Interactive

Marvelous Martian Mineralogy

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Believe it or not ... martian soil does have nutrients needed for plants to survive! An out-of-this-world tutorial moves scholars through an analysis of martian soil to determine its chemical make-up. Pupils analyze reflectivity of samples, make calculations, and analyze graphs. From their determinations, they research to find uses of the soil for Mars colonizers. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Pair learners for the activity to help each other
Classroom Considerations
  • When completing calculations, round decimals to the nearest tenth; if the number in the hundredths place is five, round down
  • Calculator is built into the tutorial
Pros
  • Great analysis of soil and determining uses for it
  • Lab uses calculations, graph analysis, and research to complete — a good mix of skills
Cons
  • None
Common Core