Mars Experience

Grades 6-8

Is life on Mars possible? Students will follow a mock-mission to explore maneuvering rovers, the harmful effects of radiation, the challenges of working in space, and much more. Students will examine the geological and atmospheric differences between Mars and Earth. Emphasis will be placed on the collaboration between BNL and NASA scientists.

BNL Science Link: Coming Soon

Vocabulary
Electromagnetic spectrum, element, atom, compound, diffraction, magnetite, Mars regolith, simulant, radiation, Petri dish, cells and colonies, shielding, Geiger counter, glove box

Lesson Objectives
1) Work collaboratively to complete a mock mission, recording data in a mission log.
2) Use remote operation to maneuver a rover over Martian landscape.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of cosmic radiation: what it is, its damaging effects on humans, and what scientists are doing at BNL’s Nasa Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL).
4) Complete a task in a glove box.
5) Conduct experiments to observe and compare the atmospheric and geological characteristics of Earth and Mars.

National Science Education Standards
Content Standard A- Science as Inquiry
Content Standard B- Physical Science
Content Standard C- Life Sciences
Content Standard D- Earth and Space Science
Content Standard E- Science and Technology
Content Standard F- Science in Personal & Social Perspectives
Content Standard G- History and Nature of Science
New York State Learning Standards
Math, Science, Technology Standards 1, 3, 4, 6, 7
English Language Arts Standard 1, 3, 4

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