In this Grade 6 Earth Science lesson from Chapter 19: Exploring Space, students learn how space exploration benefits society by expanding our understanding of Earth's surface features, impact craters, and atmosphere. Students explore how comparing Earth with other worlds — such as studying impact craters on the Moon and Mercury — helps scientists understand geological processes and Earth's history. The lesson also covers how space technology developed through exploration has practical applications back on Earth.
Section 1
Satellites Monitor Earth from Above
Satellites collect data showing Earth's weather patterns, surface changes, and environmental conditions. This information helps scientists forecast storms, track natural disasters, and monitor environmental changes happening around the globe. Interestingly, do you know Sputnik was the first artificial satellite?
Section 2
Space Technology Transforms Everyday Life
NASA developed technologies for space travel have created valuable spinoffs on Earth, including fire-resistant materials, medical diagnostic tools, water purification systems, and GPS navigation that benefit homes, hospitals, and emergency services.
Section 3
Scientists Compare Planets to Understand Earth
By studying other celestial bodies like Mars and Venus, scientists learn about Earth's atmosphere, surface features, and history. Impact craters, absent on Earth due to weathering, remain visible on planets without water or wind.
Section 4
Researchers Test Plants in Microgravity
Scientists conduct experiments in space, including aboard the International Space Station, to observe how plants grow without Earth’s gravity. These studies reveal surprising growth patterns and help determine if plants could provide food and oxygen for astronauts during long space voyages.
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Section 1
Satellites Monitor Earth from Above
Satellites collect data showing Earth's weather patterns, surface changes, and environmental conditions. This information helps scientists forecast storms, track natural disasters, and monitor environmental changes happening around the globe. Interestingly, do you know Sputnik was the first artificial satellite?
Section 2
Space Technology Transforms Everyday Life
NASA developed technologies for space travel have created valuable spinoffs on Earth, including fire-resistant materials, medical diagnostic tools, water purification systems, and GPS navigation that benefit homes, hospitals, and emergency services.
Section 3
Scientists Compare Planets to Understand Earth
By studying other celestial bodies like Mars and Venus, scientists learn about Earth's atmosphere, surface features, and history. Impact craters, absent on Earth due to weathering, remain visible on planets without water or wind.
Section 4
Researchers Test Plants in Microgravity
Scientists conduct experiments in space, including aboard the International Space Station, to observe how plants grow without Earth’s gravity. These studies reveal surprising growth patterns and help determine if plants could provide food and oxygen for astronauts during long space voyages.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter