I can see Mars among the stars...
Should we live there?
Developed, in part, under a Connecticut TPQ Grant focused on STEM Education.
The following directions will guide you through the exploration of creating a long-term settlement on Mars. Your teacher will provide you with various tables or charts in which to record your findings. Please work together in your group to gather as much information as possible and use it to reach an appropriate, supported conclusion.
- Learning from Part 1 will be recorded in an observe-wonder-learn or "OWL" chart.
- Learning from Part 2 will be recorded in a summary table called "Table 2."
- Learning from Part 3 will be recorded in a summary table called "Table 3."
OWL Chart for Part 1:
i_can_see_mars_owl_chart_for_part_1.pdf | |
File Size: | 296 kb |
File Type: |
i_can_see_mars_owl_chart_for_part_1.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Part 1: The Issue (Engage)
In the first part of this activity, you will be gathering information from various sources about space exploration, past and present, and conditions on Mars, one of our nearest planetary neighbors. Watch the video, read the articles, and interpret the data to give you background on the possibility of establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars.
Question: To what extent should we pursue establishing a long-term human settlement on Mars?
Historical Perspectives
Video:
Watch the video in order to learn more about the United States initial "space race" to put a man on the Moon. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
President John F. Kennedy Speech at Rice University
(video link):
http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/ricetalk.htm
Article:
Read the text of a speech given by President George W. Bush in regards to exploration of space, returning humans to the moon, and landing the first humans on the planet Mars. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
President George W. Bush Speech (article link): http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf
Current Policy
Policy can change and the focus of resources may change as well. The following link allows you to look at the current U.S. government policy in regards to space exploration and settlements outside of Earth. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
Current U.S. Space Policy Fact Sheet (article link):
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-national-space-policy
Mars Data Sets
Before a mission involving the establishment of a permanent settlement on another planet or moon can be carried out to completion, scientists and engineers must learn about the planet or moon, conditions that will be faced by humans embarking on the mission, and keys for overcoming obstacles and being successful. To begin thinking about establishing long-term human settlements on Mars, an understanding of the conditions on Mars and relationship between Mars and Earth must be reached. Analyze the given graphs and diagrams in order to begin forming conclusions about settling Mars. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
In the first part of this activity, you will be gathering information from various sources about space exploration, past and present, and conditions on Mars, one of our nearest planetary neighbors. Watch the video, read the articles, and interpret the data to give you background on the possibility of establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars.
Question: To what extent should we pursue establishing a long-term human settlement on Mars?
Historical Perspectives
Video:
Watch the video in order to learn more about the United States initial "space race" to put a man on the Moon. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
President John F. Kennedy Speech at Rice University
(video link):
http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/ricetalk.htm
Article:
Read the text of a speech given by President George W. Bush in regards to exploration of space, returning humans to the moon, and landing the first humans on the planet Mars. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
President George W. Bush Speech (article link): http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf
Current Policy
Policy can change and the focus of resources may change as well. The following link allows you to look at the current U.S. government policy in regards to space exploration and settlements outside of Earth. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
Current U.S. Space Policy Fact Sheet (article link):
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-national-space-policy
Mars Data Sets
Before a mission involving the establishment of a permanent settlement on another planet or moon can be carried out to completion, scientists and engineers must learn about the planet or moon, conditions that will be faced by humans embarking on the mission, and keys for overcoming obstacles and being successful. To begin thinking about establishing long-term human settlements on Mars, an understanding of the conditions on Mars and relationship between Mars and Earth must be reached. Analyze the given graphs and diagrams in order to begin forming conclusions about settling Mars. Record your observations and what you wonder about on the "OWL" chart.
Mars Data Set:
To access the data set, please click on the file below.
To access the data set, please click on the file below.
mars_data_set.pdf | |
File Size: | 516 kb |
File Type: |
Part 1 Assessment: The Muddiest Point
Review all that you have learned about exploring and possibly settling on Mars. Based on your observations, what do you wonder about? What have you learned? Complete these sections independently.
After completing the "W" and "L" sections of your "OWL" chart, discuss your "wonder abouts" and "learning" with your group members.
After your discussion, complete the "muddiest point" section of the "OWL" chart page independently. Complete this section by reviewing the information, reflecting on your observations and learning, and then writing what is the most confusing part of your learning so far. Answer these questions: Why do you think this is confusing? Where would you find more information to help clarify your confusion?
