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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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Data Analysis Question

‘SAM’ on Curiosity has been able to analyse samples of the atmosphere around Mars to find out which gases are present, and these are shown in the following bar-chart.

The gas particles in the Martian atmosphere are more spread out that in earth’s atmosphere. Another way of saying this is that the Martian atmosphere is less dense than on Earth. This means that it is not so good at protecting the planet against solar radiation and cosmic rays.

In December 2014, Curiosity detected very tiny amounts of methane in the atmosphere around Gale Crater. This was an important finding.

Research Exercise

Use the video on this page, and the information in the page linked below, to help you write a paragraph for your local newspaper to explain why the discovery of methane on Mars is so important.

Read about methane

More Information!

Do you want to know anything else about the chemical substances on Mars? Ask Dr C!

Find Out More >