Exploring the Red Planet
Curiosity : the story of a Mars rover by Motum, Markus — Candlewick Press, 2018. 629.2; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.0. On August 6, 2012, the rover Curiosity touched down on the rocky surface of Mars and now she's ready to guide you through her journey firsthand. From idea to creation and beyond, this fact-filled, stylish book introduces readers to Curiosity and her mission: to discover more about the red planet and search for evidence of life. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com
Rationale: This My Books Alive entry was originally posted as NSTA Mars Books because over the years seven different books about Mars have been recognized by the National Science Teachers Association as an Outstanding Science Trade Book. I chose to modify that original post to feature the 2018 Outstanding Books, revise the lesson ideas and update the bibliographies. All bibliographies on My Books Alive include books primarily younger than ten years unless it’s a classic. That ten year time frame is especially important for science and technology projects because currency is so vital. Now could also be a good time to weed the 629 section of the library--just a reminder.
While Curiosity : the story of a Mars rover is interest leveled at grades 3-6, it’s usefulness can be stretched upward and even included in a first or second grade collection of books for display or teacher read aloud. Recently I read it to my five year old grandson, skipping the sidebars and excellent picture labels. He was fascinated and followed up the reading by building his version of Curiosity out of Legos.
I’ve included the other Mars books in a separate listing. You could easily do these same activities with those titles if you don’t have Curiosity. In this current entry, we’re primarily interested in the planet Mars, its exploration, and possible life on Mars. Recently posted entries about the Apollo program and the women who served as mathematicians (computers) could be part of a mini library unit about space when the classroom or science teacher is teaching that unit. Go ahead piece together a bigger unit by combining space postings. The result could be a complete unit about space in a spiraling sequential series of units e beginning with Planet Earth, then the moon, followed by the stars, the whole solar system, and space exploration. In this entry, Grades K-3, will look at living on Mars and some easy science fiction. In Grades 3-6 we coordinate with the classroom by having students share daily news about Mars; and in Grades 5-8 we use another quick search technique to find information about Mars (and space) exploration using many of NASA’s websites.
OTHER OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE BOOKS ABOUT MARS
Welcome to Mars : making a home on the Red Planet by Aldrin, Buzz — National Geographic Society, 2015. 523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.6. Why Mars? -- All aboard -- Off to Mars -- Approaching Mars -- Riches of Mars -- Martian home -- Green Mars. "Astronaut Buzz Aldrin challenges curious kids to think about Mars as not just a faraway red planet but as a possible future home for Earthlings! What will your new home be like? How will you get there? What will you eat for breakfast? Find out what life might be like far, far from Earth as you navigate your way through this fun and fascinating book. NSTA 2016The mighty Mars rovers : the incredible adventures of Spirit and Opportunity by Rusch, Elizabeth, author — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012--523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.4
The story of the two robot vehicles, Spirit and Opportunity, that were sent to explore Mars, lasting far past their projected lives of three months and sending back invaluable images of the environmentally hostile planet. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com, CCBC, NFD, NSTA 2013.
Exploring space : from Galileo to the Mars Rover and beyond by Jenkins, Martin — Candlewick Press, 2017 . 629.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.1. A brief history of space exploration, covering such topics as the first human missions, life on the International Space Station, and settling on Mars. NSTA 2018.
Cars on Mars : roving the red planet by Siy, Alexandra - Charlesbridge, p2011, c2009--919.9--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 8.2. Tells the story of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission and looks at what scientists have learned from the photographs and data sent by roving mechanical geologists Spirit and Opportunity since their landing on the planet. Probing the surface of Mars to find clues of the past, Cars on Mars takes readers on a trip riding Spirit and Opportunity to see whether life ever existed on the Red Planet. Quirky and fun, the book will make readers feel like they are part of the mission. Diagrams, Photographs, Maps and Charts, Glossary, Bibliography, Additional Facts. Triple Crown, NSTA 2010
Seven wonders of the solar system by Aguilar, David A — Viking, 2017. 523.2; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Explores seven extraordinary celestial wonders, from our close neighbor Mars to mysterious Planet 9. NSTA 2018.
