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Lesson 6: Mars
Objectives:
Students will investigate the characteristics of Mars (e.g., size, elemental composition, distance from sun, revolution and rotation period, and average temperature). (2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5)
Description:
There has been a flurry of information on Mars following the Mars survey in 1998.
Of course, there has always been an interest in this similar planet's possible life
forms. However, there is a great deal more promise to future lifeforms on Mars than
aliens - humans. It is currently speculated that Mars could be made habitable for
human civilization. Of course that would be many many years off. Find out more about the
planet your grandchildren may live on at http://www.seds.org/nineplanets/nineplanets/mars.html .
Question Guide:
- What does the mythological god Mars stand for?
- Why did Mars receive its name?
- What shape is Mars' orbit and what effect does it have on the temperature?
- What is Olympus Mons and how large is it?
- How many football field lengths are there in Olympus Mons' base? Remember that there are 1.09 meters in a yard and 100 yards in a football field.
- What is Valles Marineris?
- What is Mars' core most likely composed of?
- What evidence is there of past erosion on Mars?
- What formed Valles Marineris?
- Why is Mars much cooler than Earth?
- What is Mars' atmosphere composed of? Give the percentages.
- How does this compare to Earth's atmosphere?
- Why does Mars not have as much oxygen as the Earth?
- What are the Martian ice caps composed of?
- Why is the identification of organic compounds in a Martian meteorite not proof of life on Mars?
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