From Earth To Mars

Essential Question (this is a question the students should be answering by the end of the unit): What is the value of space exploration?

End of Unit Writing/ Expectations: Students will write a five paragraph opinion essay about why humans should or should not travel to Mars, given the challenges. They are to support their reasons with evidence from at least two unit texts.

Unit Texts:

Anchor text (this is widely referenced throughout the entire unit): Packing for Mars

Supporting Texts: Race to the Moon...and Beyond, The Path to the Moon, Hidden Figures, A Roadmap to Outer Space, What Life in Space is Really Like, Martian Metropolis, The Moon Colony, Ice Hockey on Mars

Module Knowledges (this is something the students are learning throughout the module)

Module 1 Knowledge: Students will examine the history of U.S. space exploration and the contributions of people who made it possible.

Module 2 Knowledge: Students will learn what life in space is like for astronauts today and how conditions have improved over time.

Module 3 Knowledge: Students will gain insight into challenges that humans may encounter when traveling to and living on Mars.

Module 4 Knowledge: Students will write a five paragraph opinion essay opinion on if humans should to should not travel to Mars, given the challenges. They are to support their reasons with evidence from at least two unit texts.