5e:
[11-14] Terraforming
What on earth is Terraforming?
Read the information sheet, ‘What on earth is terraforming?
Log on to http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/science/index.html or turn to the printed copy of this web page, entitled The Mars Exploration Program’s Science Theme.
1. a. What is the Mars Exploration Program?
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2. Over the page are some ways in which Mars is similar to Earth, and ways in which Mars is different from Earth. They are all mixed up. Can you sort them and place them in the correct column in the chart? You may be able to think of some more.
colour polar ice-caps very cold temperature no rivers or seas
no plants or animals volcanoes wind storms distance from Sun
clouds dry land no air (oxygen) underground water
surface covered in ice
How is Mars similar to Earth? How is Mars different from Earth? |
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With a partner, find four things in the differences column which would have to be changed if Mars was to be made fit for humans to live there.
3. Group task: Can you think of how you might turn the red planet into the blue planet?
You now need to be in a group of three or four. Your teacher will give your group a large sheet of paper with a circle on it to represent Mars. You are NASA scientists: you know what has to be done to terraform Mars; your task now is to come up with ideas for how to do it.
Discuss your ideas and record them on the paper. You could write your ideas, or draw them.
Look back to the information sheet to start you off.
Dictionary
of terms
Atmosphere – a protective layer of gases surrounding a planet
Cryosphere - ice on the planet’s surface
Hydrosphere – water on or under the planet’s surface
Lithosphere – the rocky crust (surface) of the planet
NASA – North American Space Agency