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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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Science Resource Image

NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

The soil on Mars is very dusty, and reddish in colour. Why is this?
Because it contains iron ore.

You will need to modify the Martian soil to allow your plants to grow. The iron and other metals in the soil may affect plant growth, or may make plants too toxic for us to eat. It would also be important to add organic material (humus). This is absent from the Martian soil, but is important to help plants grow. You will have to cultivate, or farm, your plants with care, and your farm may need to be set up like a laboratory.

More Information!

What is humus made of, and why is it important for plant growth?

Find Out More >

Data Analysis Exercise

As part of your farming activity, you made three different varieties of soil: A, B, and C. You wanted to find out which of these would be best for the growth of your seeds. You planted three seeds in three different containers, with a different soil type in each. You then measured the heights of the three seedlings at different times after germination. The results you obtained are summarised in the graph below.