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VOYAGE TO MARS
In Earth years, it is 2076. A Voyage to Mars has brought the latest human crew into Martian orbit. Control of the incoming flight has been transferred to Mars Control at Chryse Station. The crew arriving from Earth on the Mars Transport Vehicle has been trained to replace the existing crew of astronauts, which has manned Mars Control for the past two years. After arriving on the Martian surface, the team will collect and analyze planetary samples and data. This information is vital to scientists and explorers for a better understanding of Mars.
These lessons will help you to prepare your students for their exciting mission to space. All free downloadable lessons are in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or zip format.
Rover Navigation (510 KB)
Students will guide a Mars rover through the Martian terrain (class maze). Instructions will not be continuous, but given in time-delayed intervals.
Choose Your Words Wisely (505 KB)
Science
A team of hikers has been investigating the Martian landscape for several hours. The hikers radio in a distress call reporting that their Guidance System) has malfunctioned, and they are disoriented. The Control team is charged with returning the crew safely to Mars Base. The communication system is malfunctioning limiting instructions to 3 words maximum.
Earth Museum (326 KB)
Mathematics, Science
In this activity, students will analyze characteristics of artifacts to plan an exhibit about Earth to go in a museum on Mars.
Hydroponics (510 KB)
Science, Mathematics
Why are scientists experimenting with hydroponics to grow plants in space?
Mars Geologic Mapping (510 KB)
National Science Education Standard D3
How can we determine the geologic history of Mars?
Mars Mania (510 KB)
Science
On Day One, students will become familiar with facts about Mars. On Day Two, students draw upon their knowledge from the previous day to answer questions.
Mars Pre-activity Thinking Web (510 KB)
Why visit Mars? What would you need to bring on a long visit to Mars?
Mission Meals (510 KB)
Science, Mathematics
Why is dehydration used to prepare some foods for space travel?
Nanocritters (510 KB)
Science
In groups or as individuals, students will use their knowledge of the current Martian climate and of the basic conditions necessary for life to develop a model of a nanocritter able to survive the harsh environment of Mars.
Navigating a Spacecraft (510 KB)
National Science Education Standard A1
What factors need to be considered when planning a mission to and from Mars?
Searching for Signs of Life (510 KB)
National Science Education Standards A1, A2, B3, C1, C3, C5, D3, G1, G2
In this activity, students research suitable criteria for defining the presence of life. They then analyze soil samples in tests similar to the experiments on the Mars Viking Lander in order to determine whether there are any signs of life in the samples.
Spacesuit Design (510 KB)
Science
What specific functions does a spacesuit need to have for a mission to Mars?.
The Meaning of Life (510 KB)
Science
In Part One, students will use research to develop their characteristics for life. The class will combine their ideas in a teacher-guided discussion. In Part Two, they will then use their definition of life to determine whether there is anything alive in three different soil samples.