Ada Lace sees red (Ada Lace Adventure, Book 2) by Calandrelli, Emily — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017 : -Fic-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.1. Sequel to: Ada Lace, on the case Eight-year-old Ada Lace is determined to win the robot-building competition but is struggling with her art class so she soon wonders if there might be a way to use both science and art to solve her problems. NSTA 2018
Grades K-3--What Will I Find on Mars?
Background: My kindergarten, although my science teacher husband disagrees with this part of the curriculum, does a major unit about the solar system. Why does he disagree with that unit? Children in kindergarten have no real conceptual skills to understand the distances and sizes of the solar system. The only way it is acceptable pedagogically is as an introduction in a spiraling sequential curriculum as is the curriculum in my small private school. Other grades build on it: 1st the Earth, 2nd the Moon, 3rd reintroduction to the whole system. His argument includes the need for hands-on activities, and that’s what I have included here.
Preparation: Poster, chart, or online projection of the planets in the solar system
Select a poem about Mars from the Florian book listed in the bibliography. Make the poem into a poster for future use, display, or reference in other classes.
Gather dehydrated foods (see end of lesson) for sampling.
Introduction: Let’s look at our (poster, chart or screen) picture of the solar system’s planets. Can you find Earth, where we live? Can you tell me anything you know about any of the other planets? (Allow time.) Today we’re going to find out a little more about the Red Planet. Do you know the name of the Red Planet? Yes, it’s Mars.
Read selected poem from Florian book.
Comets, stars, the moon, and Mars : space poems and paintings by Florian, Douglas - Harcourt, p2007, c2007--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.1. A collection of twenty whimsical poems about comets, the stars, moon, and the planets.
If we could take a trip to Mars, this is what it could be like.
Read aloud:
You are the first kid on Mars by O'Brien, Patrick - Putnams, p2009, c2009--919.9--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.2. An illustrated introduction to what it might be like to live on Mars, covering a boy's journey into orbit, across the solar system, and into an inhabitable station on the red planet; and includes facts about Mars. Triple Crown
Our next book tells us about a robot that really actually visited Mars.
Read aloud:
Red rover : Curiosity on Mars by Ho, Richard — Roaring Brook Press, 2019 629.43; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.7. Follow the 'Curiosity' rover as it travels across the surface of Mars exploring the planet and collecting data for scientists back on Earth.
(Then choose one of these titles to read aloud.)
Read aloud:
Mousetronaut goes to Mars by Kelly, Mark E — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.5. A mouse stowaway on NASA's first human mission to Mars becomes a hero when one of the landing craft's engines fails. Includes facts about Mars.
OR
Life on Mars by Agee, Jon — Dial Books for Young Readers, 2017. -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6. A young astronaut is trying to find life on Mars, but he's made a very big oversight. CCBC, Freeman, WI & IN Reading
Do you think there is life on Mars? If there is, and they are people, they’d be called aliens. I know a rhyme about aliens. (Recite poem, and teach it if you want and have the time. Especially suitable for Grades K-1.)
5 Little Aliens
5 little aliens went out to play over the moon to the milky way.
mama alien went hep hep hep
4 little aliens came floating back.
4-3 3-2 2-1 Father alien went HEP HEP HEP the 5 little aliens came floating back.
Created by Sonya Schmidt
Our last story is a make believe imaginative story about an alien.
Read aloud:
Baloney (Henry P.) by Scieszka, Jon - Puffin, p2005, c2001--Fic--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.7
A transmission received from outer space in a combination of different Earth languages tells of an alien schoolboy's fantastic excuse for being late to school again.
Extension: Preparing a Meal for Space Flight
Let students know that in order to preserve food and reduce cargo weight on a space trip, food is dehydrated. This means that water is removed from the food. Mostly for reasons of preservation, some food is dehydrated for consumption here on Earth. Have students make a list of all the dehydrated foods (sometimes referred to as “freeze dried”) that they can find in the supermarket and from that list prepare a meal that might be enjoyed by astronauts out in space. In some cases, students may want to rehydrate the food to make it tasty and more consumable. Here is a sample menu:
1. Dehydrated fruit such as bananas and strawberries: rehydrate in mouth by saliva
2. Dehydrated peanuts: rehydration not necessary
3. Dehydrated orange crystals: rehydrate with water in a sandwich bag, and use a straw to sip out the contents
4. Dehydrated instant pudding: rehydrate with water in a sandwich bag, snip off a corner of the bag with scissors, and slurp out the contents
5. Dehydrated beef jerky: rehydrate in mouth
6. Dehydrated ice cream: follow package instructions to rehydrate
After feasting on their space meal, students can rate their experience with each food and comment on whether they would look forward to the cuisine on a lengthy space flight.
