences between the sun and other stars?, Windows to the Universe
Looks at the factors that cause stars to be different, such as mass, size, temperature, and age.

The Sun and Other Stars, Sun|trek
Compares the intrinsic brightness of the Sun to other stars.

Orbit of the Earth and Moon

Our Restless Tides, NOAA, CO-OPS
Get an explanation of the basic astronomical factors which produce tides and tidal currents.

Lunar Tides,  NASA
Look at how the Earth also has a tidal effect on the Moon.

Ask an Astrophysicist, NASA
How does the Earth's tilt affect the changing of the seasons, and what different angles cause those different seasons?

Precession, NASA
Learn how the north star can change as the Earth wobbles on its axis.

Comets and Asteroids

Hazards: Meteors and Asteroids, NASA
Historical perspective of asteroid impact research and planetary defense strategies.

Asteroids and Comets, National Geographic
Defines asteroids and comets and explains where they are located.

Questions and Answers Regarding Near-Earth Asteroids, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Get some facts about whether asteroids are a risk to people on Earth.

Relative Positions Of Asteroids Near Earth
Examine this map showing asteroids near Earth.

Sample Podcasts

ScienceCasts, NASA
Video podcasts on science related topics.  Each podcast is a few minutes in length.  The audio portion of these podcasts best represent what students should work towards in the chapter challenge.

Hubblecast, The Hubble Space Telescope
Video podcasts showcasing Hubble Telescope research and findings.  Audio portions are good examples of podcasts students should try to create.

Earth Audio and Video Podcasts, NASA
Podcasts on Earth related topics.  Click on images that accompany podcasts for written transcripts.

Universe Audio and Video Podcasts, NASA
Podcasts on Universe related topics.  Click on images that accompany podcasts for written transcripts.

Solar System Audio and Video Podcasts, NASA
Podcasts on solar system related topics. Click on images that accompany podcasts for written transcripts.

Science in Action, BBC
Podcasts on science related topics.