1-Pager
Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Activities
Mission Control Challenge Introduction - Engage students in the 'Mission Control Challenge.' Form teams and introduce the concept of solving real-world astronaut problems. Discuss the importance of teamwork and creativity in space exploration. (20 min)
Brainstorming Session - Teams brainstorm possible challenges astronauts might face on Mars and how they might solve them. Encourage students to think critically and creatively. (20 min)
Understanding Mars - Introduce basic facts about Mars, including its environment and surface conditions. Use images and videos to help students visualize the planet. (15 min)
Comparing Earth and Mars - Facilitate a discussion on the similarities and differences between Earth and Mars. Students will use this information to think about necessary adaptations for a Mars settlement. (25 min)
Exploring Past Settlements - Discuss historical settlements on Earth, focusing on challenges faced by settlers in California. Highlight the role of entrepreneurship and cultural contributions. (20 min)
Connecting Past to Present - Have students draw parallels between historical settlements and a potential Mars settlement. Encourage them to consider what they can learn from past experiences. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Team-selected problem from the Mission Control Challenge
2. Research notes comparing Mars and Earth
3. Initial sketches and ideas for solving the chosen problem
4. Simple prototype or model of the solution
5. Peer feedback reflections
Preparation 1. Gather research materials on Mars and historical settlements
2. Prepare craft materials and science kits for prototyping
3. Arrange tables for team collaboration
4. Create peer feedback forms
5. Coordinate with NASA JPL for potential virtual guest appearance or video message
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Mars Environment Exploration - Students will use interactive simulations to explore Mars' environment, focusing on surface conditions and atmosphere. This will help them understand challenges for settlement. (20 min)
Designing Shelter - Introduce the concept of designing a shelter for Mars settlers. Students will sketch ideas based on their understanding of Mars' environment, considering necessary adaptations and resources. (20 min)
Coding Basics Workshop - Begin a coding workshop where students learn basic programming skills to simulate rover navigation. They will explore how coding can solve problems on Mars terrain. (20 min)
Team Coding Challenge - In teams, students will attempt a simple coding challenge to program the rover to navigate obstacles on a Mars-like terrain, applying what they've learned. (20 min)
Understanding Cultural Contributions - Discuss cultural contributions from Earth’s historical settlements and how these can inspire Mars settlers. Students will reflect on what cultural elements they would bring to Mars. (20 min)
Cultural Contributions Brainstorm - Students will brainstorm and create a list of cultural elements to include in their Mars settlement plan, considering diversity and inclusion. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will create a basic physical model of a Mars rover using craft materials.
2. Each team will complete a digital simulation of their rover's navigation on a Mars-like terrain.
3. A timeline and checklist for their Mars mission plan, integrating knowledge of Earth-Mars similarities and historical settlement challenges.
4. A reflection journal entry where students document their learning process and insights gained from project activities.
5. A presentation on the similarities and differences between Earth and Mars, incorporating historical examples from California settlements.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for building simple Mars rover models, including cardboard, wheels, rubber bands, and other craft supplies.
2. Secure access to tablets or computers with coding software suitable for 2nd-grade students to simulate Mars rover navigation.
3. Coordinate with NASA JPL for resources or video materials about Mars exploration to inspire students.
4. Prepare a presentation on historical settlements in California, focusing on Fort Ross and Sutter's Fort.
5. Create a checklist template for students to outline their Mars mission plans.
6. Set up a collaborative space in the classroom for team discussions and planning.
Week 3
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Activities
Mars Settlement Blueprints - Students work in teams to design a blueprint of their Mars settlement. They must consider essential living requirements and challenges based on their prior learning about Mars and historical settlements. (40 min)
Mars Economy Activity - Introduce the concept of creating an economy on Mars. Students brainstorm goods or services that would be needed in a Mars settlement and how they might establish a trade system. (20 min)
Entrepreneurship on Mars - In small groups, students develop a simple business plan for one of the goods or services discussed. They will consider resources, trading, and entrepreneurship as they plan. (20 min)
Cultural Traditions and Contributions - Facilitate a discussion on the importance of cultural traditions in new settlements. Students will explore different cultural practices and how they could be shared and respected in a Mars settlement. (20 min)
Creating a Mars Community - Students create a collaborative cultural guidebook that details how different Earth cultures can contribute to the social life of a Mars settlement. This guidebook will integrate their understanding of cultural traditions and respect. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. A group discussion summary highlighting key ideas for Mars settlement and exploration.
2. Physical models of Mars rovers designed by student teams, showcasing their creativity and understanding of real-world engineering challenges.
3. Completed coding simulations where students demonstrate programmed rover navigation overcoming obstacles on a Mars-like terrain.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for rover models including cardboard, scissors, adhesive tape, straws, wheels, markers, and paper.
2. Set up computers or tablets with access to block-based coding software (e.g., Scratch) for programming workshops.
3. Prepare examples of historical Earth settlements (Fort Ross, Sutter's Fort) to facilitate connections to Mars settlement ideas.
