Mission to Mars
Students explore the Red PlanetCopyright NASA Goddard Space Flight Center http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/mars/mars_crew.html
The Mission to Mars unit introduces students to Mars, often called the Red Planet. Students learn about the development of robotics and how robots are beneficial to science, society and the exploration of space.
Engineers have played various roles in the long history of exploring the Red Planet. In the mid-20th century, engineers designed 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 risks are always involved with the exploration of space—just as 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!
CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.2 Fluently divide multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.
Grade 6
Do you agree with this alignment?CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.3 Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.
Grade 6
Do you agree with this alignment?
MS-ESS1-3 Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Grades 6-8
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales using models to study systems that are too large or too small.Do you agree with this alignment?
- Engineering advances have led to important discoveries in virtually every field of science, and scientific discoveries have led to the development of entire industries and engineered systems.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment?- Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings.
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.
Grades 6-8
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- The more precisely a design task's criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions.Do you agree with this alignment?
- All human activity draws on natural resources and has both short and long-term consequences, positive as well as negative, for the health of people and the natural environment.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment?- Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.
- Day 1: The Amazing Red Planet lesson
- Day 2: An Inflated Impression of Mars activity
- Day 3: Red Rover Robotics lesson
- Day 4: Strong-Arm Tactics activity
- Day 5: Come On Over Rover lesson
- Day 6-8: Edible Rovers activity or Edible Rovers – High School activity
- Day 9: Get Me Off This Planet lesson
- Day 10: The Great Gravity Escape activity
- Day 11: Six Minutes of Terror lesson
- Day 12: Egg-cellent Landing activity
- Day 13: Manned Mission to Mars lesson
- Day 14: Are We Alone? activity
- Mission to Mars
Supporting Program
Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder
Acknowledgements
The contents of these digital library curricula were developed under grants from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education, and the 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.
Copyright
2009 by Regents of the University of Colorado