One day, humans might live on Mars! But Mars is very different from Earth — it’s freezing, dusty, and has very thin air. Scientists are exploring how astronauts could survive there, from building habitats to growing food. This project invites you to research Mars, think like an inventor, and solve a problem that humans would face on the Red Planet.
Step one
Research Mars
Before you start inventing, find out some basic facts about Mars:
· Surface conditions: temperature, dust and atmosphere
· Water availability and food possibilities
· Gravity and day/night cycles
· Space technology already used to explore Mars
Child-friendly resources:
· BBC Bitesize – The Solar System
· NASA Kids’ Club
· DK Find Out! – Mars Facts
· National Geographic Kids – Space
Step Two
Pose a Problem
Think about a challenge humans would face on Mars. You could make a short list, and spend some time exploring why that would be a problem and what further issues it would cause.
Examples:
· How to grow food in the thin air and cold temperatures
· How to make breathable air in a habitat
· How to travel safely across the Martian surface
· How to create energy for a settlement
Pick one problem that interests you, or invent a new problem of your own to take to step three.
Step three
Invent a Solution
Using your research and some creative thinking, design a solution that could solve your problem. Think about:
· How it works
· What materials or technology it would use
· How it helps humans survive or explore Mars
· Something innovative that hasn’t been tried before
Your solution could be presented as:
· A drawing or 3D model of your invention
· A poster or infographic explaining how it works
· A video or digital animation showing your invention in action
· A story or diary from the perspective of a Martian explorer using your invention
Step four
Reflect on Your Learning
After completing your project, think about:
· How you showed critical thinking and problem-solving skills
· How you used creativity to invent something new
· How you demonstrated responsibility by working to the best of your abilities and challenging yourself
· How you showed resilience when your ideas didn’t work perfectly the first time
· What skills you’ve developed and how these might be useful in real-world jobs, like engineering, science or design
Challenge:
Can you make your invention interactive or functional in a simple way, like a moving model, a small experiment or a simulation? How would it survive in a Martian environment?