Education Standards
Mars Base Lesson Plan
Mars presentation
Design a Mars Base
Overview
In this interactive lesson plan, students collaborate to design a Mars base, applying concepts in engineering, architecture, and sustainability. Working in teams, they creatively solve challenges related to life support, resource management, and adapting to Martian conditions. Students draw out detailed floor plans for their innovative designs, showcasing their understanding of STEM principles and presenting their vision for a functional Martian habitat.
Introduction
Subjects: • Design • Engineering • Technology
Time: 45-60 minutes
Skills: •Creativity • Arts and Crafts • Teamwork • Problem-Solving • Critical-Thinking
Learning Objective/Goal:
- Students will learn what is needed for survival in other environments such as Mars and create a bae design to meet these needs.
- Students will work together in teams and as a whole group to construct a Mars Base with the necessary components for human survival
Materials Needed:
- Paper (preferably Graph Paper)
- Writing Utensils (preferably multiple colors)
- Scissors
- Glue or Tape
Background
Mars presents numerous obstacles to human habitation, including its thin atmosphere, extreme temperatures, and high levels of radiation. Designing a habitat capable of protecting astronauts from these harsh conditions while supporting their essential needs for life and research is crucial.
Activity
Introduction
Show Students this video on the Mars environment and potential base design already in development that they could potentially use and discuss what may be important in a Mars module.
Ask questions such as
- What are the challenges of living on Mars (e.g., atmosphere, temperature, radiation)?
- What are the essential elements of a Mars base (e.g., living quarters, labs, power sources)?
Explaining the activity
- Divide students into groups or individuals and assign each a section of the station, varying by group and class size.
- Have students design a floor plan for each module, including doors, furniture, appliances, hallways, and other Mars-based items.
- Remind students to consider functionality and Mars' harsh environment, and emphasize that all bases will be combined, encouraging cross-group collaboration.
Potential Modules
•Habitat Module •Science Laboratory •Kitchen/Living Module •Greenhouse •Utilities (plumbing, electrical, utilities) •Medical Lab •Bathroom •Airlock
•Excersie Module/Gym •Robots/Rover Bay •Weather Station •Rocketship Dock
Final Design:
- Once students are finished designing their modules, arrange and attach all designed modules.
- Remind students that they can create tunnels or connective modules if parts don't fit.
- Allow time for final touches (pathways, solar panels, etc.) and tape the final module.
Reflection:
Have students think about their base designs and overall work as a team.
Ask them questions such as
- What was the most challenging part of the design process?
- How did they solve design problems?
- What did they learn about collaboration and teamwork?
Extra
Tips for Students:
- Research Mars Conditions: Understand Mars' challenges to design effectively.
- Collaborate Effectively: Work closely with your group to integrate module designs.
- Innovate and Problem-Solve: Be creative while addressing practical Mars base needs.
Tips for Teachers:
- Provide Resources: Offer materials on Mars habitats for student exploration.
- Facilitate Group Dynamics: Guide balanced group formation and communication.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Prompt students to think critically about design implications.
Extension Activities:
- Create a 3D model of the Mars base using recycled materials.
- Give a detailed presentation of their complete base with the features and how it would resolve problems related to living on Mars
- Compare and contrast their base to real concepts or ideas for bases currently in development
References & Further Research
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/mission-to-mars-unit/
https://now.northropgrumman.com/building-a-base-on-the-moon-one-design-at-a-time
https://ma02212715.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/MA02212715/Centricity/Domain/113/3.%20ColonyBook.pdf