Mars Mission

School: Uxbridge High School Status: Completed Date Started: 22 Jan 2010 Date Completed: 28 Mar 2010 Keywords tags: Physics Chemistry Biology No of pupils: 0 Number of views: 1068 Related Resources:

In the first activity students have to design and build a vehicle that will travel across a surface in the fastest time possible. It allows students to discover that choosing particular wheels and propellers has a direct effect on the success of their vehicles as well as to develop their teamwork and scientific recording skills by designing the fastest rover for a race.

In the second activity students will paint a model hand with ultraviolet (UV) paint and experiment with UV lights to discover what level of protection can be achieved using sun creams. This activity will raise students’ awareness of UV radiation and the importance of shielding it, not only on a mission to Mars but also in their lives here on Earth.

In final activity, students will investigate two different aspects of growing food and managing a greenhouse: observing the difference in temperature inside and outside the biodome and finding the best ratio of water and nutrients for their plants. The activity will also lead to discussion about why we have to consider methods to grow plants on Mars if we ever want to live there, and also how to grow food in hostile environments here on Earth.