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Curricular Unit: Mission to Mars

Contributed by: Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Two illustrations of human movement to/on the Mars, the Red Planet. The first illustration shows a space vehicle dropping by parachutes onto the planet's surface. The second illustration depicts a lunar vehicle roving over the surface of Mars.

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Grade: 7 (6-8)


Summary

The Mission to Mars curricular unit introduces students to Mars — the Red Planet. Students discover why scientists are so interested in studying this mysterious planet. Many interesting facts about Mars are revealed, and the history of Martian exploration is reviewed. Students will learn about the development of robotics and how robots are beneficial to science, society and the exploration of space. Details on engineers' involvement in space exploration are presented. Furthermore, students will learn how orbits allow astronauts to move from planet to planet and what type of equipment is used by scientists and engineers to safely explore space. Lastly, the specific details on and human risks for a possible future manned mission to Mars (and back to Earth again!) are discussed.


Engineering Connection

Engineers have played various roles in the long history of exploring the Red Planet. In the middle of the 20th century, engineers developed rockets and probes that provided the first, up-close visuals of the mysterious planet. And, aerospace and electrical engineers designed and fabricated surface exploration equipment so that we could explore the planet in person! Today, engineers continue to work with scientists to develop reliable orbiters, rovers, aircraft and human transport for future missions. Engineers know that there are always risks involved with the exploration of space — just as there are in our daily lives, but for optimum human health and safety engineers do their best to minimize risks by extensive testing and smart design of transportation, appliances, equipment and products. Engineers make our exploration of space possible and safe!


Keywords: astronauts, exploration, launch, Mars, mission, NASA, orbit, Red Planet, robotics, rocket, rover, solar system


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Copyright

© 2009 by Regents of the University of Colorado. The contents of these digital library curricula were developed under a grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education, and National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the U.S. Department of Education or National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Supporting Program

Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Last Modified: June 14, 2010
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