Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL1

Saturn

Educational Product

Educators Grades 5–8

EG-1999-12-008-JPL

T E A C H E R RE S O U R C E S

A N D S T U D E N T L E S S O N S

I N S PA C E SC I E N C E

(Sugge s t ed Grade s 5–8)

E D U C A T O R G U I D E

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL2

How to Use the Guide

OverviewThe Saturn Educator Guide consists of three

major sections — Lessons, Enrichments, and

Appendices. There are six standards-based lessons,

all grounded in constructivist learning theory.

We recommend that you do Lesson 1 — TheSaturn System — before any of the others. To

prepare for each lesson, review Background for

Lesson Discussion at the beginning of each lesson;

Appendix 1, Questions & Answers (101 well-

organized questions posed as students would

ask them); and Appendix 2, Glossary (over 90

technical terms). Use the Enrichments to enliven

your teaching with relevant references to art,

language, and mythology. To extend your class-

room activities, see Appendix 3, Observing Saturnin the Sky; Appendix 4, The Electromagnetic Spec-

trum; Appendix 5, Resources.

Lesson DesignThe first page of each lesson lists the topics, ac-tivities, standards, time required, prerequisitestudent skills, and equipment and materialsneeded. The second page — Background forLesson Discussion — provides important infor-mation for the teacher. (See Lesson Summariesfor a brief description of all the lessons.) Whilethe lessons are focused on science standards forgrades 5 though 8, they may be tailored tohigher and lower grade levels.

The lessons are designed to reflect the ideals ofconstructivist learning theory. Students’ priorknowledge, whether or not it is accurate, is thefoundation of their learning. Therefore, it is criti-cal for teachers to find out what students already“know” so that misconceptions can be addressed.In the learning process, students construct newmeaning through their experiences. Challengingstudents’ understanding allows them to buildknowledge and understanding of the new con-

cepts. Students must be assessed authenticallywithin the context of their learning and havean opportunity to reflect on what they havelearned.

Each lesson is divided into four parts:

Part I explores the students’ understanding of

the fundamental concept of the lesson. Head-

ings give the teacher a quick reference about

the focus of the lesson.

Part II challenges the students to make con-nections between the concept being exploredin Part I and either Saturn or the Cassini–Huygens mission. Students’ preconceptions arechallenged through hands-on activities, prob-lem solving, or design projects. As studentscomplete the activity, the teacher guides themto focus on what they learned as a result oftheir experience.

Part III offers an assessment activity for thelesson. Modeling and demonstration of theactivity are built into each lesson prior to theassessment. Criteria for assessing the students’responses are included. Teachers may want tocreate rubrics or otherwise quantify the criteriaaccording to their particular students or teach-ing situation.

Part IV provides questions for reflection,which can be used for closure to the lesson,journal responses, or discussion prompts. Theycan also be used for individual assessment.

Note — for the sake of simplicity and conve-nience, in Lessons 1–6 and Enrichments 1–4,the materials a teacher must reproduce havebeen generically identified as numbered “fig-ures,” which may be conventional figures, il-lustrations, tables, and so forth. All such fig-ures follow each “Materials” divider page at theend of the lesson or discussion.

ii

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL3

Noteto the

Teacher

LessonTheme,

Number,& Name

TimeRequired

LessonOverview

ContentStandards

ItemsNeededfor theLesson

StudentSkills

(Varies withgrade level)

CommonQuestions

iii

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL4

ESTIMATED TIME LESSON TITLE CONTENT STANDARDS LESSON DESCRIPTION

Unifying Concepts and Processes•Systems, order, and organization

Earth and Space Science•Earth in the Solar System

Unifying Concepts and Processes•Systems, order, and organization

Science as Inquiry• Abilities necessary to doscientific inquiry

Earth and Space Science•Earth in the Solar System

Science as Inquiry•Abilities necessary to doscientific inquiry

Physical Science•Motion and forces

Earth and Space Science•Earth in the Solar System

History and Nature of Science•Science as a human endeavor•History of science

Science and Technology•Understandings about scienceand technology

Students learn the basic con-cept of a system and workwith a scale model of theSaturn system.

Students use data on the18 moons known to be or-biting in the Saturn systemto discover patterns and im-portant relationships be-tween physical quantitiesin a planet–moon system.

Students explore the funda-mental force of gravity andhow it acts to keep objectslike moons and ring particlesin orbit.

Students examine how scien-tists throughout human his-tory have explored Saturn.They learn how scientificknowledge evolves and howtechnology has improved ourability to solve Saturn’smysteries.

