Living organisms have affected the development of Earth. In a similar manner living organisms can terraform, change a hostile environment to an environment suitable for humans, a planet such as Mars. Over time this may be necessary due to overpopulation, and environmental degradation caused by overuse and inappropriate use of Earth's natural resources. Mars becomes the planet of choice for terraforming due to it's position in the solar system and characteristics.

Investigate and apply expert systems, intelligent agents, and simulations in real-world situations. Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning. Collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to a content related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information, models, and other creative works.

Participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information, as described by the following indicators: 1.shares knowledge and information with others;

Assits students understanding of Earth's development. Engages students by presenting a possible real-life situation that may occur during their life time. Requires students to contemplate the sources of natural resources, and the consequences of not having those resources. Offers students an opportunity to anaylze science application in technology, and determine if those applications are ethical.

Observation of small group discussions. Three dimensional model depicting the stages of terraforming, changing Mars form a red to a green and finally a blue planet. Power Point Presentation - Proposal indicating necessary technology and biological organisms for terraforming Mars. Debate - Students will demonstrate their depth and breadth of their knowledge by applying it the ethical considerations of terraforming.

a. Introduction to terraforming: Students will discuss the following question; What happens if the Earth can no longer provide a suitable environment for human life? A brief discussion of what terraforming is, and why it affects them will follow the brainstorming session. b. Key terms and Concepts - This will familiarize students to the unique vocabulary of terraforming. Students will be provided with the list of terms, and will utilize a variety of tools to determine their meanings; dictionary (hard copies and CD Roms), glossary section of non-fiction books. c. Application of terminolgy to concepts: Comparison of Mars and Earth Ecology and Environment - Students will be provided internet sites with the parameters of current Earth and Mars ecology and environment. As students compare and contrast the differences and similarities between the planets they will begin applying the key terms, and prior science knowledge to identify necessary changes in Mars environment to sustain life. Small groups will apply this knowledge to the availability of Earth's resources. d. Introduction to Space Technology for terraforming - Students will access internet site showing current technologies that are being developed to terraform Mars. They will determine if additional technologies are needed, and determine what those technologies might be. e. Introduction to biological organisms for terraforming - Students will utilize an internet site showing slides of microorganisms and primative plants that have been detemined to be approprite for terrafroming by Astrobiologists. Three dimensional models depicting the stages of terrafoming will be designed; red to green, green to blue planet. f. Power point proposal hypothesizing changes including: microorganisms, plants, and technology. g. Ethics in science and technology. Debate: Pros and Cons for terraforming Mars - Students will debate the impact of terrafroming a planet.

http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/mars/background/terra.html

Standard Title: CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKERS (3.4) Students use creative thinking skills to generate new ideas, make the best decisions, recognize and solve problems through reasoning, interpret symbolic data, and develop efficient techniques for lifelong learning.

Terraform Mars Lesson 4: Space...technically speaking...
Terraform Mars Lesson 7: If we can....should we?
Terraform Mars Lesson 3: Astroid Coming...Save the world
Terraform Mars Lesson 2: What does it all mean...
Terraform Mars Lesson 1: No more Earth...
Terraform Mars Lesson 5: Color Me Red, Green, Blue
Terraform Mars Lesson 6: Power Point