Review all that you have learned about exploring and possibly settling on Mars. Based on your observations, what do you wonder about? What have you learned? Complete these sections independently.
After completing the "W" and "L" sections of your "OWL" chart, discuss your "wonder abouts" and "learning" with your group members.
After your discussion, complete the "muddiest point" section of the "OWL" chart page independently. Complete this section by reviewing the information, reflecting on your observations and learning, and then writing what is the most confusing part of your learning so far. Answer these questions: Why do you think this is confusing? Where would you find more information to help clarify your confusion?
Table for Recording Data from Part 2 Investigations:
table_2_investigating_the_issue_design_ideas_and_hypothesis.pdf | |
File Size: | 399 kb |
File Type: |
table_2_investigating_the_issue_design_ideas_and_hypothesis.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Part 2: Investigating the Issue (Explore)
To respond to the issue of creating a permanent settlement on Mars, we are going to follow several steps to investigate some of the best ways to create the settlement:
Research Question:
The original question from the introduction has been rephrased as follows:
To what extent can humans overcome risks or challenges associated with traveling in space and establishing successful long-term settlements on Mars?
Steps for Researching:
Step 1: Select a Research Topic
Choose one area of establishing a permanent settlement on Mars that your group would like to learn more about:
Step 2: Research the Topic
Use Google Earth (Mars View) and the Internet to describe your chosen research topic. Use the guiding questions to help you in your research. You may divide the work of researching the topic among the individuals in your group. Record the group’s findings in Table 2: Investigating the Issue.
**Remember to evaluate the validity/reliability of the source. **
**Remember Wikipedia is NOT a reliable source.**
Step 3: Researching Science Data
Divide the data sets listed below between group members. Each group member should be researching/analyzing the data in the data set and then sharing with the rest of the group.
Follow the directions for analyzing the data in each data set. Summarize your findings in Table 2 and share with your group members. Save all graphs, tables, or charts that you create so they can be used later. Graphs, tables, or charts may be created on the computer or on paper.
Data Set 1: Air and Ground Temperatures on Mars
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/spotlight/20070612.html
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4502
Directions:
Questions:
Data Set 2: Mars Weather Now
http://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/instruments/environsensors/rems/
Directions:
Questions:
Data Set 3: Climate Maps
http://planetologia.elte.hu/mcdd/index.phtml?cim=climatemaps.html
Directions:
Questions:
Data Set 4: Snowfall Changes
http://mola.gsfc.nasa.gov/snow.html
Directions:
Questions:
Data Set 5: Solar Radiation Cycles and Impacts
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA16479
http://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/instruments/radiationdetectors/rad/
http://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/instruments/radiationdetectors/dan/
Directions:
Questions:
Data Set 6: Mars - Earth Distance
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/jbeish/2014_MARS.htm
http://www.distancetomars.com
http://www.universetoday.com/14824/distance-from-earth-to-mars/
Directions:
Questions:
To respond to the issue of creating a permanent settlement on Mars, we are going to follow several steps to investigate some of the best ways to create the settlement:
- 1) Read the research question—this is going to be what your final response paper addresses
- 2) Follow the research procedures that will help guide you in collecting, organizing, and analyzing your data
- 3) Construct a hypothesis to respond to the research question
- 4) Review all of your background knowledge (from part 1), research findings, and other readings and relate it to the data findings
- 5) Develop possible relationships between data and readings in order to revise your hypothesis.
Research Question:
The original question from the introduction has been rephrased as follows:
To what extent can humans overcome risks or challenges associated with traveling in space and establishing successful long-term settlements on Mars?
Steps for Researching:
Step 1: Select a Research Topic
Choose one area of establishing a permanent settlement on Mars that your group would like to learn more about:
- Travel/Transportation to, from, and on Mars (for people and/or supplies)
- Building the Settlement (Shelters - materials and durability/meeting requirements for safe human inhabitation)
- Food (Growing/Producing food, Transporting food)
- Health and Safety (during travel and living on Mars)
Step 2: Research the Topic
Use Google Earth (Mars View) and the Internet to describe your chosen research topic. Use the guiding questions to help you in your research. You may divide the work of researching the topic among the individuals in your group. Record the group’s findings in Table 2: Investigating the Issue.
- Google Earth (Mars View): Are there areas on Mars that would support the construction of a permanent human settlement? What do these areas look like? How reliable is the data that has been gathered about these areas? Describe the topography of different areas on Mars and the proximity to usable resources. Describe any signs of volcanic activity, erosion, or other forces that shape the land.
