Each team within the M.A.R.S. live simulation has three types of experts. Each area of expertise is best performed by pairs of students working together. Refer to the diagram to understand the flow of communication between each of the three pairs.

Navigation (Nav) experts

1. Calculate the amount of fuel used to reach at least three sites.
2. Choose a site to visit based on a decision graph to compare fuel consumption to mineral density.
3. Use the Nav Report Form to record the site name with a lowercase letter. Also record the fuel consumption
4. Verbally inform the science/operations experts of which site will be visited next (see 1a) and then give their Report Form to the Communications experts (see 1b).
5. The cycle repeats, with Nav experts beginning to search for new sites as soon as they send their site selection information to the Sci/Ops experts.

Science/Operations (Sci/Ops) experts

1. Calculate the area of each site chosen by the Navigation experts (see 1a).
2. Record the hematite density for each visited site on the Sci/Ops Report Form.
3. Assign each site a rating with 1 being the best and 3 being the worst.
4. Give the Report Form to the Communications experts.

Communications (Comm) experts
These experts assist all communications between Mission Control and your team. They make sure there is a steady flow of information to Mission Control, and from Mission Control back to each expert. They should relay written and oral reports every 5 - 6 minutes.

1. One person types Report Form information from the Nav and Sci/Ops experts and other messages into a chat/data window. This person should be able to type without looking at the keys. This task is critically important because technical difficulties during major weather disturbances can disrupt communication.
2. The other person uses the videoconferencing/ computer software and a microphone to communicate verbally with Mission Control. Asks and answers questions to and from Mission Control. Mission Control provides feedback and guidance as needed.