Mars: Matter & Energy in Ecosystems

How can living things be transported and survive on Mars?

Course

Science+

Subjects

Science

Grade Levels

Duration (hours)

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Overview

In this module, students will discover what is needed to sustain life and how energy travels through an ecosystem. Students will develop a model to describe the movement of matter through plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. Students will also support an argument from their investigations and research that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.

Standards

5-PS1-1

5-PS3-1

5-LS1-1

5-LS2-1

3-5-ETS1-2

Cyber Connections

Cyber Career Awareness

Lessons

Focus Question: How can living things be transported and survive on Mars?

Guide students in developing a class focus question about the phenomenon. How can living things be transported and survive on Mars?

Discovery 1: How will we get the energy we need to survive the long trip to Mars?

Students will realize that the journey to Mars will take quite a bit of time. To better understand how humans will need to get energy for such a long trip, students explore how energy and matter flows through an ecosystem.

Discovery 2: How can plants grow on a space shuttle?

Through experimentation students learn plants need sunlight, air, and nutrients to grow. We can simulate these things in space.

Discovery 3: How will the atmosphere be different on Mars?

In this discovery students will explore what makes up air on earth and how that may differ in space and on Mars. The air on Earth is made of particles too small to be seen. Students will investigate air by adding more air and taking air away. Based on their investigations, students will develop a model of particles too small to be seen.

Discovery 4: Why is the sun so important?

Students will develop a model of energy flow from sun. Students will learn about solar powered robots in farming.

Discovery 5: How can we survive long term on Mars?

To survive long-term on Mars, we will need plants, animals, and decomposers to give astronauts the vitamins and minerals they need. Students will create their own ecosystem for Mars.

Engineering Design Project: Rocket Launch Plan

Students are designing a launch plan to successfully land their foam rocket on a Mars target. Teams will explore possible forces and angles to determine which are most likely to hit the target.