Artifact Immersion: Mission to Mars

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

Students will virtually explore various NASA spacecraft that have been involved in actual Mars missions. They will learn about the technical aspects of the engineering of each spacecraft and the instruments on board, such as spectrometers, seismometers, sampler arms, etc., and how they are used. Students will also know the findings of each spacecraft’s mission. After completing the Mission to Mars artifact immersion activity, students will be prepared to engage in argument from evidence to compare various theories for the formation and changing nature of the universe and our solar system as it relates to Mars and the Martian environment. 

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Earth and Space Science

SC15.ESS.2

Engage in argument from evidence to compare various theories for the formation and changing nature of the universe and our solar system (e.g., Big Bang Theory, Hubble’s law, steady state theory, light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, composition of matter in the universe).

UP:SC15.ESS.2

Vocabulary

  • electromagnetic spectrum
  • spectral lines
  • emission spectra
  • absorption spectra
  • redshift
  • blueshift
  • Hubble's Law
  • scientific theory
  • evidence
  • cosmology
  • hot Big Bang
  • Steady State
  • cosmic microwave background radiation
  • Big Bang nucleosynthesis
  • dark matter
  • dark energy

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The stars' light spectra and brightness may be used to identify compositional elements of stars, their movements, and their distances from Earth.
  • Energy cannot be created or destroyed-only moved between one place and another place.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Develop a claim based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources.
  • Identify and describe evidence supporting the claim.
  • Use examples to construct oral and/or written logical arguments.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • A scientific theory is a substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world. Based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment and the science community validates each theory before it is accepted.
  • If new evidence is discovered that the theory does not accommodate, the theory is generally modified in light of this new evidence.
  • The universe is a vast single system in which basic laws are consistent.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

License Type

Attribution Non-Commercial

Accessibility

Audio resources: includes a transcript or subtitles
Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
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