Getting Dirty on Mars

Authors
Source: 

Mars Education Program
Arizona State University
University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
http://marsed.asu.edu/activities.php

The goal of the project is through comparison, facilitate understanding about the similarities and differences between soil properties on Earth and Mars.
Students will work in cooperative groups to collect soil samples from the field similar to NASA's robotic Phoenix Mars Mission, to understand the properties of soil and examine soils for their ability to sustain organisms

Other information about this activity
Length of Activity: 
3 - 4 class periods
Can non-scientists successfully conduct this activity?: 
Educator with subject matter knowledge
What level of help is needed to conduct?: 
Materials are self-explanatory
Required Supplies: 

Download Teacher Guide, Student Guide, and Lab Cards
http://marsed.asu.edu/activities.php
Other supplies needed are listed in Teacher Guide.

Access: 
free download of pdfs
Material Type: 
Binder