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For Teachers

Mars is a prime target for student inquiry across many levels.  When students explore Mars with JMARS, they create questions about why, how, and what in what they see. To assist students in transforming their questions into better research questions, view this 10 min. youtube video from Boseman science. With JMARS, students can "own" their own questions and answers, exploration, and research!

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Here is a short overview of pedagogical steps specific problem based approach to Mars study.

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Personally, I believe there are a few, big Ideas:​

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  1. Students need to be invested to retain learning.
  2. Developing a good question is critical. (-and also here.)
  3. This site does not include all JMARS tools. The focus was to get students exploring Mars with JMARS quickly.  Students are encouraged to use the JMARS tutorials and/or satellite instrument websites to conduct more advanced projects.
        ​Wishing you all an exciting adventure, 
        Mrs. Jackie​​ Kane
        See my contact information in the footer or about menu section.
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Teacher Resources

The 18 resources below were selected because they are engaging, scientifically accurate, and useful for classroom instruction. They include activities, videos, simulations, and references for teachers who want to learn more about Mars.

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Getting Started

1. Intro to Areography (17 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbgUddvJHc&list=RDCMUCz1oFxMrgrQ82-276UCOU9w&start_radio=1
An excellent introduction to the geography of Mars and its major surface features.

2. Mars 101 (National Geographic) https://www.nationalgeographic.org/video/mars-101/
A brief overview of Mars, its history, and current exploration.

3. What's Inside Mars? (NASA Mars in a Minute) https://science.nasa.gov/resource/mars-in-a-minute-whats-inside-mars-2/
A concise explanation of how scientists study the interior of Mars.

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Classroom Activities & Investigations

4. USRA & Lunar and Planetary Institute Activities
https://www.usra.edu/
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/
Hands-on activities and teacher resources covering many aspects of planetary science.

5. Explore Mars: Inside and Out!
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/mars/over_mars/
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/resources/s_system/mars.shtml
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/step/
Interactive activities, educator resources, and vetted middle school materials.

6. Earth and Mars Features Matching Game http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/astronomy-and-space/54-mars-match-game.html
Printable card activity comparing landforms on Earth and Mars.

7. SIMOC Mars Habitat Simulation
https://simoc.space/
https://simoc.space/education/classroom-lessons/
Design and test a Mars habitat by balancing food, power, air, water, and life-support systems.

8. NASA Explore Mars Coding Game https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/explore-mars/en/
Collect scientific data on Mars through a simple coding activity.

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Mars Geology & Surface Processes

9. Introduction to Mars Minerals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JIE5JVTorQ
A clear introduction to Martian minerals and what they reveal about Mars' past.

10. Kirsten Siebach: Voyage to Mars – Red Planet Chemistry
https://kirstensiebach.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMt7azVQsCs
Learn how rover scientists use chemistry and mineralogy to investigate Mars.

11. CRISM: Exploring the Geology of Mars https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/20241/crism-exploring-the-geology-of-mars/
See how mineral data can help answer questions about the formation of Valles Marineris.

12. Geology of Mars Webinar (Matt Balme) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTh-HemASis
A comprehensive overview of Martian geology. Watch for the hidden mission patches that turn the presentation into a virtual treasure hunt.

13. Virtual Spectroscopy Lab https://sites.google.com/view/virtualspectroscopylab/home?authuser=0
Use light spectra to identify minerals and learn one of the tools planetary scientists use.

14. Why Matter and Minerals Matter! https://d32ogoqmya1dw8.cloudfront.net/files/marsforearthlings/examples/instructor_version_14497090984934867.v3.pdf
A lesson using JMARS data to investigate minerals and sediments on Mars.

15. Sedimentary Geology of Mars (Advanced Reference) http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite/doc/Sedimentary_Geology_of_Mars_SEPM_Special_Publication_102_SP102_2011_Grotzinger_and_Milliken_eds.pdf
A detailed professional reference for teachers seeking a deeper understanding of Martian geology.

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Demonstrations & Phenomena

16. Volcano Eruption in a Vacuum Chamber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5RpWqgqemI
Demonstrates how eruptions behave differently under Mars-like atmospheric pressure.

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Images & Current Exploration

17. Mars as Art https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/24860/mars-as-art-2013/
A collection of visually striking, enhanced-color images of Mars.

18. Follow the Perseverance Rover https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/where-is-the-rover/
Track the rover's location and progress across Jezero Crater.

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