Introduction
Attention Space Engineers!
You have just been selected by NASA to join a special mission team. Scientists are planning a future human settlement on Mars, but before the mission can launch, they need your help!
Your job is to investigate Mars and determine if humans could survive there. You will compare Mars to Earth, study its environment, and design a habitat that could keep astronauts safe.
The future of space exploration depends on your research!
Florida Standard (SSS): SC.5.E.5.3 - Recognize the major common characteristics of all planets and compare/contrast the properties of inner and outer planets.
Task
You will work in teams as Aerospace Engineers and Planetary Scientists to:
- Research the physical characteristics of Mars.
- Compare Mars to Earth.
- Identify challenges humans would face living on Mars.
- Design a realistic Mars habitat.
- Present your mission proposal to NASA (your classmates).
Your final presentation must include:
- Basic facts about Mars
- A Mars vs. Earth comparison chart
- Three major survival challenges
- A labeled habitat design
- A final recommendation: Should humans live on Mars? Why or why not?
Your project may be created using Google Slides, PowerPoint, Canva, or another teacher-approved digital platform.
Process
Step 1: Research Mars
- Record information about:
- Temperature, atmosphere, gravity, surface features, and length of day and year.
Step 2: Compare Mars and Earth
- Create a comparison chart that includes:
- Atmosphere, temperature, water availability, gravity, and ability to grow food.
- Write a paragraph explaining the biggest differences between the two planets.
Step 3: Identify survival challenges
- Research and discuss:
- Lack of breathable oxygen, extreme cold, radiation exposure, dust storms, and food and water supply. Choose the three biggest dangers and explain why they are serious problems.
Step 4: Design a Mars Habitat
- Your team must design a habitat that includes:
- Oxygen system, water source, food production plan, radiation protection, and sleeping and living quarters.
- Create a labeled drawing or digital model and explain how it solves the survival challenges.
Step 5: Create and present your mission proposal
- Your presentation should:
- Be organized and visually appealing, include images (with citations), clearly explain research findings, and end with a final recommendation supported by evidence.
- Each group member must speak during the 5-7 minute presentation.
Use these resources to find the information you need for Mars and Earth and their comparison. You may also explore these websites more and research any questions you have related to the topic.
National Geographic- Mars - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/search?q=mars&location=srp&type=manual
NASA Mars Exploration Program - https://mars.nasa.gov/all-about-mars/facts/
NASA Facts About Earth - https://science.nasa.gov/earth/facts/
NASA Mars Rover and Missions Sites - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/
NASA- Want to colonize Mars? - https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/planets/mars/want-to-colonize-mars-aerogel-could-help/
Evaluation
Content & Understanding (60 Points)
1. Understanding of Mars Facts (15 Points)
- 15-13 pts: Accurately explains multiple facts about Mars (temperature, atmosphere, gravity, surface, day/year). Information is clear and detailed.
- 12-10 pts: Mostly accurate facts with minor missing details.
- 9-7 pts: Some accurate information but lacks detail or includes errors.
- 6-0 pts: Limited or inaccurate understanding of Mars.
2. Mars vs. Earth Comparison (15 Points)
- 15-13 pts: Clear, complete comparison chart with strong explanation of major differences.
- 12-10 pts: Comparison included but explanation lacks depth.
- 9-7 pts: Basic comparison with missing information.
- 6-0 pts: Comparison incomplete or inaccurate.
3. Survival Challenges Explanation (15 Points)
- 15-13 pts: Clearly explains at least three major challenges with strong scientific reasoning.
- 12-10 pts: Identifies three challenges but explanations are brief.
- 9-7 pts: Fewer than three challenges or limited explanation.
- 6-0 pts: Challenges unclear or inaccurate.
4. Mars Habitat Design (15 Points)
- 15-13 pts: Habitat is creative, realistic, labeled, and clearly solves survival challenges.
- 12-10 pts: Habitat includes basic solutions but lacks detail.
- 9-7 pts: Habitat is incomplete or minimally explained.
- 6-0 pts: Habitat lacks connection to survival needs.
Organization & Presentation (20 Points)
5. Organization & Visual Design (10 Points)
- 10-9 pts: Presentation is well-organized, easy to follow, visually engaging.
- 8-7 pts: Mostly organized with minor issues.
- 6-5 pts: Some organization but confusing in places.
- 4-0 pts: Disorganized or difficult to follow.
6. Oral Presentation & Participation (10 Points)
- 10-9 pts: All members participate; speakers are clear, confident, and prepared.
- 8-7 pts: Most members participate; some reading from slides.
- 6-5 pts: Uneven participation or limited preparation.
- 4-0 pts: Minimal participation or unprepared.
Mechanics & Requirements (20 Points)
7. Grammar, Spelling & Citations (10 Points)
- 10-9 pts: Few to no errors; sources properly cited.
- 8-7 pts: Minor errors; most sources cited.
- 6-5 pts: Several errors; limited citations.
- 4-0 pts: Frequent errors; no citations.
8. Completion of All Required Components (10 Points)
- 10-9 pts: All required components included (facts, comparison, challenges, habitat, recommendation).
- 8-7 pts: One component missing or incomplete.
- 6-5 pts: Multiple components incomplete.
- 4-0 pts: Major parts missing.
Final Score: ___/100
Conclusion
Congratulations, Space Engineers!
Through research and teamwork, you have explored what it would take for humans to live on Mars. You compared planetary environments, analyzed survival challenges, and designed creative solutions.
Space exploration continues to grow, and one day, humans may walk on Mars permanently. Perhaps one of you will be the scientist, engineer, or astronaut who makes that mission possible!
The future of exploration starts with curiosity, and your journey has just begun.