February
2007
Martian rambles0
Scientists have produced the first hiker’s maps of Mars. These give detailed height contours and names of geological features … more
Links to free activities, resources and lessons
Teaching resources (UK US) prepared specifically for this story from www.realscience.org.uk.
Mars Express homepage, with videos from the HRSC, as well as animations and screensavers.
Lesson on getting around on the surface of Mars. Students design a surface-exploration vehicle. From Discovery School.
Interactive maps, reports and presentations about landing sites on Mars. Includes visible light images, thermal images, topography, geology. From NASA.
Students research the types of technology used to map and explore Mars. They imagine they’re working as technology experts for NASA, and create visual presentations to show the American public the types of technology that their tax dollars are funding for Mars mapping and exploration. From National Geographic.
Introduces students to common map projections and representations, and asks them to consider how each can be used to show specific features of Mars. Students draw three different representations of Mars, and illustrate each with details of research they have conducted on the planet.
Seven lessons designed to educate students on the exploration of Mars. Includes topographic and geologic mapping, Martian volcanoes and geology, and image interpretation. Lessons include hands-on activities, maps and overheads and links to additional resources.
Online tutorial designed to assist geoscience educators in effective teaching using spatial representations, including maps, cross sections and 3-D models. The tutorial draws upon cognitive science research
The Mars Exploration Rovers have exceeded expectations in digging up geological clues they have dug up about the planet’s past. In this interactive tour from NOVA Online, the mission’s principal science investigator, Steve Squyres, describes some of the great discoveries made by Spirit and Opportunity. From Teachers’ Domain. Simple registration required.
High-resolution images taken from low orbit provide evidence of the impact of wind and water erosion on the Martian surface. A photographic database of NASA images illustrating the forces of erosion that have reshaped much of the surface of the Red Planet.
Links to more
More information on the new maps, with some samples.
More stories and resources at www.realscience.org.uk
