Grade 3: Scientists Explore Mars Space Station

Third graders enjoyed a visit to Mars when their science classroom was transformed by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science recently. For one class period, they were dubbed Mars Space Station cadets and given four tasks that required innovation skills like problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. The activities were part of an astronomy unit that also included a design challenge in the Gates Lab where students developed shuttle landing systems that could absorb the shock of touching down on Mars, according to teacher Michelle Benge.
Third graders enjoyed a visit to Mars when their science classroom was transformed by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science recently. For one class period, they were dubbed Mars Space Station cadets and given four tasks that required innovation skills like problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. The activities were part of an astronomy unit that also included a design challenge in the Gates Lab where students developed shuttle landing systems that could absorb the shock of touching down on Mars, according to teacher Michelle Benge.
 
Air: One of the first things necessary to life on a space station is oxygen. On a puzzle board, cadets selected and installed ventilation pipes to connect the four areas of the space station with breathable air. They also had to figure in the machines that provide humidity and ones that recycle the air. 
 
Electricity: Space stations harness solar energy to power the facilities and make them livable. Cadets dressed in astronaut gear to venture into space and make repairs to solar panels using circuit technology. 
 
Soil: Sometimes astronauts need to collect soil samples to analyze back at the station. In another challenge, cadets used coding skills to send “Mars mice” along a designated path on the planet’s surface. 
 
Transportation: Finally, moving things to and from the station requires teamwork. At Space Station Rendezvous, cadets worked in pairs to land a shuttle at the station with tablets and printed instructions.
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Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.