Objectives:
Focus Questions:
Length:
30-90 minutes
Grade Level:
5-12; lifelong learners
NASA Mission:
National Math and Science Standards:
Science
Standards
Science Inquiry
Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry
Understandings About Scientific Inquiry
Physical Science
Motions And Forces (5-12)
Transfer Of Energy (5-8)
Conservation Of Energy (9-12)
Interactions Of Energy And Matter (9-12)
Life Science
Populations And Ecosystems (5-8)
Matter, Energy, And Organization In Living Systems (9-12)
Science And Technology
Abilities OF Technological Design
Understandings About Science And Technology
History And Nature Of Science
History Of Science/Historical Perspectives
Math Standards
Numbers And Operations
Compute Fluently And Make Reasonable Estimates
Algebra
Understand Patterns, Relations, And Functions
Represent And Analyze Mathematical Situations And Structures Using Algebraic
Symbols
Use Mathematical Models To Represent And Understand Quantitative Relationships
Analyze Change In Various Contexts
Geometry
Use Visualization, Spatial Reasoning, And Geometric Modeling To solve
Problems
Measurement
Understand Measurable Attributes Of Objects And The Units, Systems, And
Processes Of Measurement
Apply Appropriate Techniques, Tools, And Formulas To Determine Measurements
Problem Solving
Apply and Adapt A Variety Of Appropriate Strategies To Solve Problems
Reasoning And Proof
Make And Investigate Mathematical Conjectures
Select And Use Various Types Of Reasoning And Methods Of Proof
Communication
Use The Language Of Mathematics To Express Mathematical Ideas Precisely
Connections
Understand How Mathematical ideas Interconnect And Build On One Another
To Produce A Coherent Whole
Recognize And Apply Mathematics In contexts Outside Of Mathematics
NASA Presenter:
Advanced
Preparation (Required):
Read and study information on the Mars Pathfinder Mission.
Pre- conference activities and related Web sites are given in the
PowerPoint presentations linked from the workshop titles.
Grades 7-9: Complete the pre-conference assessment and activity created by Lisa Bugenske and Catherine Howard, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio. Begin with the introduction; from there you can link to all other materials.*
The Exploring Mars series focuses on Mars in human history, with special emphasis on recent missions, including Mars Pathfinder. Each part may be requested as a stand-alone presentation, or the parts may be requested as a series. Please note that actual sessions are run in a question and answer format, using the information from the PowerPoint presentations to respond to individual questions. In this way, the needs and level of individual classes are best met.
Exploring Mars Part 1: Beginnings discusses ancient Roman calendar history, in which Mars played an essential role; Schiaparelli and Lowell and their attempts to map the Martian surface via telescopic observations in the nineteenth century; and twentieth century Mars exploration by cameras and robotic spacecraft. The Mariner, Viking, and Pathfinder missions are introduced, including photographs of the spacecraft and the Martian landscape as seen both from orbit and from the surface. A discussion of the possibility of Martian life, including photos of possible Martian fossils, concludes with information on research to answer the question, "Was Mars at one time alive?" Please be certain to read the accompanying text in the notes of the PowerPoint presentation. (Download the PowerPoint file.)
Exploring Mars Part 2: The Planet looks at Mars' tectonic history. Comparisons are made between Mars and other planets and moons from the inner solar system, including their relative sizes and colors. Mariner's Valley and Tarsus Volcanoes are compared by size and terrestrial features. The Martian climate and the most recent Mars Global Surveyor finding on Martian planetary magnetism are discussed. The question of life on Mars is also raised. Please be certain to read the accompanying text in the notes of the PowerPoint presentation. (Download the PowerPoint file.)
Exploring Mars Part 3: The Future presents a three-step approach to sending humans to Mars, one of several scenarios developed by NASA in the 1980s-90s. Step 1 is an Earth-orbiting space station, Step 2 is a return to the Moon, and Step 3 is the first piloted mission from Earth to Mars. The possibilities of colonization and living on Mars are discussed, as well as how astronauts might deal with Martian life. Please be certain to read the accompanying text in the notes of the PowerPoint presentation. (Download the PowerPoint file.)
Exploring Mars Part 4: Pathfinder's Path I is designed for mathematics students and future astronomers. It begins with the observations of Tycho Brahe and the Laws of Planetary Motion developed by Johannes Kepler. Through the use of conic sections, a connection is made between the ellipse as a classroom entity and the ellipse as a planetary orbit with specific physical properties. Orbital terminology is introduced, and students are challenged to work through the equation of an ellipse as a follow-up activity. Please be certain to read the accompanying text in the notes of the PowerPoint presentation. (Download the PowerPoint file.)
Exploring Mars Part 5: Pathfinder's Path II allows students to become very familiar with the Hohmann transfer ellipse and with the basics of orbital calculations. It introduces the Vis-Viva equation (conservation of energy) and challenges students to work out some of the actual orbital parameters required for the Pathfinder spacecraft to travel from Earth to Mars. Please be certain to read the accompanying text in the notes of the PowerPoint presentation. (Download the PowerPoint file.)
The event can be geared to specific grade levels.
Suggested
post-conference activities:
Post-conference activities and related Web sites are given in the PowerPoint
presentations linked from the event descriptions.
Complete the grades 9-12 activity called Is
There Liquid Water on Mars? in which students analyze actual data
and images to assess whether there is liquid water on Mars.
Complete the grades 7-9 post-conference
activity created by Lisa Bugenske and Catherine Howard, University
of Akron, Akron, Ohio.* A post-conference
assessment for use after completion of all Exploring Mars activities
and the videoconference is also available.
Please compare your students' pre- and post-conference assessments and furnish feedback.
Advanced Notice Recommended:
4 weeks
Frequency of Presentation:
Upon request
Availability of Presenter:
Varies