Mercury: Closest Planet to the Sun

Students will be taught in detail about the planet, Mercury. Topics that will be covered include the geography, geology, history of exploration and facts about Mercury. Students will learn about why Mercury is a moonless planet as well as some interesting phenomena that occur on Mercury, such as double sunrises and sunsets as well as planetary transits. As we explore the surface, students will discover incredible places, such as the Caloris Basin as well as what a crater ray is and which craters have them.

The class will begin with a warmup. Then students will be taken on a grand tour of Mercury. After the grand tour, they will plan the next big mission to Mercury. Students will get to decide certain details of the mission, such as whether it will be an orbital mission or one where a probe lands on the surface. If the probe is to land, students will choose a place to land on as well as what their goals are for the mission.

Students will be able to interact with me during the warmup, presentation, and student activity. They will be able to send chat messages to me and to raise their hand and wait to be called on before speaking audibly. They will also be able to discuss details about the planet, Mercury, with me and with each other.

Students are encouraged to bring a love of astronomy and space as well as a desire to learn about Mercury, the smallest planet in the Solar System.