Extension: Construct a Space Vehicle
Have students use tape, Velcro, glue, shoe boxes, paper towel tubes, plastic soda cans, and other household recyclables to construct a model of the space shuttle. Instruct students to glue or tape together the parts that never separate and to use Velcro to hold together parts that will be jettisoned after liftoff (e.g., the fuel tank and rocket boosters).
Related Titles:
Blip! by Richards, Barnaby — TOON Books, an imprint of RAW Junior, LLC, 2016 741.5; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 0.7. After a curious robot named Blip lands on a strange planet, he begins an exciting journey in search of a friend."
Birthday on Mars! by Schonfeld, Sara — Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2019 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.7. Mars is one of our closest neighbors, and a NASA robot named Curiosity is in charge of exploring the surface. Take a journey across a new planet along with Curiosity. You're invited to join the party-- because even robot's have birthdays!
The three little aliens and the big bad robot by McNamara, Margaret — Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.1. Three aliens set off to find a new planet for themselves but soon Bork and Gork have forgotten all of their mother's good advice and only Nklxwcyz builds a home safe enough to withstand the Big Bad Robot in this story reminiscent of "The Three Little Pigs."
Just right : searching for the Goldilocks planet by Manley, Curtis — Roaring Brook Press, 2019 523.4; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.9. Looks at different planets and explores the possibility of life on other planets. CBS, NFD
Grades 3-6--The Red Planet
Background: The activity book from NASA around which this entry is planned is comprehensive and varied and could be a two week lesson in the classroom and/or in the library. OR, you could do only the suggested “research” activities while the science teacher does his/her planetary lessons in the classroom. Where does this lesson fit? In an astronomy unit about the planets, and, you (the librarian) emphasize Mars. You may choose to simply do the news scour each day while the teacher is doing the lessons in the classroom as a short simple option.
Preparation: Determine which lessons in the Mars Activity Book PDF available at http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/participate/marsforeducators/
you and the science teacher would like to use. This is an excellent, superior resource.
Print any necessary lesson materials to be used with the students in the library.
Preview the NASA Video “Curiosity’s First Five Years” at https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/index.html) and become acquainted with the site because it is one the the websites where students will get their news.
Gather any necessary supplies for the lessons you have selected.
Access to computer lab and/or computer with Internet access and projection capability.
Arrange schedule of student(s) responsible for Mars news research and presentation each day.
Introduction: The U.S. has sent several space probes to Mars to learn about its geology and geography and whether life ever existed on Mars or could exist there.
Read aloud:
Curiosity : the story of a Mars rover by Motum, Markus — Candlewick Press, 2018. 629.2; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.0. On August 6, 2012, the rover Curiosity touched down on the rocky surface of Mars and now she's ready to guide you through her journey firsthand. From idea to creation and beyond, this fact-filled, stylish book introduces readers to Curiosity and her mission: to discover more about the red planet and search for evidence of life. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com
One of our activities will be to scour the news while you learn about the planets and follow the probes so our information is as up-to-date as possible. I’ve posted a schedule of students who will have Mars homework for the day. It will be your responsibility to report the news the next day.
Let me give you an example. Do a Google search Mars news for (date and year). (Demonstrate). There will be several entries. Make sure what you choose is about the planet and not a musical group or sports group or a candy bar. Mars Daily https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/space_time/mars/ and the Red Planet Repot Red Planet Report http://redplanet.asu.edu are reliable. Some do not post on weekends so you may need to take information from Thursday or Friday. If there is a good photo, project that photo while you tell the news. You’re the reporter, 30 seconds to a minute is all the news you need to give.
(Then continue with the Activity Book projects you have planned with the teacher.)
Teacher Resources:
Views of the Solar System http://www.solarviews.com/eng/mars.htm
Red Planet Report http://redplanet.asu.edu
NASA Website: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/index.html)
Titles for Display, Research, and/or Check-out:
Mousetronaut goes to Mars by Kelly, Mark E — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.5. A mouse stowaway on NASA's first human mission to Mars becomes a hero when one of the landing craft's engines fails. Includes facts about Mars.
