Lesson Plan - Should We Send Astronauts to Mars?

Watch a Video: Blast Off to Mars!
As students watch, have them identify some of the questions scientists hope to answer with the latest Mars mission. Ask: Why is it important to get answers to these questions?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know. 

• desolate
• radiation

1. The article says that just getting to Mars would be a huge undertaking. What does this mean, based on the article?
Just getting to Mars would be a huge undertaking because the journey from Earth to Mars would take at least six months.
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

2. Why does scientist Jim Rice argue that humans are better explorers than robots are?
Jim Rice argues that humans are better explorers than robots because humans can make decisions. He says, “Robots are just tools. They depend on human beings to tell them what to do.”
^{R.6 Point of View}

3. Based on the “no” argument, what dangers would astronauts face on Mars?
One danger astronauts would face on Mars is that they would be too far from Earth to be rescued in the event something went wrong. In addition, the air on Mars is not breathable, and astronauts on Mars would have to worry about deadly radiation from the sun and deep space.
^{R.2 Key Details}

FEATURED SKILL: Opinion Writing
Use the Skill Builder “Ready, Set, Debate!” to have students prepare for a class debate on sending astronauts to Mars. 
^{SL.1 Collaborative Discussions}