Course Description

Earth, Moon, and Mars (APPEL-EMM)

Audience

This course is for NASA engineers and scientists who are interested in understanding the geological systems and events that shape Earth, and then relating that knowledge to the moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies.

Goal

Most engineering majors in academia are not required to take a course in geology. At NASA, engineers are tasked with exploring our own planet, the moon, and Earth's closest neighbor Mars. Participants will learn how planetary bodies are formed, the kinds of dynamic geologic processes that continue to operate on them today, and theories about their futures. Participants also discover unique geologic properties of the moon and Mars, and the challenges of exploring them with robots and humans.

Learning Methods

This three-day survey course features lectures and interactive classroom discussions. Participants examine the current ideas about the structure, dynamics, and composition of the moon and Mars, using evidence from meteorites, satellite remote sensing, and previous NASA missions (manned and unmanned) to their surfaces. Real rock, mineral, and fossil samples are also used in the classroom to further explain the Earth's geological processes.

Specific Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Debate hypotheses about the formation and history of Earth, the moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies.
• Describe the dynamic systems that continue to shape our planet and how they impact life on Earth, such as energy sources, water availability, climate change, and natural hazards.
• Recognize the forces and influences (such as life) that continue to change Earth, the moon, and Mars.
• Examine geological conditions that humans could face as they continue to explore the moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies.
• Describe how different planetary compositions may affect lunar and Martian vehicles and landing gears.
• Identify potential signatures of ancient life that might still remain on Mars.

Competencies and Technical Areas Addressed

• Formation, history, and composition of Earth, the moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies
• Earth's dynamic geological systems
• Forces and influences that continue to change Earth, the moon, and Mars
• Lunar and Martian geology and their impact on design of exploration vehicles and landing gears
• Science of the solar system
• Searching for life

Online Instruction

View the course lectures online through the National Institute of Aeronautics portal.
https://www.nianet.org/APPEL/login.aspx