Target Moon Background Photo

The goal of this mission is to conduct aerial reconnaissance missions to find the ideal location to build the first Martian base: Grades 6-8.

Duration: 60 Minutes

Teacher Site

Educational Categories:

  • Math
  • Probabilities

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e-Missions.net: Target Moon

The goal of this mission is to conduct aerial reconnaissance missions to find the ideal location to build the first Martian base. The ideal location will have to be large enough and have a high level of hematite, a mineral normally formed in the presence of water. Each team controls the flight path of their M.A.R.S. plane trying to visit as many sites as they can before running out of fuel. The Navigation Specialists compares the different sites, selects the sites to visit, and calculates fuel consumption throughout the mission. The Science/Operations Specialists calculate the area of the site and the hematite content and then rate each site. The Communication Specialists relay all information to Mission Control throughout the mission.

Standards

area of a circle, distance/ time/ rate, probabilities, risk management, graphing, graph interpretation, math in everyday life.

Technical Requirements

  1. Videoconferencing system with monitor or LCD.
    • The videoconferencing system can be a dedicated videoconferencing unit by manufacturers such as Polycom®, Tandberg™, or VTEL®, or it can be an extra computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, speakers, and videoconferencing software, such as Skype®.
    • The videoconferencing system should be connected to a large screen (either a monitor, a large TV, or an LCD projector). The image should be displayed in the front of the room so the students can see the Mission Commander and video clips.
  2. Five computers and another LCD projector.
    • The Communications Team uses the videoconferencing system as well as one computer for data and chat.
    • The Moon Mapping Team uses two computers (optional).
    • The two remaining teams use one computer each.
  3. Internet connections for the above computers and the latest version of Internet Explorer, Opera, or Firefox installed.
  4. Adobe® Flash™ player v. 7.0+ and optional Skype (both software programs are free and available on the Internet).
  5. Printer (optional).
  6. Digital camera (optional). A digital camera is valuable for recording the excitement of the mission.

A computer lab can be used, it's just not ideal because labs are typically arranged in permanent rows and interrupts the flow of traffic.

Videoconferencing System

The videoconferencing system can be either a stand-alone unit (such as Polycom, Tandberg, etc.) or a computer-based system (PC with a webcam and Skype software).

  • If you have a standalone videoconferencing system, make sure it is connected using IP.
  • If you have a computer-based videoconferencing system, you have to install Skype.
  • Skype is videoconferencing software that is available for both Windows and Macs.

Connection Procedures

  • Test the audio/video connection at least one week before.
  • Make sure the camera and microphone can see both members of the Communications Team.
  • The whole class should be able to see and hear the Flight Director. Make sure you can turn up the audio loud. Make sure the video can be seen anywhere in the room.
  • During the audio/video connection you will need to test the Communications Team computers. Go to the following URL: http://www.e-missions.net/flashcom/targetmoon (must have Flash Player v 7.0+).
  • Team Name: anything (be sure each team uses a unique name).
  • Password: provided on Mission Day (use lowercase only).
  • Test the chat window.
  • Test the data window on the left.