Introduction to The Martian

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only few supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to survive and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

This is the story of "The Martian".  This novel will be the centrepiece of our studies for the next couple of months.  

Language

We will be looking at the Elements of a Story (protagonist, antagonist, conflict, climax and resolution).  We also will be discussing the concept of "Suspension of Disbelief" and how Andy Weir's, the author, research is so thorough we are completely captivated and convinced that this story could really happen. We will then take our learnings and inspirations and add them to our own creative writing.

Science

We will be following in the footsteps of The Martian's protagonist and trying to have the students grow potatoes. As a groups, students will determine that caloric intake their team will need to survive for one day.  They will then have to grow and harvest enough potatoes to meet that amount of calories. This project also coincides with our study of plant/animal cells, particle theory and fluids.

CLICK HERE TO SEE DETAILS OF POTATO PROJECT

Geography

Students will be studying landforms and migration patterns. This sets up nicely to have students analyze the potential for a settlement on Mars. 

Kick Off

Throughout our Martian study we will be interacting with Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Molotov. We are unsure if he is still alive but his research will live on with us.

Mars Sim Part 1

Mars Sim Part 2