Mission to Mars

The Mission to Mars unit introduces students to Mars, often called the Red Planet. Students discover why everyone is so interested in studying this mysterious planet. Many interesting facts about Mars are revealed, and the history of Martian exploration is reviewed. Students learn about the development of robotics and how robots are beneficial to science, society and the exploration of space. Details on engineers' involvement in space exploration are explained, such as how orbits enable astronauts to move from planet to planet and what type of equipment is used by scientists and engineers to safely explore space. The specific details on and human risks for a possible future "humanned" mission to Mars (and back to Earth again!) are explored.