This article discusses the importance of water in supporting and sustaining life and focuses on why water, and solely in its liquid form, is so essential. The focus here is on the potential presence of water on Mars. Some of the physical and chemical properties of water are summarized, and their uniqueness is presented as the reason planetary scientists are on the lookout for water on Mars and elsewhere ... Full description.

This interactive feature provides younger students with basic information about Mars. Topics include the length of the Martian day, the size of the planet relative to Earth, and its gravity and atmosphere. There are also features on the search for life on Mars and what forms it might take, as well as a downloadable activity in which students conduct an 'interview' with the planet and provide the answers. ... Full description.

In this activity, students approach studying the surface of Mars in the same way as photogeologists. After drawing a simple features map, they will have the tools to state the general geologic history of a part of Mars' surface. They focus on the evidence showing river channels that once flowed and caused erosion. The evidence for water and volcanoes on Mars points to possible environments where life ... Full description.

This website is an internet version of an historical NASA publication containing information about the development of missions to the planet Mars. This report covers the evolution of thought and interest surrounding this planet, the aims and objectives of Martian exploration, the curiosity and search for Martian life and the development of exobiology as a science. Details about specific experiments ... Full description.

Mars Exploration is a Windows to the Universe Exploratour and provides information and images about Mariner missions, Viking missions, Mars Observer, Mars Surveyor Program, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Polar Lander and Climate Orbiter, Mars 2001, and Mars 2003. Windows to the Universe is a user-friendly learning system pertaining to the Earth and Space sciences. The objective of this ... Full description.

This 46 minute radio broadcast discusses the NASA announcement in March 2004 that the rover Opportunity explored a crater on Mars that was once soaked with water - the most convincing evidence yet of a warm, wet past on Mars. Though the question of whether that water may have supported life remains, it certainly improves the odds. The second part of the broadcast discusses genetically engineered organisms. ... Full description.

This website is home to the Arizona State University (ASU) Mars Education Program. This program includes information about the MSIP (Mars Student Imaging Project), student visits to the Mars Space Flight Facility, educator workshops held at ASU and other national sites, and Mars hands-on activity guides. Red Planet Connection is a quarterly publication, which stimulates children's interest in science ... Full description.

This Nine Planets page contains details about the planet Mars. Information includes planet diameter, mass, distance from the Sun, orbit, and mythology. Also covered are planet composition, surface features, atmosphere and magnetic field data, temperature on the planet, and results from exploration spacecraft. Phobos and Deimos (Mars satellites) are also covered in depth. The site provides links to ... Full description.

These are the teaching notes for a case study in which students explore the scientific and public policy issues surrounding the advisability of a return mission to Mars for further sampling and, more generally, the question of whether or not there is life on that planet. The case was designed to illustrate the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in scientific research, define the criteria needed ... Full description.

This series of modules integrates printable images of Mars into classroom activities. Four broad topics cover the exploration of Mars and the Pathfinder missions, the great Martian floods and the Pathfinder landing site, the canyon Valles Marineris, and water on Mars. Each topic has several discrete activities associated with it that can be used independently. There are supporting materials for teachers ... Full description.