Exploring the Universe Video Worksheet

Introduction

There have been hundreds of missions to space, both manned and unmanned. These missions
have provided valuable insights into the universe and our place in it. In addition, advances in
technology and communication for space travel have changed how we live and communicate
globally. For this activity, you will view two videos about space exploration and technology: The
Exploration of Mars and Radio Telescopes. Answer the reflection questions for each video.
Procedures:
1. Watch the videos: The Exploration of Mars and Radio Telescopes.
2. Answer the reflection questions for each video.

3. Some reflection questions ask you to research using internet resources. Be sure to cite
the source of your research.

4. Use your own words when responding to the reflection questions.

Reflection Questions- Video 1

1. Compare the Viking 1 and 2 probes to the Pathfinder probe that landed on Mars in 1997.
How was their technology different?
2. Mariner 4 and 9 and Viking 1 and 2 probes needed enhanced cameras and wireless
communication equipment to take images of Mars's surface and send them back to
Earth. According to the video, how did improving our technology lead to new discoveries
about Mars?

3. Using internet resources, describe how advances in imaging and wireless

communication for space exploration have led to changes in imaging devices and
communication on Earth.

4. Mars Odyssey and Mars Express required spectrometric equipment that could analyze
Mars's atmosphere and surface composition and temperatures. Using internet
resources, describe some home or business technologies that use spectrometric
equipment to analyze atmosphere or temperature.

5. Using internet resources, research one space probe described in the video. Describe its
goals and justify its purpose by explaining how it helped advance our understanding of
the universe.

Reflection Questions- Video 2

1. What are radio waves?
2. Describe how radio telescopes function.

3. What are the advantages of using a radio telescope instead of a reflecting or refracting
telescope?

4. Using internet resources, describe the ways radio waves are used on Earth.
5. How do radio telescopes help advance our knowledge of our universe?