Resource Library

How will humans grow food on Mars?

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

In this episode of #AskAbby, we are so excited to have special guests join Astronaut Abby to discuss how plants will be cultivated on Mars!

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Learning Strategies

Infographic Creator

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

The Infographic Creator learning strategy introduces students to a method of presenting data, as well as other information, from an inquiry in a visually interesting, graphic format called an infographic.

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Additional Inquiries

How is fruit classified?

Grades 4 to 6

Students will use a basic dichotomous key and practice their skills of observation, comparing and contrasting, and decision-making to classify a variety of common fleshy fruits.

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Additional Inquiries

How do tomato seeds germinate?

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9

Students will make a CD Case Germination Viewer to germinate tomato seeds and make daily observations to practice their skills of observation and recording to explore the process of germination.

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Additional Inquiries

How much water is in a tomato?

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9

Students will conduct a basic guided inquiry to determine the mass of water in a tomato. Students will consider the value of using dried food in the context of meeting human needs in space and as a food preservation technique.

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Additional Inquiries

How does Mars compare to Earth?

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9

Students use a variety of sources of information to compare the physical characteristics of Mars to the physical characteristics of Earth. Students will use a Venn diagram to organize information and determine what similarities exist between these two planets. Students then consider the implications of the physical characteristics of Mars vs. Earth in terms of the challenges to overcome in preparing for a human interplanetary mission to Mars.

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Videos

Earth vs Mars - How Do They Compare - Space / Planet Comparison

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9

People have always dreamed of exploring the universe and colonizing other planets. In the vastness of space, Mars, sometimes called 'The Red Planet', seemed like the closest planet to Earth, orbiting the sun, that could potentially sustain life and humans. But what is Mars actually like? Is it really that similar to Earth? Get ready to travel through space as we compare Earth to Mars and see how they stack up against each other.

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Videos

How does Mars Compare to Earth?

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9

This animation looks at a basic physical comparison of the Earth with our closest neighbor, Mars. (2:48 min.)

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Backgrounders

Is There Enough Light on Mars to Grow Plants?

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

Astronauts traveling to Mars will need to grow some of their own food in order to survive and stay healthy. But on Mars will there be enough light to meet the needs of growing plants?

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Videos

Growing Food in Space (ESA Euronews)

Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9

Is is possible to produce food to eat and air to breathe while in space? The short answer: it's not easy, but it can be done.

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Backgrounders

Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

Air is made up of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%) with small amounts of other gases such as argon and carbon dioxide. It probably then comes as no surprise that nitrogen is important for all organisms as it helps them to live and grow.

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Backgrounders

Soil on Mars

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

Most people do not think twice about soil, but we could not live without it. The plants we eat, and the plants that feed the animals we eat, depend on soil. Plant roots need soil for physical support. Plants also get nutrients from soil, which they need for healthy growth and development. Future astronauts on a long-term mission to Mars will want to grow some food crops to add to their diet of packaged food.

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Learning Strategies

Seeds of Knowledge

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

The Seeds of Knowledge learning strategy offers students a process to practice the skill of making connections by connecting their prior knowledge and learning experiences from previous grades to a new inquiry opportunity, such as the Tomatosphere^™ Seed Investigation.

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Learning Strategies

Making Connections Organizer

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

The Making Connections Organizer learning strategy uses a graphic organizer to help students connect science inquiries to their prior knowledge and experiences, prior inquires and the world at large.

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Skill Look-fors

Questioning

K to 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, Grades 10 to 12

The skill of questioning allows students to pursue their ideas and explore the world around them. Being able to ask rich questions about who, what, where, when, why, and how, enables students to construct their knowledge and develop an understanding of concepts and experiences.

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