Investigation VI

VI. Life on Mars: Where's The Party?

(Finding out about the possibility of life on Mars)

	What evidence do we have for life on Mars? See Meteorite Yields Evidence of Primative Life on Early Mars How old was the meteorite? ___________________________________ Much of the interest in the meteorite is due to its age. Ancient Mars is thought to have been wetter, warmer and to have had a more friendly environment for life.
	How did the meteorite get to Earth from Mars? ___________________
	What evidence for life was found in the meteorite? ________________
	What evidence do we have against life on Mars? See Life in Mars Stats for help. Give 5 or 6 examples. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
	See Mars: All Sun All The Time? . Look at the image of Mars in the lower right that shows temperatures. Temperature scales are below it. What is the range of temperatures on Mars today? low ________ high _______
	Look at the Whole Earth Catalog Of Temperatures Are there any temperatures on earth today (where we know life exists!) that are the same as the Martian temperatures. You will need to convert temperatures using the Conversion Chart supplied by your teacher or click on Conversion Chart. ________ If yes, what temperature and where on earth? ___________________
	Considering temperature alone, is it possible for life to exist on Mars? ________
	What are some environmental factors that would make it difficult for life, as we know it on Earth, to exist on Mars? _____________________________________________________________
	If a "higher" form of life had evolved on Mars, use your creativity and science knowledge to draw a picture of it. Consider the evidence you listed in question 3 to help you design this life form. Label important body features and tell how they cope with the Martian environment. If you can scan and send your creature to the editors, we will put the best on the Martian Sun-Times!

Want to be a Martian Sun-Times reporter? Write a story using the facts you have learned in this lesson. Choose one of the styles of reporting that your teacher gave you. Email it to us!