1) The Saturn System

2) Saturn’s Moons

3) Moons, Rings, andRelationships

4) History of SaturnDiscoveries

Unifying Concepts and Processes• Form and function

Science and Technology•Abilities of technologicaldesign

Students explore the capabili-ties of a robot like the Cassinispacecraft. They compare itsrobotic functions to humanfunctions.

Students use a diverse collec-tion of profiles of people whowork on the Cassini missionto learn about science as ahuman endeavor, and to re-flect on their own career goals.

5) The Cassini Robot

6) People of theCassini Team

G E T T I N G T O K N O W S A T U R N

T H E C A S S I N I – H U Y G E N S M I S S I O N

Varies by grades

3 hrs

3 hrs

3– 4 hrs

3 hrs

3–4 hrs

1.5–2 hrs

Lesson Summaries

History and Nature of Science•Science as a humanendeavor

Science in Personal and SocialPerspectives

• Science and technology insociety

iv

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL5

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

LessonsG E T T I N G T O K N O W S A T U R N

1 The Saturn System 1

2 Saturn’s Moons 31

3 Moons, Rings, and Relationships 65

4 History of Saturn Discoveries 95

T H E C A S S I N I – H U Y G E N S M I S S I O N

5 The Cassini Robot 121

6 People of the Cassini Team 143

EnrichmentsC U L T U R A L C O N N E C T I O N S — A R T ,

L A N G U A G E , M Y T H O L O G Y

1 Searching for Saturn 189

2 Saturn Puzzles 199

3 Saturn Poetry 207

4 Mythology of Saturn 219

Appendices

1 Questions & Answers 225

2 Glossary 265

3 Observing Saturn in the Sky 273

4 The Electromagnetic Spectrum 277

5 Resources 279

Contents

v

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL6vi

National Aeronautics andSpace Administration

Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadena, California

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technologyis the nation’s lead center for the robotic exploration of space. The Cassini–Huygens mission to Saturn and Titan is managed by JPL for the NationalAeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The Saturn Educator Guide was produced in collaboration with the SpaceScience Institute (SSI), a nonprofit corporation located in Boulder, Colorado,where researchers and educators work together to expand knowledge of thespace sciences and communicate that knowledge to the public.

SSI also manages the Western Region Education and Outreach Broker/Facilitator Program for NASA’s Office of Space Science (OSS). This programis responsible for assisting the space science community (including existing andproposed space exploration projects and research programs) in identifying andimplementing high-leverage partnerships with education and public outreach(E/PO) organizations.

The Education and Outreach Broker/Facilitator Program is a key element ofthe Space Science Education and Public Outreach “Ecosystem.” The othermain element of the Ecosystem is the set of four NASA/OSS educationForums, which consists of four national centers for space science educationand outreach. The Forums provide education and public outreach support forspace exploration missions and research programs that are within the fourOSS scientific theme areas:

Astronomical Search for Origins and Planetary SystemsSolar System ExplorationStructure and Evolution of the UniverseSun–Earth Connection

To learn more about SSI and the NASA/OSS Space Science Education andPublic Outreach strategy, visit the following websites:

http://www.spacescience.org/http://spacescience.nasa.gov/education/ecosystem.htm

JPL 400-864 12/99

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL7

The Cassini spacecraft’s 4-year scientific tourof gigantic Saturn and its 18 presently knownmoons will reveal new beauty, richness, andinsights on behalf of all humankind. Cassiniwas launched in October 1997 and will arriveat the Saturn system in 2004. The SaturnEducator Guide calls upon teachers andstudents of widely varying interests to comealong on this extraordinary journey. You areinvited to explore the role Saturn has playedin our culture over time and across the diverseoceans of human interest. The Guide is theproduct of a collaborative venture amongscientists, engineers, teachers, and educationresearchers. We hope we have synthesized thecutting edge of science, the cutting edge ofeducational research, and practicality of usein the classroom.

The Guide includes opportunities to use thecontexts of Saturn and the Cassini–Huygensmission to enrich your curricular units inscience. The lessons are grounded in the Na-tional Science Education Standards andconstructivist learning theory, as well as en-hanced by the excitement of real-life spacescience and engineering. The Guide also offers

highlights of the interconnections betweenSaturn and other areas of human endeavor,such as art, language, history, and mythology.We hope this unique blend will enable agrander diversity of learners to share andbenefit from the excitement of Cassini–Huygens mission discoveries.

