About this resource
Students will design the ideal environment you would need to be able to live on Mars. Students will research the conditions on Mars and what it would take to live there. Students will brainstorm how they could change conditions (if possible) or how humans could adjust to the existing conditions to make living there possible. What would be required? How could we adjust? How would we start? This question could be kept simple and thought of as a thinking challenge, or one could choose to go deeper and turn this into a larger research and inquiry project.
Modifications for All Learners: Verbal and written directions should be given. Students can choose to verbally explain their ideas and choices rather than sketch their ideas.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Writing/Critical Thinking
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s):
V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. B. Create - Learners construct new knowledge by: 2. Persisting through self-directed pursuits by tinkering and making.
VI. ENGAGE Demonstrate safe, legal, and ethical creating and sharing of knowledge products independently while engaging in a community of practice and an interconnected world. D. Grow - Learners engage with information to extend personal learning by: 1. Personalizing their use of information and information technologies.
I. INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. A. Think - Learners display curiosity and initiative by: 1. Formulating questions about a personal interest or a curricular topic.
Related STEM Area: Problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard:
MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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.
- Students will select the best solution for their challenge and determine what is needed to bring that solution to reality.
Explore the creative process by thinking critically and experimenting.
Resources Needed
Note-taking materials (whiteboards, chalkboards, pencil & paper), graph paper, computers for research
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 their "best" solution and identified what is needed to bring that solution to reality.