|  | TRIP TO MARS—TEACHER NOTESDESCRIPTION
In this activity students will research and plan for a fictional manned mission
to Mars. As they compare three propulsion systems—a solar sail, a chemical
rocket, and a plasma rocket—they learn key concepts of physics and Earth
and space science.
GRADE LEVEL 5-8
OBJECTIVES - Learn fundamental aspects of the laws of motion (Newton’s laws) and
orbital mechanics.
- Gain science inquiry skills.
- Learn foundational information relating to Earth and space science.
NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS (1996) - Abilities Necessary to Do Scientific Inquiry (5-8):
a. Identify
questions that can be answered through scientific investigations.
c. Use appropriate
tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data. - Physical Science (K-4)
b. Position
and Motion of Objects - Physical Science (5-8)
b. Motions
and Forces - Physical Science (9-12)
d. Motions
and Forces - Earth and Space Science (5-8)
c. Earth in
the Solar System
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