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.