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Renewable Energy for Martian Habitats

Grade 9MathBiologyChemistryPhysicsTechnology6 days

In the "Renewable Energy for Martian Habitats" project, 9th-grade students explore designing sustainable energy systems for human habitats on Mars using renewable resources. They address challenges unique to Mars such as harsh environmental conditions by applying scientific, mathematical, and technological concepts. Through simulations, fairs, and design activities, students critically evaluate the feasibility of different energy sources and optimize solutions for Martian sustainability, culminating in a comprehensive proposal presented at a simulated Galactic Conference.

Renewable EnergyMarsSustainabilityTechnologyDesignMathematicsScience

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and implement sustainable energy solutions for a Martian habitat that effectively meet the challenges of the harsh Martian environment while utilizing renewable resources?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the major challenges of sustaining human life on Mars?
How can we design an energy-efficient habitat suitable for the Martian environment?
How do different renewable energy sources compare in terms of effectiveness and feasibility for use on Mars?
What is the role of mathematics and physics in optimizing energy solutions for a Martian habitat?
How can technology be leveraged to implement and maintain energy systems on Mars?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to identify and analyze the challenges of sustaining human life on Mars.
Students will design and implement a sustainable energy solution for a Martian habitat using renewable resources.
Students will evaluate and compare the effectiveness and feasibility of different renewable energy sources for use on Mars.
Students will apply mathematical and scientific principles to optimize energy solutions for a Martian habitat.
Students will research and propose technological solutions for maintaining energy systems on Mars.

NGSS

HS-ETS1-1

Primary

Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.Reason: This standard aligns with the project's objective of designing energy solutions for Mars, which requires analyzing the challenges of Martian living environments and specifying criteria for sustainable solutions.

HS-PS3-3

Primary

Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.Reason: The project involves designing energy solutions that include converting energy forms, which aligns with this standard about designing and refining energy conversion devices.

HS-ESS3-4

Secondary

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.Reason: This standard supports the project by emphasizing the evaluation and refinement of technologies that can reduce harmful impacts on Mars' environment, aligning with creating sustainable energy solutions.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.MATH.HSF-IF.C.7

Supporting

Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.Reason: Mathematical modeling using functions supports the comparison and optimization of energy use on Mars, which is a key aspect of the project.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7

Secondary

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: The project involves research to solve the problem of designing Martian habitats, aligning well with this standard which emphasizes research skills.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Mars Energy Crisis Simulation

Students walk into a classroom transformed into a Mars habitat facing an energy crisis simulation. They're presented with data on limited resources and a video message from fictional astronauts requesting solutions. The goal is to design an efficient energy strategy to sustain long-term missions on Mars.

Interview with a Martian: The Energy Perspective

An actor dressed as a Martian visits the classroom, discussing the planet's energy challenges and inviting students to participate in a galactic conference to present their solutions. This interactive session fosters curiosity and sets the stage for research-based problem-solving.

Mars Renewable Energy Fair

The classroom is transformed into a Mars-themed energy fair, featuring booths with different renewable energy technologies. Experts (played by teachers or community members) demonstrate how these technologies might be adapted for Mars, fueling student curiosity to explore and innovate further.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Creative Engineers: Energy Conversion Design

This activity involves designing a device or system that converts energy forms effectively to address Mars' energy needs, promoting creativity and engineering skills.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Participate in the Mars Renewable Energy Fair to explore various energy technologies.

2. Choose a renewable energy source to adapt for use on Mars (e.g., solar, wind, or nuclear).

3. Design a device or system to convert this energy source into usable energy for a habitat.

4. Sketch or digitally model your design, noting energy conversion processes and materials needed.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed design proposal that includes sketches or models, describing how the device converts energy forms.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets HS-PS3-3 by designing and refining devices for energy conversion within given constraints.

Activity 2

Eco Innovators: Sustainable Solution Evaluation

In this activity, students evaluate and refine their energy solution to minimize environmental impacts on Mars, integrating environmental science principles.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Use data and feedback from the Mars Energy Crisis Simulation or experts at the fair to evaluate your design's environmental impacts.

2. Identify potential negative environmental impacts on Mars and propose refinements to reduce these.

3. Document changes and predict the effectiveness of the improved solution.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn evaluation report detailing environmental impacts and refinement suggestions for the energy solution.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports HS-ESS3-4 by focusing on evaluating and refining technological solutions to reduce environmental impacts.

