Humans to Mars

 

Objectives:

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the technologies being researched to send humans from Earth to Mars.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of Mars colonization plans.

Focus Question: How is NASA preparing to send humans to Mars?

 Length:

45 minutes

Grade Level:

4-12

NASA Mission:

Space Operations, Exploration Systems

National Science Standards:

Science Standards
Science As Inquiry
Understandings About Scientific Inquiry (4-12)
Physical Science
Position And Motion Of Objects (K-4)
Properties And Changes Of Properties In Matter (5-8)
Transfer Of Energy (5-8)
Structure And Properties Of Matter (9-12)
Interactions Of Energy And Matter (9-12)
Life Science
Organisms And Environments (K-4)
Earth And Space Science
Earth In The Solar System (5-8)
Science And Technology
Understandings About Science And Technology (4-12)
Science In Personal And Social Perspectives
Personal Health (K-12)
Risks And Benefits (5-8)
Natural Resources (9-12)
Natural And Human-Induced Hazards (9-12)

NASA Presenter(s):

Bryan Palaszewski - Bryan.A.Palaszewski@nasa.gov

Advanced Preparation:

Grades 5-8: Going to Mars!
Grades 9-12: Designing Space Exploration

To help prepare your students for the event, please have them review the following websites. Then have them develop questions for the presenter.
Human Exploration and Development of Space Fact Sheets
Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Exploration
NASA Glenn Provided Critical Technologies for Deep Space 1 Mission

View Bryan's PowerPoint Charts - Download File

The event is an overview of NASA's 1987-92 Space Exploration Initiative study, as well as current plans to send humans to the planet Mars. The objectives of the program, mission overview, Earth-Mars transit space propulsion systems (nuclear thermal and nuclear electric), space environment concerns, how people would live on the Martian surface, and initial colonization plans are covered. Current status of the ongoing robotic mission (Global Surveyor) and the role of the NASA Glenn Research Center during this effort are explained. Brief videotape footage is included.

The event can be geared to certain grade levels. 

Post-Conference Activities:
MARS Dead or Alive

Advanced Notice Recommended:

4 weeks 

Frequency of Presentation:

Once a month 

Availability of Presenter:

Varies


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