Space presents many unique challenges. Read about the Apollo 13 mission. When done, turn and talk to your group about the article. Be sure your group can answer the following questions:

Mars has always been a source of fascination for humans. Read about Mars and take notes. What are the features that would help humans on Mars? 

 

Then explore Mars via NASA's Martian tour.  

 

 

 

We are exploring Mars to see what happened to its atmosphere, to gain insight into its climate, find liquid water, and uncover its prospects for habitability.  

 

Mars MAVEN (image left)  is a space probe launched in 2013. The mission is exploring the Red Planet’s upper atmosphere, ionosphere and interactions with the sun and solar wind.

Read about Magnetospheres Answer the questions:

 

 

 NASA: Magnetometry 101

 

 MAVEN finding: 

 Solar Winds Strip Mars Atmosphere

Now that you know about MAVEN and our search for magnetism on Mars, NASA needs YOUR help! The magnetometers on MAVEN have malfunctioned. We need to create a new, smaller, handheld magnetometer to scan the Martian surface (for a robotic arm).

You will create a magnetometer that is able to detect any magnetism on the Martian surface. You will use the design loop model to work on the project.            

 

Design Loop Model                                            Design and Plan Organizer 

Your magnetometer must differentiate between weak and strong magnetic spots. These spots will be plotted on a grid map.

Rulers

Tape