- Internet: What are the major obstacles to your chosen topic? What are some current ideas to address the topic? Is the topic life-threatening or a lesser nuisance? How has the thinking about this topic changed over time? What is the distance from the Earth to Mars? What is the distance from Mars to the Sun? Are there other considerations that impact the topic?
**Remember to evaluate the validity/reliability of the source. **
**Remember Wikipedia is NOT a reliable source.**
Step 3: Researching Science Data
Divide the data sets listed below between group members. Each group member should be researching/analyzing the data in the data set and then sharing with the rest of the group.
- Data Set 1: Air and Ground Temperatures on Mars
- Data Set 2: Mars Weather Now
- Data Set 3: Climate Maps
- Data Set 4: Snowfall Changes
- Data Set 5: Solar Radiation Cycles and Impacts
- Data Set 6: Mars - Earth Distance
Follow the directions for analyzing the data in each data set. Summarize your findings in Table 2 and share with your group members. Save all graphs, tables, or charts that you create so they can be used later. Graphs, tables, or charts may be created on the computer or on paper.
Data Set 1: Air and Ground Temperatures on Mars
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/spotlight/20070612.html
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4502
Directions:
- Begin by using the first link to compare air and solar panel temperatures from the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers.
- Create one graph that shows the average temperatures from these two rovers.
- Look at the graph from the second link and compare the air and ground temperatures as shown in the graph.
Questions:
- How do the temperatures from Spirit and Opportunity compare and contrast?
- Are the air temperatures different from the solar panel temperatures? Why do you think this is?
- How do air and ground temperatures relate?
- Is there a pattern in the air and ground temperatures?
Data Set 2: Mars Weather Now
http://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/instruments/environsensors/rems/
Directions:
- Go to the link. You can change the units from degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit by clicking on "Units" in the lower left corner.
- Scroll back through the recorded data, observing high temperature, low temperature, and atmospheric pressure for each day.
- Create a graph that shows temperature changes over time.
Questions:
- How do temperatures and atmospheric pressure change based on month or season? What are your ideas why?
- If you would graph high and low temperatures throughout the seasons on Earth, would the graph look similar to or different from the graph you created for Mars?
- How many days worth of data did you include on your graph? Why?
- What problems would engineers encounter with the temperatures on Mars?
- How would their designs address these problems?
Data Set 3: Climate Maps
http://planetologia.elte.hu/mcdd/index.phtml?cim=climatemaps.html
Directions:
- Read the article and analyze the diagrams that show the climate on Mars at different latitudes throughout different seasons.
- Take the information from these diagrams and create one graph that compares changes in temperature for each climate zone throughout the seasons.
- Convert the temperature unit to degrees Celsius.
Questions:
- What does the unit K mean when measuring temperature?
- What are the climate zones?
- How do you think the zones are determined?
- How does the temperature change in each zone? Is there a pattern?
- Which zone would be best (least challenging, least risk) for human settlement? Why?
Data Set 4: Snowfall Changes
http://mola.gsfc.nasa.gov/snow.html
Directions:
- Read the article on snowfall changes on Mars.
- View the animation that shows changes in snow depth at the north pole of Mars.
- Create a graph that shows the changes in the maximum amount of snow depth at the north pole of Mars throughout the seasons (gather info from the animation, create a data table, then create a graph).
Questions:
- What makes up the snowfall?
- How does the snowfall change throughout the seasons?
- How would the make-up and amount of snowfall impact humans in regards to your chosen topic? Why? (Explain.)
- How would engineers address this in their designs?
Data Set 5: Solar Radiation Cycles and Impacts
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA16479
http://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/instruments/radiationdetectors/rad/
http://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission/instruments/radiationdetectors/dan/
Directions:
- Read the risks presented by the different levels of solar radiation storms on the NOAA Space Weather Scale for Solar Radiation Storms table.
- Create a line graph showing the increase in high energy particles from the minor through extreme scale (include all five data points on your graph).
- Analyze the number of events per cycle. Be sure to read the notes at the bottom of the table.
Questions:
- Do increases in high energy particles present more or less risk to humans? How do you know?
- What does the graph you created for high energy particles in each level look like?
- What does the shape of this graph tell you?
- What do the notes at the bottom of the table tell you about the events per cycle?
