Craters of Mars

Hadley Crater on Mars, by European Space Agency

Description:

Make your own craters to understand how scientists decipher the ages of surfaces throughout the solar system and what this tells us about geological principles.

Time:

45-60 minutes

Grade Level:

5, Middle School (6-8)

Next Generation Science Standards:

MS-ESS1-2

Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity within galaxies and the solar system.

MS-ESS3-3C

MS.PS2.3

Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.

Utah Core Standards:

5.2

Students will understand that volcanoes, earthquakes, uplift, weathering, and erosion reshape Earth's surface.

Materials

student worksheets
fine silica sand
screen squares for each group
ring stands for each group

petri dishes for each group
spray bottles with water
plastic knives
timers or watches with second hands

Instructions

Gather all materials ahead of time. Cut out the screen squares (10cm x 10cm) in advance from metal window screens.
You will want to split your classroom into small groups for this activity.
Follow the “Where is the Oldest Surface on Mars” directions to complete the activity.

Download is below.

Attachment	Size
GBO printable	181.03 KB
Where is the Oldest Surface on Mars?	973.9 KB

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MS-ESS1-2

MS-ESS3-3C

MS.PS2.3

5.2

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