About this resource
The lesson explores what it takes for there to be long-term survival on Mars, getting students to think not only about the basic necessities of life but also about the limitations and availability of different kinds of technology and equipment we have today. The basis of this lesson comes from an older PowerPoint draft of Glenn Lightsey's for his Hot Science – Cool Talks presentation. In this older draft, he would have discussed how various components of being able to live out in Mars would necessitate various other tools being sent out into space prior to human arrival on Mars. Some points that would be addressed is how different it is for us, currently, to travel to the moon verses traveling to any planet: how there must be a large supply of consumables and energy for humans to be able to live and work/study productively on Mars and how going out into space brings much more health concerns to the forefront that otherwise are minimal concerns on a short trip to Moon. Students work together to solve this challenge.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Engineering/Problem Solving/Creativity/Critical Thinking/Collaboration
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s):
III. COLLABORATE Work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and work toward common goals. A. Think - Learners identify collaborative opportunities by: 1. Demonstrating their desire to broaden and deepen understandings. 2. Developing new understandings through engagement in a learning group. 3. Deciding to solve problems informed by group interaction.
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard:
MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
What students will do
- Students will identify five-ten challenges to survival on Mars.
- Students will work in groups to brainstorm at least two potential solutions for their chosen challenge.
- Each group will select the best solution for their challenge and determine what is needed to bring that solution to reality.
Resources Needed
Books about Mars and Earth, Internet access and computers, (per group) poster paper, colored pencils, markers, list of curated resources found here: Mars Survival Resources
Lesson sequence & procedures
Learning Goals: Teachers/librarians use the 5E lesson method to:
- List the different human needs to enable life in space
- Contrast characteristics of Earth and Mars
- Explain how the spaceship needs to provide all the living needs Mars does not provide
- Elaborate on how the problem of gravity is solved in making a space landing
Modifications for all Learners: All students are provided with written and verbal directions to complete the activity. All students have access to text, images, videos, and closed captioning.
How learning is assessed
- Students have identified five-ten challenges to survival on Mars.
- Each student group has brainstormed at least two potential solutions to their challenge.
- Each group has selected its "best" solution and identified what imust be done to bring that solution to reality.