Learning Exchange - Mars Activities

Mars Family Science Calendar

Check out the details of the Mars Pathfinder Mission at Jet Propulsion Laboratory' s Web site

Learn more about Mars by visiting the Ultimate Mars Exploration Page

Gaze at the stars and Mars at Griffith Observatory

Be sure to visit CNN's Mission Mars special section

Learn some interesting facts about Mars' topography, moons, atmosphere and how the red planet got its name

Teachers, do you want to study Mars in your classroom? Here's a teachers guide to help you

LAUSD Schools Plan Activities to Coincide With July 4 Mars Pathfinder Landing

IS THERE LIFE ON MARS? Do we have neighbors on the red planet? Scientists across the globe are pondering that question as they examine ancient rocks believed to be from the surface of Mars. This spring on campuses across the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) students, teachers and their families are also joining in the exploration of Mars through a fun series of "Family Science" activities designed to promote student interest in science and engage parents, teachers and community members in supportive scientific activities.

Sponsored in part by the LAUSD's L.A. Systemic Initiative (LA-SI) in partnership with Target Science, a joint project of the LAUSD and the Los Angeles Educational Partnership, the Family Science events are part of a growing list of educational activities leading up to the historic landing of the NASA/JPL Mars Pathfinder spacecraft on Mars on July 4.

Involving hundreds of students and their parents on six campuses in the LAUSD, the Family Science series provides the opportunity for participation in fun, hands-on science activities. Students and their parents may have the opportunity to build a mock Mars rover, test "Martian" soil, or lose weight the Martian way.

"This is a great way for us to involve parents in support of students," says Pat Dung, Target Science Project Director. "The Family Science activities engage them in scientific inquiry and problem solving. With the upcoming Mars landing it's a chance to be part of something historic and exciting."

Locke High in Los Angeles was one of the first schools to organize a family science day. On May 17, nearly 100 students, parents, and community members filled the Locke High auditorium to engage in science experiments, view video presentations, and participate other hand-on activities.

"I'm building a Mars rover," exclaimed Craig Jackson, 8, as he carefully placed a balloon on a cardboard base with wheels preparing it to race with other students' vehicles. "Mine's going to win."

Other activities included making "Martian soil" out of cream cheese, gummy bears and whipped cream; studying the effects of motion using balloons; and for the older participants, watching NASA documentaries about the red planet.

Other LAUSD schools have "Family Science" activities planned through the July 4 Mars landing. Click here for complete listing and calendar of activities.