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Design A Mars Base Lesson Plan

In this interactive lesson plan, students collaborate to design a Mars base, applying concepts in engineering, architecture, and sustainability 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. More Info and Resources at: https://sites.google.com/view/stem-camp-lessons-for-all/mars-base-design

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Annabel Lee
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68 views3 pages

Design A Mars Base Lesson Plan

In this interactive lesson plan, students collaborate to design a Mars base, applying concepts in engineering, architecture, and sustainability 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. More Info and Resources at: https://sites.google.com/view/stem-camp-lessons-for-all/mars-base-design

Uploaded by

Annabel Lee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mars Base

Subjects: • Design • Engineering • Technology Time: 45-60 minutes

Skills: • Creativity • Arts and Crafts • Teamwork • Problem-Solving • Critical-Thinking

Approx. Cost: Low Lesson #: 3

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: NGSS Standards:


Paper (preferably Graph Paper) •3-5-ETS1-1
Writing Utensils (preferably multiple
3-5-ETS1-2
colors)
3-5-ETS1-3
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 designs
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)?
Activity (Continued):
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?

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

Link to Presentation

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

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