Venus, the Hottest Planet in the Solar System

What makes Venus such an extreme, forbidding world? You’ll find out as you explore the planet that has been called Earth’s Twin as well as the Evening Star. 

In this class, students will be taken on a tour of the extreme, intense and forbidding world that is Venus. They will learn about what makes Venus the hottest planet in the Solar System as well as what dangers exist when it comes to exploring this planet and how Venus has demolished every probe that has landed on its surface as well as the future of exploration missions there. They will hear about the different surface features on the planet, such as Maxwell Montes, Venus’s largest mountain as well as the oddly shaped volcanoes that are there; Venus has tens of thousands of volcanoes. Students who explore this monstrous planet will even hear about how and why it only has a few craters on its surface. Furthermore, they will even hear about how, in spite all of the things that make it impossible to dwell on Venus, it is possible that life could exist on Venus in the upper atmosphere.

I will begin with a warmup that will help get students interested in Venus. Then there will be a presentation on Venus which discusses specifics about the atmosphere, temperatures, surface as well as the history of exploration of Venus. After the presentation, they will have a chance to do a student activity in which they come up with ideas on how to best create a mission that will withstand the hostile conditions of the planet. A slide show with pictures of Venus will make the tour come alive for those exploring this incredible planet.

Students will be able to ask questions and give comments about Venus during the class. Participation is always welcome in the class.

Students are encouraged to bring their love of space and astronomy as well as a desire to learn about the hottest planet in the Solar System to the class.