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Venus Unveiled
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
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Many of the scientists featured in this program have spent years
studying Venus based on information about the planet gathered by
astronomers and spacecraft using analogies to geologic and
atmospheric processes that occur on Earth. The program presents
how many of their theories were disproved as new data became
available. Have students record some of these theories, focusing
on the challenge of applying Earth-based processes to the study
of a different planet. What do students think are some of the
benefits or reasons for studying other planets? How can
information about other planets help people better understand
Earth?
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the greenhouse effect. Ask students what they know about the
greenhouse effect. What atmospheric conditions cause it? What
predictions have they heard about the greenhouse effect on
Earth? As they watch the program, have students watch for
references to the greenhouse effect and its causes.
After Watching
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Review some of the theories about Venus presented and later
disproved in the program. What evidence did scientists use to
develop these theories? What evidence indicated that the
theories were inaccurate? How did the scientists' understanding
of Earth's geology and atmosphere contribute to their
understanding of the geologic and atmospheric systems on Venus?
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The debate that emerges from this program demonstrates one of
the challenging aspects of science: The same data can be
interpreted to support different conclusions. Discuss this
scientific debate with the students. What are some of the issues
that contribute to the disagreement among the scientists? What
reasons do different scientists have for standing by their
conclusions or changing their ideas? How might scientists' bias
or interests affect their interpretations?
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