The international Cassini–Huygens missionis an exciting culmination of centuries ofhuman interest in Saturn. The mission willno doubt resolve some of the most intriguingmysteries of the Saturn system, and perhapseven provide insight into how our own SolarSystem was formed. The mission team willreceive electronic signals from the spacecraftthat our computers will interpret to produceartful images for us all to explore and enjoy,of scenes never before observed by humaneyes as Cassini extends our earthly senses toworlds that are a billion miles away. Mean-while, in keeping with the nature of thescientific enterprise, the mission’s investiga-tions will raise many new questions. You mayrest assured that there will be many compel-ling mysteries left for the Saturn explorers ofthe future!

One of the most remarkable gifts of being human is the ability to experience the

beauty, the richness, and the insights that accompany the fields of literature, art, music,

architecture, and the sciences. Indeed, these areas of human endeavor are like vast oceans

that meet and mingle in many places. Several streams of interconnection between math-

ematics and music, or between art and architecture, are well known, but there are yet new

voyages that lead us from the currents in one ocean to those in another. NASA’s Cassini–

Huygens mission to the magnificent ringed planet Saturn is such a voyage.

vii

Dear Fellow Educators:

— The Cassini Education Outreach and Guide Development Teams

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL8viii

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL9

Managing EditorsStephen J. Edberg

Jet Propulsion LaboratoryLori L. Paul

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Development TeamCherilynn Morrow

Space Science InstituteCarrie Duits

University of ColoradoCharles Kohlhase

Jet Propulsion Laboratory,Ellis Miner

Jet Propulsion LaboratoryMelody Randall

Nederland ElementaryRandy Sachter

Nederland ElementaryTim Weston

University of Colorado

Publication TeamDavid HinkleAdriane JachElsa KingMarilyn MorganAudrey RiethleEd Sewall

ContributorsCalvin J. Hamilton

Los Alamos National LaboratorySteve Mercer

Mercer CommunicationsGlenn R. Miller

Griffith ObservatoryCraig E. Peterson

Jet Propulsion LaboratoryLadislav Roth

Jet Propulsion LaboratoryDavid Seal

Jet Propulsion LaboratoryVictoria Gay Simmons

UCLAGeoffrey Skelton

University of ColoradoCary Sneider

Lawrence Hall of ScienceLinda J. Spilker

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Acknowledgments

Henry ThroopUniversity of Colorado

Gregory VogtNASA Johnson Space Center

Special ThanksJet Propulsion LaboratoryCindy Alarcon-RiveraJose AlonsoSuzanne BarberGilbert A. ClarkGary G. CoyleMona DelitskyRoger E. DiehlDavid F. DoodyTerri FormicoHenry B. GarrettEdward H. KonefatShannon L. McConnellJoseph E. RiedelGerardo RiveraDavid M. SeidelRichard E. Shope IIIPatricia L. SmithAnita SohusDavid SpencerRobert L. StaehleGaston (Gus) TaixBrad WallisKatherine D. Wilde

Space Science InstituteElizabeth CantrellPaul DusenberyDenali FlewellingJaime HaroldTyler PerkinsSusan SolariColette WilklowCarl Wuth

Adams 12 Five-Star School DistrictDavid Abbott

Horizons Alternative Valley School DistrictLuisa Barattin

IMSS - FirenzeJacy Berger

Angevine Middle School

ix

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL10x

Special Thanks (continued)

