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Can Earth be saved… or is Mars our only hope?
Life on Earth is precious and precarious. Every day, more species go extinct as our world becomes more polluted. People are fighting to make a difference—but is it enough? Or should we look to the skies to save our species?
In this project, students learn about the importance of environmental protection, and about the wonders of Mars. They choose whether to support environmental protection or space exploration, and create a commercial to raise money for their cause.
Imagine if students all around the country learned to appreciate the value of our soil, and began looking to the heavens and dreaming of the future—what a wonderful world that would be!
Project Learning Targets
Lesson 1: Students understand the importance of Earth’s resources.
Lesson 2: Students investigate the potential for life on Mars.
Lesson 3: Students analyze their values to choose between preserving Earth or colonizing Mars.
Lesson 4: Students research soil and fertilizer in order to grow crops.
Lesson 5: Students script a persuasive commercial.
Lesson 6: Students work collaboratively to film a commercial.
Lesson 7: Students analyze a scientific finding and apply it to their commercial.
Lesson 8: Students edit a commercial electronically.
Lesson 9: Students present compelling commercials to persuade an authentic audience.
For lesson descriptions, download the project overview.
For K–8 content connections, download the content correlations.
What is included with your project?
Sample Online Resources
- Mars Introductory Slideshow
- “Spoiled Soil?” Experiment Plan
- How to Create a Convincing Commercial
- Dear Future Generations: Sorry (YouTube 6:02)
- The Difference Between Martian and Terrestrial Soil
- And so much more!
Kit Supplies
- Martian Regolith
- Radish Seeds
- Hex Bug
- Red and Blue Paper
- English Language Arts: Analyzing Articles
- Math: Powers of Ten
- Science: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
- Social Studies: Government Funding
- Social-Emotional Learning: Relationship Skills and Social Awareness
- Skype a Scientist
- Real NASA Know-How
- Worms Galore!
- Tiny Farmers
- Planterrific!
- Space Tweets
- Your Students on TV!
- Teach the Teachers
Interplanetary Pen Pals
Exercise your imaginations—and spark the imaginations of other students—by pretending to be Martian colonists writing letters to other elementary students.
- Timely and Actionable Feedback
- Standards-Based Grading
To see a complete list of what’s included in your project, download the project overview.
About the Author
Each Blue Apple Project Includes:
- Engaging lessons designed to make learning memorable, meaningful, and fun
- PBL Supports such as: real-world connections, collaboration options, cross-curricular content, and just-in-time professional development
- Time-saving links to dozens of curated online resources
- Kit of supplies that bring your project to life
- Access to a Project Coach to ask questions and share ideas... you're never alone!