Activity 3

Math Wizards: Graphing Energy Functions

Students apply mathematical modeling by graphing energy functions to analyze and optimize energy use strategies on Mars.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Learn about common functions used in energy modeling (like linear, quadratic).

2. Select a specific energy consumption scenario for Mars.

3. Graph these functions by hand for simple cases and using technology for complex scenarios.

4. Analyze graphs to determine optimum energy strategies and their key features.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of graphs and a mathematical analysis report on energy function optimization for Mars.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsConnected to CCSS.MATH.HSF-IF.C.7 by modeling and graphing functions for energy optimization.

Activity 4

Research Pioneers: Martian Energy Solution Proposal

Engaging students in a research-driven project where they consolidate all their findings into a comprehensive proposal for sustainable Martian energy solutions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Conduct thorough research using multiple sources on Martian energy needs and solutions.

2. Synthesize research findings to craft a coherent energy solution proposal.

3. Include elements from previous activities, such as problem analysis, energy conversion designs, evaluations, and optimizations.

4. Prepare to present the proposal at a simulated Galactic Conference.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched and detailed Martian Energy Solution Proposal ready for presentation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7 as it involves conducting research to solve a problem and synthesizing information.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Martian Energy Solutions Rubric

Category 1

Scientific Understanding

Evaluate the student's grasp of scientific concepts related to energy conversion and Martian environmental challenges.

Criterion 1

Concept Application

Effectively applies scientific and mathematical concepts to energy conversion solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Shows extensive application of scientific principles in energy design and clear understanding of Martian environment challenges.

Proficient

3 Points

Applies scientific principles correctly to design, with good understanding of Mars' environmental challenges.

Developing

2 Points

Applies scientific concepts with partial understanding; some inconsistencies noted.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with basic scientific application and understanding of environmental challenges.

Criterion 2

Environmental Impact Analysis

Analyzes and addresses potential environmental impacts of energy solutions on Mars.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts a comprehensive analysis and proposes innovative solutions to minimize environmental impacts on Mars.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides solid analysis with good solutions to reduce environmental impacts.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some environmental impacts; solutions are underdeveloped.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited analysis with minimal solutions for environmental impacts.

Category 2

Creativity and Innovation

Assess the originality and innovativeness of the proposed energy solutions.

Criterion 1

Design Creativity

The originality and inventiveness of the energy conversion design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents highly original and innovative design solutions with detailed creative elements.

Proficient

3 Points

Designs possess innovative elements and show good creativity.

Developing

2 Points

Designs show some creativity but lack originality.

Beginning

1 Points

Designs are basic with minimal creative effort.

Criterion 2

Integration of Technology

Effective integration of technology into energy solutions and presentations.

Exemplary

4 Points

Integrates advanced technological solutions seamlessly within the energy project.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses technology effectively within the energy project.

Developing

2 Points

Technology use is partial or lacks integration.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to integrate technology into the project.

Category 3

Research and Analysis

Evaluate the thoroughness of research and the depth of analysis in energy proposals.

Criterion 1

Research Depth

Depth and breadth of research conducted on Martian energy needs and solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional research with a comprehensive synthesis of energy needs for Mars.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research with well-synthesized findings.

Developing

2 Points

Research is adequate but lacks depth or synthesis.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited research with minimal synthesis of findings.

Criterion 2

Mathematical Analysis

Effectiveness of mathematical modeling and graphing in energy optimization.

Exemplary

4 Points

Utilizes complex mathematical models proficiently to optimize energy solutions.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively uses mathematical models and graphs for energy discussions.

Developing

2 Points

Uses basic mathematical models; analysis lacks depth.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal use of mathematical models and tools.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on the major challenges you faced while designing and implementing a sustainable energy solution for a Martian habitat. How did you address these challenges, and what did you learn from the process?

Text

Required

Question 2

How confident do you feel about your understanding of renewable energy sources for Mars and their feasibility based on the activities conducted?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which renewable energy source do you believe is the most viable for sustaining life on Mars, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Solar

Wind

Nuclear

Geothermal

Question 4

Evaluate the role mathematics and physics played in optimizing energy solutions for Martian habitats within your project activities. How do these disciplines integrate to enhance technological solutions?

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Required

Question 5

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively did you and your team collaborate in researching and presenting your Martian Energy Solution Proposal?

Scale

Required