amino acid: A simple molecule that occurs naturally in plant and animal tissues and is the basic building block of proteins.
analytical: (chemistry) A field that focuses on methods of separating materials into parts or elements.
asteroid: A rocky object that orbits around the sun. Most asteroids orbit the region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Astronomers call this region the asteroid belt.
Astronomer: Scientists engaged in research fields that deal with celestial bodies, space, and the physical universe.
atmosphere: An envelope of gas surrounding the Earth, another planet, or the Moon.
chemicals: A substance formed when two or more atoms combine (combine) in a certain proportion and structure. For example, water is a chemical produced when two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom. Its chemical formula is H2O. Chemistry can also be used as an adjective to describe the properties of materials that result from various reactions between different compounds.
DNA: (abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid) A long, double-stranded, helical molecule that is present in most living cells and carries genetic instructions. It is built on a skeleton of phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon atoms. In all living things, from plants and animals to microorganisms, these instructions tell cells which molecules to make.
Power: external influences that can change the motion of objects, move objects closer together, or cause motions or stresses in stationary objects.
Insight: The ability to accurately and deeply understand a situation simply by thinking, rather than deriving solutions through experimentation.
NASA: Abbreviation for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Founded in 1958, this American institution is a leader in stimulating public interest in space research and exploration. It was through NASA that the United States put humans into orbit and eventually on the moon. Research vessels are also being sent to study planets and other celestial bodies in the solar system.
nucleic acid: The genetic material of all life on Earth. Usually exists in the form of DNA and RNA.
orbit: The curved path of a celestial body or spacecraft around a galaxy, star, planet, or moon. A complete orbit around a celestial body.
physicist: A scientist who studies the nature and properties of matter and energy.
raw materials: Natural products and unfinished products used in the manufacture of other things. These range from minerals such as iron, coal and silica to agricultural products such as cotton and oats. May also include processed materials such as wood, gasoline, plastics, solvents, and adhesives.
reflective: An adjective that refers to the property of strongly reflecting light. Such objects can produce strong bright glare when sunlight reflects off of them. Examples of reflective objects include mirrors, smooth metal cans, car windows, glass bottles, ice, snow, and lake surfaces.
danger: The probability or mathematical probability that something bad will happen. For example, exposure to radiation poses a risk of cancer. Or danger, or danger itself. (for example: The cancer risks people faced included drinking water contaminated with radiation and arsenic..)
solar system: The eight major planets and their moons that orbit the sun, as well as smaller celestial bodies in the form of dwarf planets, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.
technology: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry, or the devices, processes, and systems resulting from such efforts.
Source: www.snexplores.org