- Do astronauts face risk that is greater than, less than, or equal to the risk of humans on Earth? Any ideas why?
Data Set 6: Mars - Earth Distance
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/jbeish/2014_MARS.htm
http://www.distancetomars.com
http://www.universetoday.com/14824/distance-from-earth-to-mars/
Directions:
- Read the article from the first link.
- Use the diagrams to help explain why it is more beneficial to launch a mission to Mars at certain times.
- Create a graph that shows the distance between Earth's orbit and Mars' orbit over time. (Hint: Figure out the amount of time of one cycle for the closest distance to farthest distance.)
- Watch the simulation at the second link.
- Consider the travel speed of three times the speed of light.
- Read the article at the third link explaining the distance from Earth to Mars.
Questions:
- Why do scientists and engineers look at certain "windows of opportunity" for launching a mission to Mars?
- How long would it take humans to reach Mars with current technologies?Even though Mars is relatively close to us in space, how far is Mars from Earth at its closest point? At its farthest?
- Why is the distance from Earth to Mars a problem for your topic of study?
Step 4: Summarize your data and Share with your group
Share what you have learned by studying your data set with the other members of your group. Be sure to record a summary of all of the group data in a copy of Table 2. You can complete this file on the computer or you can write on a paper copy.
Step 5: Create a Working Hypothesis about your Topic
As a group, create a "hypothesis" that fits with the question (To what extent can humans overcome risks or challenges associated with traveling in space and establishing successful long-term settlements on Mars?). Record your group hypothesis or hypotheses in Table 2. The following questions may help you in making a hypothesis or several hypotheses. Remember: Your hypothesis should address the question from the context of the topic that your group chose to study.
Guiding Questions:
Step 6: Research Mars Settlement Articles
Exploration and Settling
Mars science exploration (read the introduction and the four parts)
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/programmissions/science/
Mission of Mars One
http://mars-one.com/en/mars-one-news/11-news/284-mars- one-will-settle-men-on-mars-in-2023-press-release
One Way trip to Mars
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/human-mars- mission.html
A case for settling Mars
http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~meech/a281/handouts/mars_case.pdf
5 obstacles to settling Mars (slide show with reading...read it!)
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/5- hurdles-conquer-before-colonizing-mars.htm
Solar Radiation
Solar radiation faced by human expedition to Mars
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/us/mars-radiation
NASA calculated radiation risk
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/may/HQ_13- 165_MSL_Radiation_Findings.html
Mars weather and radiation data - article
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20121115.html
Step 7: Summarizing and Organizing Information from Articles
Share what you have learned from your article(s) with the other members of your group. Be sure to record a summary of all of the group data in a copy of Table 2. You can complete this file on the computer or you can write on a paper copy.
Step 8: Make Connections to Present Information and Data
With your group, create a giant "one-pager" to summarize your learning and present the connections between your topic, the components that you have researched, and possible engineering solutions your obstacles in your chosen area. Follow the steps below and use the one-pager template included in your charts packet.
Share what you have learned by studying your data set with the other members of your group. Be sure to record a summary of all of the group data in a copy of Table 2. You can complete this file on the computer or you can write on a paper copy.
Step 5: Create a Working Hypothesis about your Topic
As a group, create a "hypothesis" that fits with the question (To what extent can humans overcome risks or challenges associated with traveling in space and establishing successful long-term settlements on Mars?). Record your group hypothesis or hypotheses in Table 2. The following questions may help you in making a hypothesis or several hypotheses. Remember: Your hypothesis should address the question from the context of the topic that your group chose to study.
Guiding Questions:
- What does all of your data mean?
- Does the data analyzed by different group members fit together?
- How does the data impact the topic that you chose to study?How reliable are the data? How reliable are your connections?
- How could the hypothesis help others understand or predict the future of establishing a long-term settlement on Mars?
- How does what you have learned impact the bigger question: Should we try to build a long-term human settlement on Mars?
- How would an engineer use engineering practices to overcome the obstacle you chose? How would this be reflected in the design of the settlement or transportation system?
Step 6: Research Mars Settlement Articles
Exploration and Settling
Mars science exploration (read the introduction and the four parts)
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/programmissions/science/
Mission of Mars One
http://mars-one.com/en/mars-one-news/11-news/284-mars- one-will-settle-men-on-mars-in-2023-press-release
One Way trip to Mars
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/human-mars- mission.html
A case for settling Mars
http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~meech/a281/handouts/mars_case.pdf
5 obstacles to settling Mars (slide show with reading...read it!)
