Space Series - Mars - STEM Challenge
Build a Mars Colony
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on Mars? With this STEM challenge, you will design and build a prototype of a Mars colony. This activity can be done in teams that will each work on their chosen aspect of the colony.
Materials Needed:
Paper and pencil
Materials from the recycling bin (containers, cardboard paper etc.)
Glue
Tape
Markers
Popsicle Sticks
Hot glue gun
Poster paper
Scissors
And anything else you can imagine
Phase 1. Research
Brainstorm and research what it takes for humans to survive. From the basics of food, water, air, and shelter to things such as community, social interaction, education, entertainment, physical and mental health etc.
Answer these questions:
What are humans' basic needs to survive?
Can we find or create these elements on Mars?
What are our social needs?
Why are these important?
Research what the geology and environment are like on Mars. Identify different problems one may encounter living and building on Mars.
Phase 2. Design Solutions
Brainstorm different solutions for all of the different problems you may encounter. You can choose to focus on some of these topics - or all of them!
Air Supply -- If you run out, you're in big trouble.
Water Supply -- Where is the next drink of water going to come from?
Food Production -- Will you grow your own, or live on freeze-dried food?
Waste Management -- What will you do with your garbage?
Heating and Cooling -- How does the colony keep from freezing?
Energy -- Will you rely on solar, atomic, or wind energy, or on something else?
Living Quarters -- Above ground or below the surface?
Radiation and Asteroids -- How will you protect yourself from these hazards?
Phase 3. Building Layout
Design and map your colony. Make sure to include everything that is needed to survive. Don’t forget to design the layout of the equipment and furnishings in each room. This design can be created/drawn out on large poster paper. Make sure to label all the different buildings, machinery, and technologies used.
Phase 4. Build a model
With materials from the recycling bin, start building a 3D model of your colony. Use a large piece of recycled cardboard, the same size as your layout, for the base. This will help you keep things to the same scale as your layout and make it easier to transport. Students can split up and work on different zones of the colony.
Bonus Challenge: Use a human figure and build your model to its scale
Double Bonus Challenge: Measure the height of your figure and determine the actual scale-ratio in real life, ex 1:50
Phase 5. Presentation
Present your Mars colony to your friends, teacher or parents and try to answer any questions they might have. Reflect: how could you make this design even better?
Notes
Keep your inspiring ideas out of the landfill
Deconstruct any paper and plastic that can still be recycled
Check out these links below for some information on Mars:
Nasa All about Mars - facts: https://mars.nasa.gov/all-about-mars/facts/
Nasa Constructing your community on Mars - Student guide: https://mars.nasa.gov/participate/marsforeducators/soi/MarsSOI2012_Lesson13_StudentGuide.pdf
https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/technology/can-we-survive-on-mars
Haven’t got Live It yet? Click here to create your account today and get your first 2 months free!
If you’re a BC K-7 teacher, click here for your open access to Live It Earth thanks to a deal with Focused Education Resources.