Exploring the Red Planet: Mars Lab Activity
Students use soil from Earth with
properties highly similar to Martian soil,
developed and tested by NASA, to
investigate the discoveries and theories
about Mars that were generated by
the Viking, Observer, and Pathfinder
missions. The soil can be compared
with Martian soil data to discern their
similarities and differences, how and
from what materials it was formed, and
whether the soil is able to support plant
life. It comes with enough materials for
ten soil tests and one demonstration
planting: Martian regolith simulated soil,
topsoil, planting pots, Rapid Radish
seeds, soil test kit, fertilizers, and ten bar
magnets, as well as a Mars globe 4 3/4”
in diameter, Mars topographic map, and
study guide.