Surface Features of Mars Susan Everett Charlotte Otto Eric Brunsell

Research Focus How do the surface features of Mars compare to features on Earth? How do the surface features of Mars compare to features on Earth?

Context : Students in the Introductory Earth/Space Inquiry course (NSCI 232) participate in 3 units throughout the semester: Rock cycle, water cycle and cycles in the solar system. Students learn about different landforms, especially using stream tables. Currently, there is not much emphasis on individual planets in the third unit. Therefore, connecting some of the current research from Mars with their learning about Earth’s features will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the similarities/differences of planets.

Method Develop an inquiry investigation using photos from Mars. Develop an inquiry investigation using photos from Mars. Find photos from landforms on Earth. Find photos from landforms on Earth. Create a 5E Learning Cycle lesson. Create a 5E Learning Cycle lesson.

Data for Investigation : Photos collected from: Photos collected from: Google images for Earth as well as Mars photos Photos will be individually printed on a color printer and laminated for use over several semesters.

Lesson Plan Engage: Show a photo of Mars to have students consider and share prior knowledge and popular cultural notions of Mars. Engage: Show a photo of Mars to have students consider and share prior knowledge and popular cultural notions of Mars. Explore: Use the inquiry question-How do the surface features of Mars compare to features on Earth? Students will work in groups examining the photos of Mars and looking for similar features from Earth. (There will be multiple features from Earth so students will need to find the best fit). Then, students will consider the physical processes that may have caused the features on Mars. Explore: Use the inquiry question-How do the surface features of Mars compare to features on Earth? Students will work in groups examining the photos of Mars and looking for similar features from Earth. (There will be multiple features from Earth so students will need to find the best fit). Then, students will consider the physical processes that may have caused the features on Mars.

Explain: Students will share results using whiteboards. Class discussion of features and evidence of water on Mars will follow. Instructor will use resource information from Explain: Students will share results using whiteboards. Class discussion of features and evidence of water on Mars will follow. Instructor will use resource information from Extend: Use Google Mars to look at the same surface features of Mars by elevation. Extend: Use Google Mars to look at the same surface features of Mars by elevation. Evaluate: Write a paragraph to answer the question- Take a position for the question: Was Mars a “water planet” in the past, like the Earth is now? Present the evidence in your discussion. Evaluate: Write a paragraph to answer the question- Take a position for the question: Was Mars a “water planet” in the past, like the Earth is now? Present the evidence in your discussion.

Educator Implications After students conduct the 5E investigation, I will reflect on the lesson plan to determine: Has it accomplished the desired objectives of student learning? Are adjustments of the lesson content needed? Has it accomplished the desired objectives of student learning? Are adjustments of the lesson content needed? What were some unexpected difficulties that occurred during the investigation? What were some unexpected difficulties that occurred during the investigation?