Space is Everywhere from Coursera

You are here! Welcome to Course 4 - Space is Everywhere and the last course of this specialization. You are on the final stretch of this journey to finding your Pathway to Space. The topics of Course 4 span four weeks and nine lessons with 36 learning objectives. This course contains some of my most favorite aha moments in the the entire specialization. I hope that you find them and that they impact you in a positive way. We will discuss how space is communicated through news, art, movies, books, music and more. Space is everywhere in our lives and therefore everyone can be involved in it. So keep up the pace. You can do this. Your reward awaits you, finding your pathway to space.

Week 1 - We will start with Space in Journalism with Paul Daugherty where Paul and I will discuss the importance of communicating science and space matters in an engaging and accurate way. Space and Music, with Dr. Jay Keister, explores role music has had and continues to have in our perceptions of space. Both lessons are eye and ear opening.

Week 2 - This week includes two special discussions centered around art. To bring the wonder of space and the science we do to everyone is best done through art. In the Art of Space, Erin Espelie and I discuss the significance of art as effective tool to inspire those interested in space to pursue and/or question it further. Erin is filmmaker and created a film just for this course. Joby Harris and I discuss the significance of Visualizing Space Exploration in his lesson. Joby uses many tools to bring a space mission to life well before it has even been funded. He explains his process and demonstrates some of his creativity in a interesting demonstration.

Week 3 - In this time of history, movies and tv shows play a large role in the visual entertainment of humans and some animals. However before this medium, writings played that role. In this week's lesson we discuss both. With Scott Millspaugh's lesson on Space Through the Ages, we discuss how space and it's influence on society was captured and communicated over great periods of time. And how some of these beliefs lasted over a thousand years. In Space and Movies, Dr. Ernesto Acevedo Muñoz and I discuss the movie that changed everything when it comes to space as well as those before and after.

Week 4 - The last week of lessons. I purposely put them at the end as I feel they are a fitting way to end to this specialization. In Science Fiction, Dr. William Kuskin and I revisit the concept of Space and Wonder and its influence on our imagination. How the power of imagination generates hope for all that wield it. In One Pathway to Space, I walk you through a journey in rocket history and connect that history to one book that shaped humanity's future in space. And last but not least, we end the course and this specialization with one final goodbye to the crew and the USS Pathway to Space. In addition, I have arranged for a very special VIP transporter. It is truly the end but it is also just the beginning. Enjoy!

What's inside

Syllabus

The Journalism of Space

Chris and Paul Daugherty (CUB) explore the tools of an effective science journalist and discover how their reporting on science influences the politics, policy, and public perception of space. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Space and Music

Chris and Dr. Jay Keister (CUB) perform an examination of the ways we use music to think about space, and space to think about music. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

The Art of Space

Chris and Erin Espelie (CUB) perform an examination of the role of art in space and its influences on our human nature to contribute to the larger understanding of the cosmos and our place in it. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Visualizing Space Exploration

Chris and Joby Harris (JPL) explore, through an artist's perspective, the role art plays in communicating the discoveries and future of space exploration through visualization. [JPL = Jet Propulsion Laboratory]

Space Through the Ages

Chris and Dr. Scott Millspaugh (CUB) explore how humanity made sense of our place in space through the ages. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Space and Movies

Chris and Dr. Ernesto Acevedo-Muñoz (CUB) discuss an overview of how movies transport our minds and alter our perceptions of space. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Science Fiction

Chris and Dr. William Kuskin (CUB) take a look at the role art and science fiction play in shaping and creating new realities and understandings of our world and the cosmos. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

One Pathway to Space

Chris provides you with a real life example of how one book influenced three individuals and forever changed humans from cave dwellers to star explorers.

Specialization Wrap Up

Chris and the USS Pathway to Space Crew reflect on our journey together as we review where we have gone and what we have discovered + a very VIP transporter!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines space in journalism, music, art, and film to demonstrate its relevance to everyone

Provides a background on space in history and literature, demonstrating its influence on society

Uses a variety of media, including videos, readings, and discussions, to engage learners

Offers a comprehensive study of space and its impact on humanity, from the arts to science

Taught by experts in the field, including scientists, artists, and journalists, providing in-depth insights

Provides a strong foundation for beginners interested in space and related fields

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Space is Everywhere with these activities:

Review high school physics and astronomy concepts

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Reviewing these concepts will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

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Read and review 'Pale Blue Dot'

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Reading 'Pale Blue Dot' will provide you with a thought-provoking perspective on space exploration and its significance for humanity.

View Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in... on Amazon

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Practice solving space-related physics problems

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Practicing physics problems will enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles that govern space exploration.

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Five other activities

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Build a model rocket

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Building a model rocket will give you a practical understanding of rocket propulsion and aerodynamics.

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Create a visual representation of space exploration

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Creating a visual representation will help solidify your understanding of space exploration and its impact on society.

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Follow tutorials on space exploration topics

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Following tutorials will provide you with additional knowledge and insights into various space exploration topics.

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Volunteer at a local planetarium or science museum

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Volunteering at a planetarium or museum will provide you with hands-on experience and outreach opportunities.

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Write a report on a current space exploration mission

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Writing a report will help you synthesize and communicate your knowledge of space exploration in a formal setting.

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Career center

Learners who complete Space is Everywhere will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Journalist

A Journalist writes and distributes news to the public. They must be able to effectively communicate their findings, much like an effective science journalist. Journalists may have *Science Journalism* as part of their educational background. They may also specialize in a particular field, such as space journalism. Taking this course may help someone interested in becoming a journalist to develop the skills needed to be an effective science journalist.

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Communications Specialist

Communications Specialists create and manage communications strategies, ensuring their clients present their messages in the most impactful way. They can be employed by a variety of organizations, such as businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. Many communications specialists work in science communications, where they help translate complex scientific information into language that is accessible to the public. The skills and strategies discussed in the *Journalism of Space* lesson can help a communications specialist communicate information from scientists to the public.

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Science Writer

Science writers translate complex scientific concepts into engaging, digestible content for a variety of audiences. *Space and Music* may give some ideas about how to engage audiences in science. *Art of Space* and *Visualizing Space Exploration* introduce concepts that may help create engaging and unforgettable content.

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Space Artist

Space artists use their creativity to bring space exploration and the cosmos to life. They may visualize and create art based on scientific data or create art that is inspired by the beauty and mystery of space. *Space and Music* may help these artists with ideas on how to express the grandeur and complexity of space through sound. *Art of Space* may also help build connections between space artists and potential patrons and collaborators.

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Curator

Curators organize and oversee the care of museum collections, such as art and artifacts. Curators may also design and organize museum exhibitions. Those working in museums that feature art or artifacts regarding space can benefit from the perspectives explored in this course. *The Art of Space*, for example, may provide ideas on how to present space-themed collections that will engage and excite the public.

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Musician

Musicians use their skills in playing instruments to create and perform music. *Space and Music* may inspire musicians to explore new ideas and sounds inspired by the vastness of space.

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Filmmaker

Filmmakers write, direct, and produce films. *Space and Movies* may give aspiring filmmakers ideas on how to incorporate space themes into their work. This course may also give insight on how to effectively share their films and potentially inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts.

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Science Fiction Author

Science fiction authors use their imaginations to create stories set in the future or in other worlds. *Science Fiction* may provide inspiration and new ideas to aspiring science fiction authors. It may also help them think critically about the future of space exploration and how it could impact humanity.

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Science Educator

Science Educators help people learn about science, typically within a classroom setting. *Space Through the Ages* may provide helpful background information on the history of space exploration and scientific thought to aid science educators. *Science Fiction* may inspire educators to use creative, futuristic examples to help teach core scientific concepts.

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Author

Authors write and publish books. *One Pathway to Space* may directly inspire aspiring authors to write science fiction, science fact, or personal accounts about space. *Science Fiction* may also encourage authors to create and explore new and exciting ideas related to space.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. *Space Through the Ages* may be helpful to historians specializing in the history of science or space exploration.

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Poet

Poets write poems, which are pieces of literature that use language in creative ways. *Space and Music* may inspire poets to explore new forms of poetry and create works influenced by the vastness and mystery of space.

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Theme Park Designer

Theme park designers create and design theme parks and other attractions. *Visualizing Space Exploration* may be useful for theme park designers who wish to create space-themed attractions.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the use of land and the development of communities. *Visualizing Space Exploration* may be useful for urban planners who wish to design space-themed parks or other public spaces.

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Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. *Visualizing Space Exploration* may be of interest to architects who wish to design space-themed structures or exhibits.

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