Do you remember where you were on August 6, 2012? That was the day NASA landed the Curiosity rover on Mars. Curiosity was meant to explore the Red Planet for a two year mission, but is still active today and has sent countless photographs and scientific readings that help us to understand Mars.
On Thursday, Curiosity will be joined by a new rover: Perseverance (or “Percy” for short). The landing is scheduled to take place at approximately 1pm MST, with livestream content beginning at 12:15pm EST. Read on to find out about online resources, where to watch the landing, and how to get involved.
OFFICIAL NASA RESOURCES
NASA has put together a robust website full of resources. Here are a few of the highlights:
- A minute long trailer to prepare you for how the landing will work
- A list of all livestream content happening this week
- Perseverance is bringing a helicopter (named Ingenuity) with it!
- If you want to host an event, check out this virtual landing package
- A few related student activities
There’s even more to explore on the Mars 2020 website including a Mars photo booth and a mission timeline. Check it out!
MOTT FOUNDATION RESOURCES
There are some excellent lesson plans on the FREE Mizzen Education afterschool app related to Mars, the Solar System, and space travel. Here are just a few examples of the wonderful activities available:
- Mission to Mars
- Solar System Bead Activity
- Exploring the Colors of Mars
- Design a Crew Module
OTHER RESOURCES
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
- NMMNH&S’s own Dr. Larry Crumpler is part of the Perseverance mission team. He will be speaking at upcoming events:
- There will also be a Mars-themed storytime
Krispy Kreme will have a limited edition Mars doughnut on THURSDAY ONLY!