Mars or Bust!

mars&ship

Welcome to the "Mars or Bust" WebQuest. Soon you will begin an exciting exploration of the 4th planet in our Solar System, Mars. The websites you will soon visit have a wide variety of exciting photos showing the landforms of Mars and other interesting shots of this fascinating planet. You will also learn informative factual information, and have the opportunity to play some really fun and interesting games. You will even get the opportunity to go on the virtual ride of your life! Get ready to go on an incredible search!

The Tasks:

This WebQuest is designed for students in grades 4 - 6. During this WebQuest, you are a member of N.A.S.A.'s scientific team. N.A.S.A. is considering whether or not to plan a space colony on Mars. Your team must decide if putting a space colony on Mars can or cannot be done. Your team will...

    give some physical characteristics of Mars.
    identify differences between Mars and Earth.
    take a virtual tour of Mars.
    take a virtual ride on Sojourner.
    evaluate the Mars interactive game sites.

The Resources:

Here are several resources that you will be using during your Mars adventure.

1. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun (between the Earth and Jupiter) and has long been referred to as the Red Planet, because it appears to shine with a reddish hue when viewed from Earth.
2. Compare Mars and Earth: Mars is smaller and, because of its greater distance from the Sun, cooler. It also appears to be red in color and is known as the red planet. Earth is closer to the sun and therefore warmer.
3. When you take a virtual tour of Mars, you can see all different types of landforms. You will see all of these landforms on your virtual ride on the Sojourner rover.
4. NASA's tantalizing discovery could re-write the book on all things cosmic. But just how much do you already know about the Red Planet? Do you have a question that is bugging you? At this site, questions can be answered by a scientist. Do you think you know it all? Well, here is your chance to find out. This website will enable you to test the bounds of your knowledge regarding the planet Mars when you click quiz.
5. Are you old and fat, or young and skinny on Mars? This site will enable you to check your weight and age on Mars to find out.
6. Do you have a good memory and can solve puzzles? Try these games and see!

The Process:

Listed below are the steps you will need to follow as you engage upon your quest

1. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun (between the Earth and Jupiter) and has long been referred to as the Red Planet, because it appears to shine with a reddish hue when viewed from Earth. As you read about the red planet, pay close attention to the key vocabulary terms. You will now start a Mars folder to record your findings. You will also record your experiences and feelings in a personal journal. When you have finished reading this passage, write down three fascinating facts to go in your folder. Compare your facts to those on your team.

2. Compare Mars and Earth: Mars is smaller and, because of its greater distance from the Sun, cooler. It also appears to be red in color and is known as the red planet. Earth is closer to the sun and therefore warmer. With the members of your team, create a chart comparing Mars to Earth. Write down at least three comparisons, then write down at least three contrasts.

3. When you take a virtual tour of Mars, you can see all different types of landforms. You will see all of these landforms on your virtual ride on the Sojourner rover. Create a journal article describing your experiences. Be sure to include what you saw and experienced during the virtual tour and virtual ride.

4. NASA's tantalizing discovery could re-write the book on all things cosmic. But just how much do you already know about the Red Planet? Do you have a question that is bugging you? Then ask a scientist. Do you think you know it all? Well, here is your chance to find out . Take the quiz. Each team member will e-mail a question to the scientist to be answered. They will share their responses with the other members of the team. Each member will also take the quiz and compare their scores and answers to the members on their team.

5. Are you old and fat, or young and skinny on Mars? Check your weight and age on Mars to find out. Your team will create a chart showing each members' age and weight on Mars. Look to see who is the youngest and skinniest, and the oldest and heaviest!

6. Do you have a good memory and can solve puzzles? Try these games and see! Have each team member to record their start time and their time completed. Compare the times to see who has the best memory and can solve puzzles the quickest!

7. Take the quia quiz!

Learning Advice:

As you journey through the "Mars or Bust" webquest, please remember to do the following:

read all information carefully.

pay close attention to the key facts.

record all information before going to the next task.

keep your Mars folder up to date.

keep a day to day journal of your experiences, recording your reactions describing what you saw and how you felt on your journey.

have fun on your quest!

Conclusion:

You have completed the "Mars or Bust" WebQuest. You have learned interesting facts and have had new experiences in learning about our neighboring planet Mars. Based upon your new found knowledge, have your team write a report to N.A.S.A. In this report, your team will evaluate the data collected, and give a statement stating their findings. From the findings, your team will make an evaluation stating whether or not Mars is a suitable place for a space colony. Before your team leaves the "Mars or Bust" WebQuest, check out what the powerpoint presentation has to offer!

This page originally written by Kim Bishop and last updated on March 3, 2001.

Modified for Dr. Bruce Lewis EDU 506 - 02 by Kim Bishop on March 3, 2001.