Exploring space robots (Searchlight Books: What's Amazing About Space?) by Kops, Deborah — Lerner Publications, 2012 629.46; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.0. An examination of space robots that describes different types, explains the work they do, and examines who controls them. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
Just right : searching for the Goldilocks planet by Manley, Curtis — Roaring Brook Press, 2019 523.4; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.9. Looks at different planets and explores the possibility of life on other planets. CBS, NFD
Curiosity : the story of a Mars rover by Motum, Markus — Candlewick Press, 2018 629.2; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.0. On August 6, 2012, the rover Curiosity touched down on the rocky surface of Mars and now she's ready to guide you through her journey firsthand. From idea to creation and beyond, this fact-filled, stylish book introduces readers to Curiosity and her mission: to discover more about the red planet and search for evidence of life. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com CCBC, NSTA 2019
Robots and drones : past, present, and future (Science Comics)by Scott, Mairghread — First Second, 2018 629.8; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.0. Presents the history of robotics, from the world's earliest mechanized robots to modern machines used in the home, in the military, and in space exploration.
Welcome to Mars : making a home on the Red Planet by Aldrin, Buzz — National Geographic Society, 2015. 523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.6. Why Mars? -- All aboard -- Off to Mars -- Approaching Mars -- Riches of Mars -- Martian home -- Green Mars. "Astronaut Buzz Aldrin challenges curious kids to think about Mars as not just a faraway red planet but as a possible future home for Earthlings! What will your new home be like? How will you get there? What will you eat for breakfast? Find out what life might be like far, far from Earth as you navigate your way through this fun and fascinating book. NSTA 2016
Destination: space : living on other planets (Dr. Dave Astronaut)by Williams, Dave — Annick Press, 2018. 629.44; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.8. This book examines what planets in our solar system offer the potential for space exploration and possible habitation, and what space travel looks like presently and in the future.
Far-out guide to Mars by Carson, Mary Kay - Bailey Books, p2011, c2011--523.43--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.8. Rock-hunting rovers -- Mars at a glance -- Fast facts about Mars -- Mars timeline of exploration and discovery -- Digging for Martian ice -- What's next for Mars? -- Words to know -- Find out more and get updates. Presents information about Mars, including fast facts, history, and technology used to study the planet.
The mighty Mars rovers : the incredible adventures of Spirit and Opportunity by Rusch, Elizabeth, author — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012--523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.4
The story of the two robot vehicles, Spirit and Opportunity, that were sent to explore Mars, lasting far past their projected lives of three months and sending back invaluable images of the environmentally hostile planet. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com NSTA 2013
Mars by Capaccio, George - eBook--Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, p2010, c2010--523.43--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.9. Mars and the solar system -- Structure and physical features of Mars -- Mars through the ages -- New questions, new discoveries. A photographic introduction to Mars, describing the formation of the solar system, examining the structure and physical features of Mars, reviewing the history of Mars discovery, and looking at questions that have arisen as more is learned about the planet. Includes a list of quick facts and resources for further study.
Mars missions : a space discovery guide (Space Discovery Guides) by Silverman, Buffy — Lerner Publications, 2017 523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 8.1. Since the discovery of Mars, people have wondered if there could be life there. This book has the latest news about the exploration of Mars and the scientific breakthroughs that will finally let us answer this question. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
Cars on Mars : roving the red planet by Siy, Alexandra - Charlesbridge, p2011, c2009--919.9--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 8.2. Tells the story of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission and looks at what scientists have learned from the photographs and data sent by roving mechanical geologists Spirit and Opportunity since their landing on the planet. Probing the surface of Mars to find clues of the past, Cars on Mars takes readers on a trip riding Spirit and Opportunity to see whether life ever existed on the Red Planet. Supplemental Material: Martian Atmosphere (NASA Why?Files), Triple Crown, NSTA 2010.
Grades 5-8--From Earth to Mars
Background: This is a quick research activity method which students also use when doing research about tsunamis. It’s a useful skill for students because they work together, they need to read critically, evaluate their information, and compare with other students.
Preparation: Computer lab with Internet access.
