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Pages

1Where is Mars?2How long will it take to get to Mars?3Getting to Mars4How do rockets get off the ground?5Producing Thrust6What happens when rocket fuel burns?7Your mission to Mars!8Our need for oxygen9How oxygen gets to our cells10The effects of gravity11How low gravity affects bones12Preventing bones and muscles from becoming weak13Living and working in space14What do astronomers know about Mars?15A space-craft view of Mars16Exploring Mars17Energy for exploration18The rocky surface of Mars19More about the surface of Mars20The Martian atmosphere21The importance of water22The water cycle on Earth23Is there water on Mars?24Surviving on Mars25Your Martian home26Farming on Mars27Soil on Mars28Plants for Mars29Getting energy on Mars30Where will you go next?

Practicals

1Modelling the solar system in the school yard2Rocket Practical3Investigate the Energy in Fuels4Making a Telescope5What factors affect the output of a solar cell?6Modelling Diffusion7Examining Slides of Blood8What bones are like without calcium salts9Flame Test to Identify Metals10The Different States of Water11Water Purification for Human Consumption12Factors Affecting Germination13Solar Cells for Devices14Mars Bingo
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Sometimes, you will need to leave your spacecraft, for example to carry out repairs to the exterior.

How could you protect yourself if you had to leave your spacecraft?
You would need to wear a spacesuit. Find out more about this in the research activity below
Science Resource Image

NASA - Tethered Tools (2009) - Even tools must be tethered in space. Astronauts always make sure their tools are connected to their spacesuits so the tools don't float away.

Research Activity

NASA has asked you to produce a simple diagram to show young children what a spacesuit is like, and how it protects astronauts from the risks caused by low oxygen, low gravity, and high levels of temperature and cosmic radiation. Read the information at the link, then draw and label your diagram: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-a-spacesuit-58.html

For most of your mission you would remain inside the spacecraft. You would have plenty of work to do, for example, checking that all instruments were functioning correctly, but of course you would also need to eat, sleep, and exercise. In the following research activity, you will think about what each day will be like for you as you make your way to Mars.

Research Activity

You have been keeping a diary whilst you have been travelling to Mars. Write out the entry for one particular day, explaining all the things you did, and the difficulties you encountered . To help you, read the information at the link: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/home/F_Living_in_Space.html