Welcome to Earth and Mars
Summary
This introduction will expose students to Mars imaging software platforms so that students may become familiar with their navigation and imagery products.
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Water-ice clouds, polar ice, polar regions, and geological features can be seen in this full-disk image of Mars. Image Credit: NASA/JPL![[creative commons]](/images/creativecommons_16.png)
Learning Goals
- Students will be able to navigate and use both Google Mars and JMARS
- Students will become familiar with imagery collections available via the above software programs such as: HiRISE, CRISM, and THEMIS
Context for Use
This learning module is meant for adaptation in an introductory earth science course and/or planetary science course. The In-Class Activities can be easily adapted for homework when desired. Student do not need any prior earth science knowledge to accomplish the In-Class Activities and/or Homework.
Description and Teaching Materials
In-Class Activity
- In-Class Activity 1: Mars Analogs (Acrobat (PDF) 67kB May28 13)
- Homework 1: Google Mars- Exploring Gale Crater (Acrobat (PDF) 102kB May28 13)
- Homework 2: JMARS- Mawrth Vallis "Potential landing site" (Acrobat (PDF) 101kB May28 13)
Teaching Notes and Tips
- Before assigning Homework 1 or 2 spend some time exploring both Google Mars and JMARS with the students for a "first pass" exposure.
- Students will be exploring the functions of the software and will not need any prior geologic knowledge to complete the homework provided here.
- Online versions of the Homework provide instructor answers in [brackets].
Assessment
Methods of assessment are within each individual In-Class Activity and Homework.
References and Resources
- JMARS Website: http://jmars.asu.edu/
- Google Earth Free download: http://www.google.com/earth/index.html