Mary ByrdAdobe Systems

Richard DreiserYerkes Observatory

Ann DruyanMatt Finnigan

University of ColoradoAndy Fraknoi

Foothills CollegeSheryl Freeman

Boulder High SchoolMichael Fuchs

Boulder High SchoolJim Getson

Mike’s Camera of Boulder, COCheryl Gundy

Space Telescope Science InstituteWilliam K. Hartmann

Planetary Sciences InstituteHelen Horstman

Lowell ObservatoryTim Jones

McDonald ObservatoryJohn Kendall

Mid-Continent Regional Education LaboratoryHub Kockelkorn

Museon, Le HagueKathy Kurth

University of IowaClaudine Laurent

Paris ObservatoryMike Leaves

Gart SportsJohn Osborn

Forecast Systems LaboratoryKerry OssenkopDonald Osterbrock

Lick ObservatoryFranca Principe

IMSS - FirenzeDorothy Schaumberg

Lick ObservatoryNick Schneider

University of ColoradoMark Showalter

NASA Ames Research CenterJohn Sutton

Mid-Continent RegionalEducation Laboratory

Cindi Vita VogelAssistant to Ann Druyan

ReviewersJanet Edberg

Los Angeles County Office of EducationLeslie Naples

Toland Way Elementary School, Eagle Rock, CARichard E. Shope III

Jet Propulsion LaboratorySusan Singer

Toland Way Elementary School, Eagle Rock, CA

Field Test Version ReviewersEdna DeVore

SETI InstituteRamon Lopez

American Physical SocietySteve Pompea

Pompea & AssociatesCary Sneider

Lawrence Hall of ScienceNiescja Turner

University of ColoradoMary Urquhart

University of Colorado

Field Test Version TestersSandra Adams*

Northridge Elementary, Longmont, COPat Beck

Rishel Middle School, Denver, COCyndie Bleskan

Place Middle School, Denver, COArlene Blewitt

Niwot Elementary, Niwot, COSharon Burke

Annunciation School, Denver, COPat Carpenter,

Thornton, CODiane Connolly*

Van Arsdale Elementary, Arvada, COElaine Duddon

Ft. Logan Mental Hospital School,Denver, CO

Nancy FortranCentral Lakewood Treatment Center,Lakewood, CO

Phil FosterRishel Middle School, Denver, CO

Pam GambleHill Middle School, Denver, CO

Jean HarperCentral School, Longmont, CO

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL11

Questionnaire RespondentsUnited StatesDiana Barnhart, Los Osos, CABarbara S. Berka, Worcester, MAP. Birchley, Rausgate, CTGreg Carlyle, Philadelphia, MSCollette Craig, Reno, NVThomas Estill, Lyme, NHAlice GiamussoSylvia Gutman, Wildomar, CAJoyce Harris, Marshall, VAMary Ellen Hervey, Glenns Ferry, IDPat Hirst, Marshall, VASusan Hurstcalderone, Washington, DCChelen Johnson, Minneapolis, MNDeborah Johnson, Eola, ILSusan Johnson, Dublin, GAEvelyn Katuna, Charleston, SCJeffrey Kilmer, Seville, OHMellie Lewis, Columbia, MDCraig L. Martin, Aiken, SCTim McCollum, Charleston, ILFrank Mills, Lake Villa, ILKevin Piper, Longmont, COTeri Powell, Boise, IDRuth Ramer, Lakewood, CODeborah Regal, Upsilanti, MIMaria Savaiano, St. Louis Park, MNShirley Schy, Coravallis, ORC.M. Selin, Geneva, ILPatrick Sternal, Pasadena, CATerie-Lynn Storar, Bakersfield, CAKathy Thompson, Riverside, CARod Thompson, Mentor, OHDan Tristan, Homedale, IDRobert Waller, Social Circle, GAMary Wysocki, Colby, WI

InternationalKate Doolan, AustraliaBruce Dunn, Vancouver, CanadaIlles Endrene, HungaryDave Hansen, Ottawa, CanadaPatrik Homan, Falkenberg, SwedenTibor Juhasz, Zalaegerszeg, HungaryBruno Keller, Hackborn, SwitzerlandPhill Parker, Lyme Staffordshire, EnglandAbdelhafid Sabri, AlgeriaPeter Stemmler, Wiesbaden, Germany

xi

Mac Harris*Abner Baker Middle School, Ft. Morgan, CO

Sharon HenryHamilton Middle School, Denver,CO

Margaret McCarty*Evergreen High School, Evergreen, CO

Marty McCuenAurora Hills Middle School, Aurora, CO

Melinda McElroy*Central School, Longmont, CO

Jeannie Mclaughlin*Central School, Longmont, CO

Paula MooreLogan Mental Hospital School, Denver, CO

Michelle PearsonGove Middle School, Denver, CO

Elmer RomeroHamilton Middle School, Denver, CO

Keith Schaffer*Gove Middle School, Denver, CO

Tammy SchneiderRanum High School, Westminster, CO

Nancy Sublette-Brown*Thornton Middle School,Thornton, CO

Sandy TarantinoSemper Elementary School, Golden, CO

Jennifer TeetsRosehill Elementary, Golden, CO

Charlotte TodescoJFK High School, Lakewood, CO

Ali Van Vooren*Thornton Middle School, Thornton, CO

David WhiteDenver, CO

Cheryl WildermanAurora, CO

Enid WillsonHamilton Middle School, Denver, CO

* Educators observed by the evaluator in the classroomas they conducted the Guide’s lessons.

The preceding persons and institutions contributed to theproduction of this educator guide; however, any errors inthis publication are the responsibility of the managing editors.

Saturn Educator Guide • Cassini Program website — http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/educatorguide • EG-1999-12-008-JPL12xii