P/NW JASON Expedition
Join Dr. Robert Ballard and a team of scientists on the trip of a lifetime
- to Mars!
Working with renowned partner organizations such as NASA, as well as
research and academic institutions around the world, students will conduct
investigations and make discoveries that will help unravel the Mysteries
of Earth and Mars.
JASON Expedition: Mysteries of Earth and Mars™ consists of three
core units that address key standards-based topics:
See how this curriculum aligns to NYS standards.
Unit 1: Physical Science
Examines the physical properties of space science as well as the engineering
challenges of robotic exploration.
Topics include:
-
Characteristic properties and chemical changes of water: freezing
point, boiling point, solubility, density, chemical reactions
-
Motions and Forces: Newton’s Laws, gravity
-
Transfer of Energy: potential and kinetic energy
-
Science and Technology: technological design
Unit 2: Earth and Space Science
Examines comparative planetology, the geological features and processes
on Earth and Mars.
Topics include:
-
Physical Geology: landforms, rocks, minerals, and soil
-
Geological Processes: tectonics, volcanism, cratering, erosion,
and measuring geological time
-
Electromagnetism: waves, infrared radiation, and spectroscopy
-
Solar System: planets and meteors
Unit 3: Life Science
Examines requirements for life, astrobiology (the search for life throughout
the solar system) and extremophiles (organisms adapted to extreme environments).
Topics include:
-
Requirements for Life: energy, nutrients, water
-
Living Systems: structure and function in living systems, cells,
microbes
-
Diversity and Adaptation of Organisms: extreme environments, extremophiles
Earth’s History: fossils, biosignature
See also the JASON website.
