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Module 2: Mars and Earth - the quest for life

We know that life exists on this planet, but does it exist elsewhere in our solar system? People throughout history have looked to the stars in the sky as they pondered this question.

This module looks at human systems on Earth by using unique space-based observations. The module begins with investigations of how these observations are obtained and how they are interpreted. Earth observations from space play an important role in our everyday life. Each weather report we hear on the radio or see on television was developed with the aid of satellites orbiting Earth in space and observing weather patterns in the atmosphere. Farmers use satellite observations to measure the potential yield of their large crops. The military uses Earth observations from space to aid in our country's defense.

Along with Earth, this module studies Mars and the possibility that life existed, or perhaps may still exist, on that planet. Life on Mars has been debated since Percival Lowell thought he found evidence of "canals" on the Martian surface in the late 1800s. The comparison of Earth and Mars is accomplished by identifying and observing similar physical processes that exist on both worlds. Physical processes certainly affect living systems on Earth. Could they have the same effects on Mars? NASA has been studying Mars for decades and is developing plans that will one day send humans to the "red planet" to explore secrets which have eluded us for centuries.

Investigation 1
Where do we choose to live and why?

Investigation 2
How does remote sensing help us to observe human activities on Earth?

Investigation 3
What similar physical processes occur on both Earth and Mars?

Investigation 4
Is life on Mars possible and could humans establish settlements there?