4. Coordinate with NASA JPL for a virtual presentation or resources on real-world rover challenges.
Week 4
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Activities
Mars Mission Plan Development - Teams begin drafting detailed mission plans, incorporating timelines and checklists for a successful Mars settlement. Students will work collaboratively to integrate knowledge from previous weeks. (40 min)
Rover Navigation Coding Workshop - Students refine their coding skills by programming a Mars rover simulation to navigate complex terrains. Emphasize problem-solving and teamwork as they adjust their code for accuracy and efficiency. (20 min)
Mars Terrain Navigation Challenge - Teams test their rover simulations in a controlled Mars-like environment, observing and troubleshooting any navigation issues. Encourage reflection on coding strategies and teamwork. (20 min)
Cultural Guidebook Expansion - Students add to their Mars settlement cultural guidebook, focusing on how cultural traditions can enhance community life. Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in a new settlement. (20 min)
Mars Mission Proposal Preparation - Students finalize their Mars mission plans and cultural guidebook for presentation. Provide time for self-assessment and peer feedback, encouraging reflection on their learning journey. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Prototype design of a Mars rover created using simple materials.
2. Block-based coding simulation demonstrating the rover's navigation path on Mars.
3. Written reflections in journals documenting feedback received from peers and personal growth.
4. Presentation of economic planning ideas for a sustainable Mars settlement, drawing from historical settlers’ experiences.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for rover prototypes, including cardboard, small motors, wheels, and other safe building supplies.
2. Prepare coding software and devices for the workshop, ensuring they are age-appropriate and accessible for 2nd graders.
3. Set up a brainstorming space with visual aids comparing historical settlers in California to potential settlers on Mars.
4. Coordinate with NASA JPL to provide insights or resources on Mars terrain and rover challenges.
5. Create reflection journals for students to document feedback and personal growth.
Week 5
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Review and Feedback Session - Students meet in their teams to review their Mars mission plans and rover navigation simulations. They use provided rubrics to give and receive peer feedback, focusing on clarity, creativity, and feasibility. (20 min)
Mission Plan Refinement - Teams incorporate the feedback they received to refine their mission plans and simulations. They ensure their plans address all key challenges of Mars settlement and showcase innovative solutions. (20 min)
Coding Debugging Workshop - Students work on debugging their rover navigation codes with the help of the teacher. They focus on identifying and solving errors to improve their rover's efficiency and accuracy. (20 min)
Final Rover Test - Conduct a final test of the rover navigation simulations in a Mars-like terrain. Students document any remaining issues and discuss solutions as a class. (20 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Students organize their materials for the upcoming Mars Mission Showcase. They design presentation boards or digital slides to highlight key aspects of their projects, including mission plans and rover simulations. (20 min)
Presentation Practice - Teams practice presenting their Mars mission plans to each other, focusing on clear communication and confidence. Encourage constructive feedback from peers to enhance presentation skills. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. A collaborative list of essential resources for a Mars settlement compared with those needed by early settlers in California.
2. Completed models of Mars habitats showcasing different aspects like living quarters, a greenhouse, or a water filtration system.
3. A basic coding simulation of resource management on Mars, demonstrating students' understanding of efficient resource allocation.
Preparation 1. Gather recycled materials (e.g., cardboard, plastic bottles, fabric) for the Mars habitat models.
2. Prepare a list of essential resources for a Mars settlement and examples of historical settlements for the brainstorming session.
3. Set up coding platforms and ensure students have access to tablets or computers for the coding session.
4. Organize a gallery space in the classroom for students to display their habitat models at the end of the week.
Week 6
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Activities
Final Mars Mission Presentation Rehearsal - Students rehearse their presentations for the Mars Mission Showcase, focusing on clear communication and enthusiasm. They practice explaining their mission plans, coding simulations, and cultural guidebooks to peers for constructive feedback. (20 min)
Showcase Preparation - Teams make final adjustments to their presentation materials, ensuring all visual aids are ready and their digital slides or boards are well-organized. They finalize any necessary touches to their rover models and simulations. (20 min)
Mars Mission Showcase - Host the Mars Mission Showcase, where students present their comprehensive Mars mission plans, rover simulations, and cultural guidebooks to parents and NASA JPL representatives. Encourage students to engage with the audience and answer questions confidently. (40 min)
Reflective Feedback Session - Facilitate a reflection session where students share their experiences during the project. They discuss what they learned, challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Encourage students to consider feedback received during the showcase to identify areas for growth. (20 min)
Celebrating Achievements - Celebrate the completion of the Mars settlement project with a class discussion on the importance of teamwork, innovation, and perseverance. Acknowledge each team's unique contributions and creativity throughout the project. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Each team presents a comprehensive mission proposal, including a timeline and checklist, during the Mars Mission Showcase.
2. Students demonstrate their Mars rover navigation coding simulations, showcasing how they programmed the rover to overcome obstacles.
3. Teams display their physical model of the Mars rover, highlighting their understanding of engineering challenges.
4. Students participate in a reflective discussion, sharing insights on their learning journey and receiving feedback from NASA JPL representatives and parents.
5. Completion of self-reflection journals, documenting personal learning growth, challenges faced, and future goals related to the project.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for the Mars Mission Showcase, including tables, chairs, display boards, and audio-visual equipment.
2. Prepare feedback forms for NASA JPL representatives and parents to provide constructive input on student presentations.
3. Ensure all coding equipment, like tablets or computers with programming software, is functional and accessible for students to demonstrate simulations.
4. Coordinate with NASA JPL representatives to confirm their participation and provide them with a schedule of student presentations.
5. Set up a space for the exhibition with designated areas for each team to present their mission plans and rover models.
6. Create badges or name tags for students to wear during the showcase to encourage interaction with visitors.