Websites current as of August 6, 2012

Introduction

Mars is a fascinating planet.  Mars’s red color stood out in the evening sky.  Many names given to Mars by varying cultures either emphasized its redness or were tied to war.

We have sent more probes and landers to Mars than any other planet.  These probes have changed Mars from, in the words of one scientist in 1971, “the Moon with polar caps” to a vibrant, changing world.

Before you can develop your Mars project, you need to understand the planet.  This WebQuest will help you start to understand Mars.

Task One – Planetary Facts

The first step you will take to understand Mars is to research basic facts about the planet. Using the information found in the websites below, complete your Mars Facts and the Comparing Earth and Mars worksheets.

Mars

Mars Facts and Figures

Comparing Earth and Mars

Task Two - History

How have we learned about Mars?  The history of the study of Mars is one of controversy and discovery.  Using the websites below, complete your History of Mars worksheet.

The First Telescopes See Mars

Christiaan Huygens

The Era of the Telescope

The Canal Craze

Percival Lowell

Missions to Mars

Task Three – Observations of Earth & Mars

As you study Mars, you will need to develop outstanding observations skills.  For this task, you will be observing and comparing pictures of Earth and Mars. Mars.  Observe them carefully, and then put your observation into words.  Choose your words carefully.  Be specific as you describe what you see.

As you observe each photograph, complete the Observing Planets From Space worksheet.  Remember, this is your first step  as you begin to learn about Mars.

Note: All pictures are from NASA Images

Conclusion

Just from the little time you  have spend learning about  Mars as you  did  the WebQuest, you should begin to realize just how  complex a world Mars is. 

Now that you have been introduced to Mars,  it’s time to spend more time studying the planet in class!