
Activity Timing
10 min. Reminder of the Goal
30 min. Explore Landforms
20 min. Search for Evidence of Water
10 min. Reflect
70 min. Total
Prep Snapshot
Prep Time: 60 min
- As needed, dry sand the day before.
- Set up Water and Wind Stations.
- Print resources.
This snapshot intended for quick reminders and is not a replacement of the guide. Be sure to use the guide for detailed preparation instructions and implementation scripts.
Glossary
CTX: Context Camera, a camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
HiRISE: High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, a camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
Lander: a non-moving spacecraft for exploring a planet or moon
Landform: a shape on the surface of a planetary body
Mars Helicopter: a spacecraft that flies on Mars using spinning rotors
Orbiter: a spacecraft designed to circle around a planet or moon without landing on it
Rover: a vehicle for exploring a planet or moon
21st Century Skills Connection
Critical Thinking
Science Practices
- Developing & Using Models
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data
Activity Overview
Youth explore how different landforms are formed by wind and water, then examine images of landforms on Mars and Earth to find evidence of water.
Guiding Question
Which landforms on Mars hold clues about past water?
Youth Will Do
- Explore how water and wind create landforms.
- Compare landforms on Earth and Mars.
- Interpret image data to find safe and scientifically interesting locations.
Youth Will Learn
- NASA is interested in learning whether Mars could have once supported life.
- Life on Earth depends on water.
- NASA spacecraft take pictures of Mars and send the images back to Earth as data.
Videos Related to this Activity
Additional Resources
Family Connections Story Prompt
- Can you tell me a story about why water is important to our family?
- Can you tell me a story about a memory about the water where we live?
- Can you tell me a story about a landform we live near?
Connecting Across Activities
- In the Science Context-Setting Activity, youth explored the relationship between scientists and engineers and learned of their task: to choose the best landing site for a Mars rover.
- In this Activity, youth act as scientists to examine images of landforms on Mars.
- In Science Activity 2, they will deepen their understanding of landforms by considering topography.