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Life on Moons: Europa

In Life on Moons: Europa, Professor Brian Cox explains how the geological discoveries on faraway moons have impacted what scientists think about them. Then he visits an ice cave in Iceland to discuss how the ice cave can teach us about Europa, Jupiter’s moon. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Planets, a series that explores the dramatic lives of the eight planets in our Solar System.
Video Details
Grades:
6-89-12
Program:
The Planets
Time:
4:43
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Life Science

Lesson Express

Q: Where are scientists looking to learn more about the first living things and where life generated?
A: They are looking in thermal vents and rocks.

Q: What have scientists learned about Europa?
A: They learned that Europa has salt water, ice, and geological activity.

Q: What does it mean that the “laws of nature are universal”? What does it mean for scientists?
A: Student responses will vary. Students may talk about how if the laws of nature are universal then we can explore places on Earth to help us understand other places in space.

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