MARS COLONIZATION

OBJECTIVE:
Students will synthesize material learned from the year to create a colony on Mars.
Students will consider the necessary factors for life to exist and create technology to support these needs.

TEKS:
7.9 Earth and space. The student knows components of our solar system. The student is expected to: (a) analyze the
characteristics of objects in our solar system that allow life to exist such as the proximity of the Sun, presence of water,
and composition of the atmosphere;

PLAN:

Students will create a colony on Mars in groups of 3-4 students. Students should utilize their notes from the entire year.
Students may also use the textbook and chromebooks, if available. Students must answer the questions from part 1 and
receive approval from the teacher before moving on. The answers in part 1 should demonstrate thought, elaboration,
and creativity. Once approved, students may move on to part 2, designing their colony and creating a map, like you pick
up at a visitors center.
Names: _______________________________________________ Period: ____ Date: ___________________

Mars Colonization

Part 1. Well, we made it! The space race is over and we are all on Mars. Remember your country, leader, and
reporter? You cant abandon them now. Regroup with your space crew and start planning how you will
colonize Mars.

First thing first, dont throw everything you learned this entire year out the window. Little did you know, but
youve been preparing for this moment throughout all of 7 th grade. This is Life Science and now you are trying
to figure out how to sustain life on another planet. So think back

What do you need to survive every day?

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How does Earth provide you with these in your daily life?

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Summarize the characteristics of Mars.

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Including what you need to survive, and thinking about both the characteristics of Earth and Mars, develop

your colony. Just in case you forgot humans need air, food, and water. Some other things you might want to

consider include a source of energy, living and work quarters (Why are you on Mars in the first place?), a

communications system, and recreational facilities. Dont forget about transportation and emergency systems.

Use the following questions to help build your colony.

Air: Your space colony will need air. The modules will have to be enclosed and oxygen needs to be produced, but how?

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Food: What kinds of foods do humans need?

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Water: Water is needed for drinking, washing, and watering plants. Where will you get the water? How will it be stored?

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Energy: What energy source(s) will power the space colony? Do you have a back-up system?

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Living and Work: How will the colonists be housed and what are they working on?

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Communication: How will the colonists communicate with one another on Mars, as well as on Earth?

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Recreational Facilities: Gravity helps us stay strong, but gravity is 1/3 the strength on Mars as it is on Earth. How will the

colonists stay in shape and exercise?

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Transportation: Dont forget, you need to create a way for other space crafts to enter and launch.

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Emergency Protocols:

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When you are done, raise your hand for Mrs. Julian to initial your paper and provide you with part 2.

Part 2: Using the information you have just detailed, create a campus map of your colony. Illustrate the

buildings and landmarks. Create a key to identify the buildings. Provide a brief description detailing what goes

on in the buildings. Include a history of your country and its founders.

About the Colony and Its Founders
 Points of Interest Map of the Colony

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