Introduction
This lesson will guide you in implementing the live simulation on mission day. During the live simulation each team of students will guide a M.A.R.S. surveyor plane on a reconnaissance mission to identify an ideal location to build the first Martian base. Teams will use computers and online tools to calculate fuel consumption, the area of each site their plane surveys, and the amount of hematite located at each site. At the end of the mission, students must recommend the best site on which to build a base.

Duration

75-90 minutes

Vocabulary

None

Materials

• Three computers per team connected to the Internet

• Videoconferencing unit

• Copies of navigation and science/operations report forms for each team

• Pencils

• Calculators

• Scrap paper

Teacher Preparation

1. Use your videoconferencing unit to test connect with NASA at least one week before mission day.

2. Make sure you have arranged the classroom for mission day. See the document called “How to Set up the Classroom” in the Mission Day section of the web site for a diagram and instructions.

3. Make nameplates for the team tables so that students can easily identify each team during the mission.

4. Print and copy the report forms for each team.

Procedure

1. Students should review their team instructions before mission day.

2. Students should organize their work stations.

3. Connect to NASA. The mission commander will provide instructions. Student communicators will provide information to the mission commander.

4. Students participate in the live event.

5. After the mission and debriefing session, you can provide additional time for students to recount their mission experience. There might not be enough time during the debriefing itself for them to share their thoughts and feelings.

Discussion Tips
The students should be ready to fully participate in the simulation. You may want to be available to help your students, but you should avoid rushing in to solve problems they could solve with time. Problem solving and teamwork are important and valuable parts of the simulation experience, and students often need to work with minimal teacher support to develop these skills.

Special Comments
Make sure you have arranged the classroom before the mission and checked on all technical requirements well before mission day. Have all materials and handouts ready for each team along with extra pencils, erasers, and calculators. Label each table with a team name so students can easily find the specific teams during the mission.

Throughout the mission keep in mind that the mission commander has a hard time monitoring interest or confusion at a distance. Feel free to interject where necessary to make the experience as interactive for students as possible. Encourage anyone who asks you questions you cannot answer to address them to the mission commander.