Carbon Research on Mars

What is the name of the spacecraft on Mars with a scientific lab on board?

What is SAM?

Where did we get our samples from? Why did we choose that spot?

Why did we need to make sure we had a good plan before starting our experiment?

An isotope is

• An atom that is almost identical but has works differently in chemical reactions

• An atom that is almost identical but still works the same way in chemical reactions

• An atom that is a different weight but works the same way in chemical reactions

• An atom that is the same weight but works differently in chemical reactions

Where is the carbon in the sample most likely from?

What do organisms need to survive? Do you think that Mars might have had these things in the past?

Why do you think it is difficult to do research on Mars?

Match up these relevant items associated with the text

• atmosphere

• carbon

• element present in lifeforms

• Rover

• an open mind

• gases around planet

• Curiosity

• what a scientist needs to have

• Meteorite

• Space rock

How does this passage link with your prior learning about Earth and Space?