Build a City on Mars!
In this project, students will explore the question ‘Can Mars Support Human Life?’ by creating a 3D city on Mars using TinkerCAD - a child-friendly 3D modelling software.
Haydn Hanna
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(13)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this 3 week, multi-day course, students will explore the question ‘Is it possible to live on Mars?’ by creating a 3D city on Mars using TinkerCAD - a child-friendly 3D modelling software. Along the way, students will develop a variety of reading, media literacy and computing skills, and develop their scientific knowledge about Mars’ atmosphere, landscape and resources (or lack thereof). By the end of the course, students will have a greater understanding of the challenges that the human settlement of Mars poses, a variety of newly developed computing skills, as well as an understanding of different genres of non-fiction texts. To view a finished version of this project, follow this link: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/lQi0DOKSiDf Throughout the course, I will use a broad array of teaching strategies in my lessons, including discussion, modelling, gamification and interdisciplinary study. These are teaching strategies you can expect from me across all my classes. If your student is already a space enthusiast and knows how to use a computer, it is likely they are ready to take this course. However, if this is the first space-themed course that they've taken, there are a few things your learner will need to know before taking this class. Please take a look at these below: Science Knowledge: Students should know that they live on the planet Earth, that the Earth is a giant rock floating through space and that the Earth is only one of many planets. They should know that Mars is one of our closest neighbours in the solar system. I highly recommend taking my one-time, Introduction to Mars! class prior to enrolling in this class. The link for this class is: https://outschool.com/classes/introduction-to-mars-K8dUeeHK?usid=xiItvQHv&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Reading Knowledge: While this course covers some reading comprehension strategies, phonics and decoding skills won't be covered. Therefore, your student should be able to decode words with reasonable fluency - however learners won't be asked to "cold" read in front of me or their peers. If your learner is unable to decode words but would still like to participate in the course, please reach out to me and we can make alternate arrangements. Computing Knowledge: This course makes extensive use of TinkerCad. In order to use TinkerCad effectively, students should be familiar with the use of a mouse and terminology like 'right-click', 'left-click', 'scroll-wheel' and 'click and drag'. Students should also be able to independently login to the platform, or have an adult nearby to help them with the process. Please also note that while it is possible to use TinkerCad on many different devices, my experience has been that students prefer using a keyboard and mouse, and can get frustrated when using a laptop trackpad or their fingers on an iPad. Please consider the needs of your child closely when choosing the device on which to take this course. Below is a detailed outline of each lesson in the course: L1 | Introduction to 3D modelling Students will be introduced to the purpose of 3D modelling, and given a chance to explore the TinkerCAD platform. L2 | Researching basic facts about Mars and modelling the terrain on Mars Students will engage their curiosity, and research the questions they have about Mars using NASA's website. Students will then learn about TinkerCad's shape generators and hole tool to create a 3D model of the terrain on Mars. L3 | Read about and model Martian habitat designs Students will develop their media literacy by analyzing the design of two websites of space companies developing habitats for Mars. Students will then learn about hiding objects and the alignment tool in TinkerCad to help add a Martian habitat to their model city on Mars. L4 | Read about food on Mars and model a futuristic Martian farm Students will read a biography of Kimbal Musk, an entrepreneur developing urban farming techniques (that are transferable to Mars). Students will then learn about TinkerCad's text tool and the duplicate and repeat tool in order to add a futuristic Martian farm to their city. L5 | Energy on Mars Students will learn about nuclear power, geothermal, solar and wind as ways to generate energy on Mars by reading a discussion text. Students will then model their choice of energy generation for their city on Mars using all of the TinkerCad skills they have learned so far. Outro | Is it possible to live on Mars? Students will have an opportunity to share their cities with their peers and reflect on their designs.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Your child will require a TinkerCad account in order to participate in this class. Please follow this link to see TinkerCad's guidelines for setting up an account for children younger than 13: https://blog.tinkercad.com/parents-guide-to-starting-kids-in-tinkercad
Supply List
A computer mouse is highly recommended. A TinkerCad account.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2021
5.0
13reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
The most important thing to know about me is that I believe that Mars is the second most important planet in our solar system (after Earth, of course!).
Classes:
Excitement about space travel to Mars has captured the imagination of many, and I feel that children should be taken along for this journey! Therefore, the majority of the classes I teach are interdisciplinary courses about Mars (however, I do occasionally venture outside of this Mars box). In my classes, students will develop their reading, writing, presentation and computing skills, all while gaining important scientific knowledge about Mars. My classes are based on the project-based learning framework, meaning that children will be solving real-world problems that results in a realistic product (or project). It could be a 3D model of a city on Mars, a diary entry from aboard a starship, or a Mission Plan for the next human mission to Mars! My classes use a range of different teaching strategies depending on the learning outcomes and objectives. You'll find that my classes include opportunities for student discussions, inquiry and collaboration. You'll also find that my classes frequently include games and scenarios to help engage children in the learning.
Professional Background:
I am a trained primary school teacher with 3 years experience working in the UK primary school system. While working as a primary teacher, I saw how compelling the idea of Mars was to my students. Although not part of the official curriculum, they were completely enamoured by Mars - some students even did full projects simply because it captured their intellectual curiosity!
I am also in the process of completing a college certificate in e-learning development. I love that Outschool is harnessing the power of the internet to allow students and parents more control over their own learning.
Values and Philosophy:
I believe in Project Based Learning. Students deserve to learn by solving real world problems that result in realistic products and useful skills. I also believe in a balance between explicit teaching and self direction. Allowing an appropriate amount of self direction allows students to direct their learning to an area they're engaged in, while still receiving the support they need to learn. Finally, I believe that students learn best in a positive environment that protects student confidence and well being.
Available Classes:
Introduction to Mars!
Build a City on Mars!
3D Printing Club
Coming Soon:
The following courses are currently in development. Consider following me so that you can be the first to enrol!
3D Print a Rocket!
Write a Diary Entry from the Surface of Mars
Reviews
Live Group Class
$59
for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
55 min
Completed by 14 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-6 learners per class