Divide class into partners or groups of no more than three. Be sure varying abilities are represented.
Sentence strips (5 per group) and markers.
Prepare links of NASA Mars sites below as per established procedure for your school.
Jet Propulsion Lab Mars Rovers http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Star Data Solar System http://stardate.org/astro-guide/ssguide/mars.htm
Phoenix Mars Mission http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/timeline.php
Phoenix Mars Mission-home http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/index.php
Ask Dr. C Mars Expert http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/index.php
Mars Exploration Program http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/
Mars Exploration Rovers http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Mars Fact Sheet http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/marsfact.html
Introduction: In class you have learned a few facts about Mars already. Our next job is to find more details. Working with a partner or in a small group, your assignment will be to read and/or skim at least the websites about Mars and one of the books about Mars that are on display. Each group will receive five (5) sentence strips. (Have extra strips available.) Your assignment is to find five facts that you did not know before you read that fact today. Can you find more? Yes. Write your facts neatly on the sentence strips with a source listed. Your goal is to find five facts that no other group will find. I will post them as they are written and turned in to me. If you see another group has written the same or very similar fact, look for another because you need five facts that no other group has. Sidebars and picture captions often give interesting facts. Remember the sources. If you notice that another group’s information is being posted that you already have posted--the librarian can’t see all--please tell the teacher or librarian, and the newer post needs to come down.
(Post each group’s sentence strips together if they are different from others, if not, return the strip for additional searching. By posting together you can quickly see who is working well and who needs assistance finding facts. You could also use the number of facts found as a grade for the day i.e. 5+ is an A, 4 a B, etc. This activity will become quite competitive and fun, for the students need to read each strip as it is posted--first new fact gets posted, others returned for more work.)
Titles for Display, Research, and/or Check-Out:
Curiosity : the story of a Mars rover by Motum, Markus — Candlewick Press, 2018. 629.2; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.0. On August 6, 2012, the rover Curiosity touched down on the rocky surface of Mars and now she's ready to guide you through her journey firsthand. From idea to creation and beyond, this fact-filled, stylish book introduces readers to Curiosity and her mission: to discover more about the red planet and search for evidence of life. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com
Welcome to Mars : making a home on the Red Planet by Aldrin, Buzz — National Geographic Society, 2015. 523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.6. Why Mars? -- All aboard -- Off to Mars -- Approaching Mars -- Riches of Mars -- Martian home -- Green Mars. "Astronaut Buzz Aldrin challenges curious kids to think about Mars as not just a faraway red planet but as a possible future home for Earthlings! What will your new home be like? How will you get there? What will you eat for breakfast? Find out what life might be like far, far from Earth as you navigate your way through this fun and fascinating book. NSTA 2016.
Destination: space : living on other planets (Dr. Dave Astronaut)by Williams, Dave — Annick Press, 2018. 629.44; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.8. This book examines what planets in our solar system offer the potential for space exploration and possible habitation, and what space travel looks like presently and in the future.
Far-out guide to Mars by Carson, Mary Kay - Bailey Books, p2011, c2011--523.43--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.8. Rock-hunting rovers -- Mars at a glance -- Fast facts about Mars -- Mars timeline of exploration and discovery -- Digging for Martian ice -- What's next for Mars? -- Words to know -- Find out more and get updates. Presents information about Mars, including fast facts, history, and technology used to study the planet.
Exploring the solar system (Let's Explore Science) by Tourville, Amanda Doering — Rourke Pub., 2011 523.2; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.1. Space exploration -- What tools do astronomers use to study space? -- The sun and terrestrial planets -- The gas giants -- Dwarf planets and moons -- What else is in our solar system? An illustrated introduction to the solar system that discusses the tools and equipment used to study and explore outer space, and describes the sun, moons, planets, and other things found in outer space. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
StarTalk : everything you ever need to know about space travel, sci-fi, the human race, the universe, and beyond — National Geographic, 2017 523.1; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.1. Offers facts about a variety of topics in science, including cosmology, outer space, earth science, human beings, science fiction, and more.
Seven wonders of space technology by Bortz, Alfred B - eBook--Twenty-First Century Books, p2011, c2011--629.4--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.1. Profiles seven events and developments that have had a significant impact on the field of space technology, discussing space travel, the world's great observatories, the space station, Mars rovers, moon bases, and weather satellites.
