Are you ready to lift off Earth? Interested in colonizing Mars? Wondering how scientists know so much about the Red Planet? Wondering why Mars is called the Red Planet? Then this class is for you! 

Join me as part of the Aspiring Astronauts Class Series and learn about the Perserance Rover and Mars. 

Class begins with introductions and time to share our favorite thing about Outer Space. After introductions, we lift off earth and head to Mars (virtually of course). After about 9 months of travel and over 300 million miles, astronauts arrive ready to explore! 

During class, we will watch a short clip about the Perseverance landing on Mars, followed by examining photographs of Mar's rocky surface photographed by Perseverance and it's helicopter, Ingenuity.  Learners will see how the rover was put together in a NASA lab, how it reached Mars and landed and learn more about it's mission. Students will also learn about how Mars looks and feels. One day, in the not too distant future, we hope to send Astronauts to Mars. Does your learner want to be one of them? 

If we have time at the end of class, I encourage learners to dream up their own Martian Colony. What types of buildings would they have if they were in charge of colozing Mars? What would they look like? How many people would live there? How would learners travel back to Earth if they wanted? Please provide paper and a pencil or marker for this activity! These can be simple drawings. Learners do not need to have great artistic abilities to participate and have fun. 

To make class exciting, I use google slides filled with engaging graphics, photographs, short video clips and more to keep learners engaged. We have plenty of time for questions, comments and discussion. I am a friendly, flexible and patient educator who tries to encourage and listen to all students. This class is designed as an introductory class for those who have not learned about Perseverance or Mars before.