Learning Blade: Mars Colony Mission

thingiverse

Objective: To have students conceptualize the future of space travel, specifically the colonization of Mars and the impact of 3D printing on that colonization’s success. Description: – Students will put themselves in the position of being one of the first Astronauts to arrive on Mars. In their attempt to colonize Mars they have brought with them a 3D printer to allow for the onsite creation of items needed instead of having to have brought everything from Earth. Students will create an item that helps make their life better on Mars. This could be anything from tools, equipment, and entertainment that will help them live their new life on mars. Standards NGSS Overview and Background From the technology being developed by Space X, United Launch Alliance, NASA, and others, to the current Mars rover missions, all eyes are set on Mars. It is highly likely that within the next 30 years humans will set foot on the red planet for the first time. With the vast amounts of space separating Earth from Mars, those first daring Astronauts will likely be set on a one-way trip or be in for a long stay at the very least. Since the Astronauts will live on Mars for long periods of time they will have to, not only bring vast amounts of supplies with them but also have the ability to produce what they need once they arrive on Mars. The example file for this mission is a 3-part trowel. This trowel can be used by the Astronauts to collect soil samples for their scientific studies of the red planet, and also be used for future greenhouse gardening to sustain long-term food needs. Lesson Plan and Activity Have students discuss and share their thoughts on if humans should try and set up a Colony on Mars. Share with students that the current goals for NASA’s Mars exploration are as follows. Goal 1: + Determine if life ever arose on Mars Goal 2: + Characterize the climate of Mars Goal 3: + Characterize the geology of Mars Goal 4: + Prepare for the human exploration of Mars Students will now learn more about the 4th goal. Bring students to the Mars Today: Mars Exploration Overview page. Once there, students can learn more about the current robotic missions on Mars that support the 4 scientific goals. a. Mars Today: Mars Exploration Overview page: Mars Today: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/overview/index.html Students can also briefly read and discuss how Astronauts are currently testing 3D printing on the International Space Station. The scientific advances and understanding gained from these experiments will help shape future 3D printing on Mars. You can even download and print an exact copy of the wrench that they made on the ISS. a. Space Station 3D Printer: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/3Dratchet_wrench The students will now design their tool, toy or equipment on TinkerCAD. Extensions: Have students watch and discuss the following video about 3D printing on the International Space Station.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy11alCPe60 In this video, members of the Marshall Space Flight Center discuss the importance of 3D printing in space. Materials Needed 3D print the Learning Blade Example file 3 Part Trowel