Space encyclopedia : a tour of our solar system and beyond by Aguilar, David A — National Geographic, 2013. 523.1; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.3. Text and photographs look at the solar system, the stars and beyond.
The mighty Mars rovers : the incredible adventures of Spirit and Opportunity by Rusch, Elizabeth, author — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012--523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.4
The story of the two robot vehicles, Spirit and Opportunity, that were sent to explore Mars, lasting far past their projected lives of three months and sending back invaluable images of the environmentally hostile planet. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com NSTA 2013
Mars by Capaccio, George — eBook-Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2010--523.43; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.9. Mars and the solar system -- Structure and physical features of Mars -- Mars through the ages -- New questions, new discoveries. A photographic introduction to Mars, describing the formation of the solar system, examining the structure and physical features of Mars, reviewing the history of Mars discovery, and looking at questions that have arisen as more is learned about the planet. Includes a list of quick facts and resources for further study.
Inside Biosphere 2 : earth science under glass (Scientists In The Field (HMH)) by Carson, Mary Kay — Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 304.2; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.0. In the 1990s, scientists lived inside Biosphere 2 (Biosphere 1 is the Earth itself) for two years, trying to figure out if colonizing Mars would ever be possible. Now scientists don't live there but instead conduct all sorts of studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and especially understand what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change and other man-made problems. It's a unique take on the 'Scientists in the Field' mission statement - in this case, the field/lab is a replica that allows the scientists to conduct large scale experiments that would otherwise be impossible. CCBC, NSTA 2016
Exploring space : from Galileo to the Mars Rover and beyond by Jenkins, Martin — Candlewick Press, 2017 : 629.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.1. A brief history of space exploration, covering such topics as the first human missions, life on the International Space Station, and settling on Mars. NSTA 2018
Are we alone? : scientists search for life in space by Skurzynski, Gloria — National Geographic, 2004 : 576.8; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.4. Flying saucers -- Extraterrestrial civilizations -- Nodding at midnight -- A better way to look -- The quest -- It's elemental -- One extreme to another -- Earth to Mars -- Jupiter's icy moons -- Talking to E.T.I. Presents a study of space and the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations and discusses UFO sightings throughout the twentieth century, crop circles, and other paranormal occurrences. NSTA 2005.
This is rocket science : true stories of the risk-taking scientists who figure out ways to explore beyond Earth by Skurzynski, Gloria - National Geographic, p2010, c2010--629.4--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 7.9. Fire arrows -- The fathers of modern rocketry -- Beeps from space -- Saturn wins, Orion loses -- Return and reuse -- Success and failure -- Way to go -- Farther needs faster. Shares the stories of scientists throughout history who have contributed to the field of space exploration, and provides information about developments in the field.
Mars missions : a space discovery guide (Space Discovery Guides) by Silverman, Buffy — Lerner Publications, 2017. 523.43; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 8.1. Since the discovery of Mars, people have wondered if there could be life there. This book has the latest news about the exploration of Mars and the scientific breakthroughs that will finally let us answer this question. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com
Cars on Mars : roving the red planet by Siy, Alexandra - Charlesbridge, p2011, c2009--919.9--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 8.2. Tells the story of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission and looks at what scientists have learned from the photographs and data sent by roving mechanical geologists Spirit and Opportunity since their landing on the planet. Probing the surface of Mars to find clues of the past, Cars on Mars takes readers on a trip riding Spirit and Opportunity to see whether life ever existed on the Red Planet. Supplemental Material: Martian Atmosphere (NASA Why?Files), Triple Crown, NSTA 2010.
Seven wonders of the solar system by Aguilar, David A — Viking, 2017 523.2; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Explores seven extraordinary celestial wonders, from our close neighbor Mars to mysterious Planet 9. NSTA 2018.
Teacher Resources:
Discussion and Activity Guide (very complete) for The Mighty Mars Rovers at http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com/pdfs/marsrover_discussion_guide.pdf
Phoenix Mars Lander: Entry Descent and Landing 6 - 12 | URL | Video This short film discusses the design challenges faced by the quest to land the Phoenix Mars Lander near the north pole of Mars in May... URL: http://sciencenetlinks.com/tools/phoenix-mars-lander/