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/5- hurdles-conquer-before-colonizing-mars.htm
Solar Radiation
Solar radiation faced by human expedition to Mars
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/us/mars-radiation
NASA calculated radiation risk
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/may/HQ_13- 165_MSL_Radiation_Findings.html
Mars weather and radiation data - article
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/msl20121115.html
Step 7: Summarizing and Organizing Information from Articles
Share what you have learned from your article(s) with the other members of your group. Be sure to record a summary of all of the group data in a copy of Table 2. You can complete this file on the computer or you can write on a paper copy.
Step 8: Make Connections to Present Information and Data
With your group, create a giant "one-pager" to summarize your learning and present the connections between your topic, the components that you have researched, and possible engineering solutions your obstacles in your chosen area. Follow the steps below and use the one-pager template included in your charts packet.
- 1. Use Table 2. and identify the major concepts, ideas, issues, or engineering designs most directly related to your topic. You may also brainstorm other areas that may need to be researched further.
- 2. Organize or categorize the major concepts, ideas, issues, or engineering designs related to your topic.
- 3. Summarize these major groups in a brief 4 to 5 sentence written summary.
- 4. Create a visual linking of these ideas through the use of pictures or by creating a concept map. Link major ideas with arrows.
- 5. Make sure the connections between the ideas are valid.
- 6. Create an organized concept map that is neat, clear, simple and easy to follow.
- 7. Finalize your one-pager by writing your major hypothesis around the outside of the paper.
research_presentation_one_pager_planning_sheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 327 kb |
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Step 9: Presentations: Giving and Receiving Feedback
Each group will present its one-pager to the class (2-3 minutes/group). The one-pagers will be posted around the classroom and the class will complete a gallery walk. During the gallery walk, each group will score and give feedback to all of the other groups in the class using the "One-Pager Presentation Rubric".
Each group will present its one-pager to the class (2-3 minutes/group). The one-pagers will be posted around the classroom and the class will complete a gallery walk. During the gallery walk, each group will score and give feedback to all of the other groups in the class using the "One-Pager Presentation Rubric".
one_pager_rubric.pdf | |
File Size: | 314 kb |
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Step 10: Revising the Hypothesis
Look at the hypothesis you wrote in Table 2. Consider what you have learned from reading the articles and from the presentations of the other groups in class. Consider these questions to revise and rewrite your hypothesis:
Rewrite your hypothesis based on your new learning.
Part 2 Assessment:
In your notebook, create three columns. Label the first column "I used to think", label the second column "Now I know", and label the third column "This relates to the topics of other groups because...". Record at least three ideas in each column.
Look at the hypothesis you wrote in Table 2. Consider what you have learned from reading the articles and from the presentations of the other groups in class. Consider these questions to revise and rewrite your hypothesis:
- How has your thinking changed based on the new information? How will the changes in your thinking cause the hypothesis to change?
- How will your learning and your hypothesis help you answer the question: To what extent can humans overcome risks or challenges associated with traveling in space and establishing successful long-term settlements on Mars?
- What data or supporting facts from the articles help support your hypothesis or position?
- What data could you collect to test the engineering designs or solutions you proposed?
- How do the data connect to your topic? How does your topic connect to the issue?
- Are there certain pieces of data that influence you more strongly than others? Are these data reliable?
Rewrite your hypothesis based on your new learning.
Part 2 Assessment:
In your notebook, create three columns. Label the first column "I used to think", label the second column "Now I know", and label the third column "This relates to the topics of other groups because...". Record at least three ideas in each column.
Part 3: Constructing Your Argument
Choose a position and write a persuasive paper to respond to the issue: To what extent should we pursue establishing a long-term human settlement on Mars?
As a group, complete Table 3: Constructing Your Argument. Each member should have a completed copy of Table 3.
Choose a position and write a persuasive paper to respond to the issue: To what extent should we pursue establishing a long-term human settlement on Mars?
As a group, complete Table 3: Constructing Your Argument. Each member should have a completed copy of Table 3.
Table 3: Constructing Your Argument Organizer
constructing_your_argument_organizer.pdf | |
File Size: | 431 kb |
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constructing_your_argument_organizer.docx | |
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After you complete Table 3, independently write your 500-word paper. Please review the criteria in the left-hand column as well as the performance levels.
position_paper_rubric.pdf | |
File Size: | 222 kb |
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