Unit 2 Assignments

Assignment 2.1
1.

What are terrestrial planets? What are their distinguishing characteristics?

Terrestrial planets are the rocky planets closest to the son.

2.

Describe how the phases of the moon occur.

By the sun illuminating the moon from different angles.

Assignment 2.2
1.

After studying this lesson and understanding the features of different planets
and
their satellites write a page about your assessment on the
possibility of life on
other planets.
I believe that life on other planets is not only possible, but incredibly likely.
The factors that come into play are how we define life, and if we are
limiting our question to our own galaxy, or expanding into the neighboring
galaxies any beyond. As we know, the Mars rover has recently found evidence
of water and other organic matter, which leads us to believe that even if there
isnt life on Mars now, there easily could have been in the past. Another
possibility is that in the future, Mars may be able to foster life given the right
circumstances. Looking forward from just our neighbor, it can be argued that
its ignorant to assume in such a huge universe, we are the only life that could
ever exist. Compared to the immeasurable size of the universe, Earth makes
up practically zero percent. A good comparison may be that an atom is to
Earth, as Earth is to the universe. Just statistically, I dont believe we could be
the only intelligent life out there, and as far as we know, we could be mere
children (or even infants!) compared to some unknown race out hidden deep
in the universe.

2.

Pluto is not considered to be a planet. Discuss some of the reasons that led to this
decision. In your opinion should Pluto be regarded as a planet? Give reasons for
your answer.
I believe Pluto should be considered a planet again, if only for
consistency sake. It is strange that after being classified as a planet for so long, scientists
wanted to reclassify what a planet is and what a planet is not. On one hand, science must
be willing to bend and change and be placed under scrutiny, but it is strange nonetheless
how random the classification seemed to be. That being said, I may just be stubborn and
resistant to change!

Assignment 2.3
1.

Explain why lunar eclipse does not occur every month when the earth comes
between the sun and the moon.
Because the Earth and Moon have different orbits, and for there to be an
eclipse, the two orbits must overlap.

2.
3.

Describe using illustrations how the constant inclination of the earths axis
produces the seasonal changes throughout the year.
What are parallels and meridians. Explain how you will use them to locate a
position on the earth.

Parallels and meridians refer to latitude and longitude, which is the coordinate
system we can use to find anything on the planet. The latitude tells us the vertical
orientation on the plane, while the longitude tells us the horizontal. We can combine these
to make a grid and locate anything we need to locate.
4. At what phase of the moon is a solar eclipse likely to occur?
The new moon is the most likely phase that a solar eclipse would be to occur.
*Complete this assignment and upload it into the Assignment Folder
Grading Rubric
1. Answering al the questions in sufficient depth and using correct full sentences
10 points
Skills assessed
1. Quantitative reasoning (QR)
2. Technology/Information management (TIM)
3. Communication (COM)