Spectral Feature Analysis of Minerals and Planetary Surfaces in an Introductory Planetary Science Course

Using an ALTA II reflectance spectrometer, the USGS digital spectral library, graphs of planetary spectra, and a few mineral hand samples, one can teach how light can be used to study planets and moons. The author created the hands-on, inquiry-based activity for an undergraduate planetary science co...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of geoscience education 2013-08, Vol.61 (3), p.291-296
Main Author: Urban, Michael J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Behavioral Objectives
College Science
Earth Science
Educational Technology
geoscience education
Graphs
Hands on Science
Inquiry
Laboratory Equipment
Libraries
Light
Majors (Students)
Mineralogy
online data
planetary science
reflectance spectra
Resistance (Psychology)
Science Curriculum
Science Laboratories
Scientists
Software
Space exploration
spectrometers
Spectroscopy
Spectrum analysis
Spreadsheets
Studies
Teaching Methods
Technology Uses in Education
Undergraduate Study
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Using an ALTA II reflectance spectrometer, the USGS digital spectral library, graphs of planetary spectra, and a few mineral hand samples, one can teach how light can be used to study planets and moons. The author created the hands-on, inquiry-based activity for an undergraduate planetary science course consisting of freshman to senior level science majors and nonmajors. The activity follows a guided-inquiry approach that unites lab-based investigation of minerals with online datasets, and enables students to import, configure, graph, analyze, and compare data using spreadsheet software. The activity includes two parts: (1) analysis of mineral hand samples and spectra, and (2) exploration of planetary reflectance spectra. The activity culminates with students using techniques analogous to those employed by planetary scientists to establish rationales for determining compositional information about, and categorizing and identifying, several planetary bodies in the solar system based solely on reflectance spectra.
ISSN:1089-9995
2158-1428
DOI:10.5408/12-293.1