Activity Timing
5 min. Introduction
15 min. Minerals and Spectroscopy
35 min. Explore Data
5 min. Reflect
60 min. Total
Prep Snapshot
Prep Time: 60 min
At least two days ahead, create tactile spectra graphs and allow them to dry.
Mineral Fingerprints Audio Files
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
Spectrometer: a technology that measures the colors of light reflected from an object
Spectrum: a range of colors
21st Century Skills Connections
Critical Thinking
Science Practices
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data
Activity Overview
Youth interpret the spectra of reflected light to identify the water-based minerals at each of four potential landing sites, determining which location on Mars has the most evidence of past water.
Guiding Question
How can interpreting mineral data help us choose a landing site on Mars?
Youth Will Do
- Interpret the unique spectral “fingerprints” of different minerals to identify them.
- Apply their knowledge of which minerals are evidence of past water when evaluating landing sites.
Youth Will Know
- Spectroscopy measures how much light of different colors (both visible and invisible) is emitted by or reflected from a material.
- There are many “colors” of light humans can’t see, but engineers build instruments to measure them.
Videos Related to this Activity
Family Connections Story Prompt
Can you tell me a story about identifying parts of nature that were important to you like plants, rocks, minerals, animal tracks, etc?
Additional Resources
Connecting Across Activities
- In Science Activity 2, youth used LiDAR data to examine topography.
- In this Activity, they use another remote sensing technology, spectroscopy, to identify minerals at different landing sites.
- In Science Activity 4, they will use the various kinds of data they have collected to choose a landing site.