3-8: Conditions on Mars
A. Plants on Mars
Although Earth is experiencing many environmental challenges, such as wildfires, we are still able to live on our planet. The Sun helps keep us warm and provides us with the light we need to survive. Energy from the Sun, along with water, makes it possible for plants to grow in Earth’s soil. Do you think plants grow in other places in our solar system, such as Mars? Click on the white arrows to see pictures of Mars. What do you notice?Â
Did you notice that there aren’t any pictures of plants growing on Mars? The conditions on Mars make it impossible to grow plants in the planet’s soil.
B. Is There Water on Mars?
Remember, one reactant of photosynthesis is water. Plants need both water and sunlight to grow. We know that sunlight reaches Mars, but is there water on Mars? Watch the video to find out!Â
C. Is There Oxygen on Mars?
We also learned that plants produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. We need this oxygen to survive. How do people expect us to live on Mars if there aren’t any plants to produce oxygen? Watch this video to learn about some of the things scientists think we can do to get the oxygen we need to live on Mars.Â
D. Discuss- Growing Plants on Mars
People have made many inventions to help improve the conditions on Earth. The same is true for Mars. Scientists and engineers are creating inventions that they believe will help people grow plants on this planet. Watch the two videos to see some of the possible inventions. After watching the videos, share your observations with a partner. Discuss the following:Â
- How might growing plants on Mars be similar to or different from growing plants on Earth?Â
- Why is it important for people to figure out a way to grow plants on Mars?Â
- Do you think it is worth the time and money to create new inventions that will help us grow plants on Mars?
- Is there anything new that you have learned that is making you lean toward moving to a new planet or saving Earth?