7. Hidden Minerals: Using Spectroscopy to Understand Mars
Learners interpret spectra to identify water-based minerals at potential Mars landing sites.
Guiding Question
How can identifying minerals help us choose a landing site on Mars?
Activity TimingSetup: Prep Time 50 min
- At least two days ahead, create tactile spectra graphs and allow them to dry.
- Determine how learners will access audio files.
*See Materials & Preparation in the Educator Guide linked above for full info.
21st Century Skills
- Critical Thinking
Science Practices
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data
Learners Will Do
- Interpret spectra to identify minerals on Mars that have formed in water.
Learners Will Know
- Scientists can identify materials by looking at their spectra.
Connecting Across Activities
- Activity 6: Introducing Spectroscopy: Last time, learners learned how to interpret spectra of light reflected from various objects, which will later help them identify minerals from a distance.
- Activity 7: Using Spectroscopy to Understand Mars: Today, learners interpret spectra to identify the types of minerals at each of the different landing sites. These graphs are the third set of data they will use to choose a landing site.
- Activity 8: Choosing a Landing Site and Preparing for the Science Share-Out: Next time, they will use the various kinds of data they have collected–landform images, topographic maps, and spectra –to choose a landing site.
Related Videos
Level Up!
- If you are using the advanced version of this pathway with four possible landing sites, use the advanced Science Activity 7 Level Up Data Packet (PDF) and Science Activity 7 Level Up Audio Files (weblink). Add columns titled “Nili Fossae” and “Iani Chaos” to the Our Ideas poster.
- Show the video Why Do Scientists Need to Measure Infrared Light? (5 min.)
-
Show the video How We Use Spectroscopy to Learn About Other Planets to help learners understand how spectroscopy is used to identify minerals on planets like Mars (5 min.)
- Some animals can see colors of light that humans can’t, and vice versa. If learners are interested in how different animals see color differently, point them to the RadioLab episode “Rippin’ the Rainbow a New One.” (20 min.)
- Although this activity lists two possible landing sites, if you have time, the activity is more interesting and enriching with four choices. See the educator guide for the additional site data and directions.
