Mars Of The Mind
Design Document
Implementation Plan
(This section addresses Course Requirement #8)

The Mars of the Mind team plans to implement this unit via a web site under the auspices of the Lunar and Planetary Institute at the Johnson Space Center of NASA. This unit would be just one unit from a larger curriculum entitled Water on Mars, part of the national Mars Millennium project.

There are two approaches for implementing this learning unit. The first approach is to combine self-directed exploration of the site with some assistance from a teacher/helper. This would occur at pre-determined sites such as libraries or schools. Computers would be available for the student as well as guidance from someone familiar with the required technology and the unit such as a librarian, teacher, aid, etc.. Training of these helpers would be through a mailed brochure or on-line.

Guidance could be given to a single student or groups of students at one time. The thought questions within the unit could then be orally discussed with the helper or the group. Group discussion would enable the student to compare his understanding and ideas with others before completing the project. The interactive qualities of this approach would probably enhance the scope and quality of the completed projects.

The second approach for implementation is independent exploration of the site from a single computer terminal. A web site such as this can be accessed by anyone at anytime. We expect students not specifically enrolled in the Mars Millennium project to also log onto the site. We have designed the site so students can explore it independently. Thought questions throughout the unit are designed to lead the student toward the goal of the unit. There are project options to appeal to students with varying degrees of technological expertise. The gallery was designed to assist in self-evaluation. A student with a minimum amount of computer and internet skills should be able to navigate the site, submit a project via e-mail if desired, and evaluate how he/she did by comparing their project, whether mailed in or not, to those displayed in the site’s gallery.

As this site is based on historical data the only upkeep to the site would be changing the gallery on a regular basis. Sorting the submissions and choosing those to be placed in the gallery might best be accomplished be a committee, possibly scientists from NASA who are familiar with Mars. We expect a lot of submissions and a committee could spread out the workload. A second option might be random selection. One person or a committee could then judge the selections for appropriateness before posting in the gallery. A function of the web site would be to e-mail a standard message to everyone who submits a project for the gallery. As not all students’ work will be posted it is important to let students know their work has been received and is appreciated.

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