: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:05AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [4 ]
Good morning distinguished guest. My name is and our partners JPL
welcome to
the Mars Exploration program here in the national capital and also
this will
be the first in a series . The District of Columbia more than our
ambassadors our team mate for the long term in his exciting to
excellence
in education so I will not repeat
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:06AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [5 ]
T goals of excel and then you will be willing to join our team and
them our
vision is that of a permanent network university across the
country at
least one in each state industry, could, etc. a Network which I'm not
thinking of gender only, the way each child develops. Curriculum
developers
in the form of an advisory board - entered into partnerships, one per
state,
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:07AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [7 ]
Some partners are here today - will introduce as program proceeds.
Thank you
for coming and have fun.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:08AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [8 ]
Passport to Knowledge - electronic field trip. It's an exciting
prospect -
not possible without partners - NASA, Nat'l Science Fdnt. will make
video
part of national schedule. Today's schedule is to have mission
described
first - materials available, then fieldtrips
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:10AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [9 ]
100 educators together in Wash. - all over America and around the
world. In
the auditorium are computers - WebChat - to monitor what's being
said, with
transcribers trying to monitor people speaking too fast. CU-SeeME,
also 9
other computers, as simple as e-mail. Welcome Australia, Japan,
Germany and
the Republic of Ireland. 65 sites hosting up to 25 teachers each -
that's
very exciting. 25 individual participants
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:11AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [10 ]
Not as much an experiment as sending spacecraft, but go with the
flow -
enjoy a chance to interact with us. It's a very exciting opportunity -
here
or virtually - collaborate with us. Thanks for being here.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:12AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [12 ]
10 year program to explore - the red planet - Mars. Exciting and
resilient -
here to tell you what we intend to do. On behalf of NASA, welcome to
NASA
headquarters - you've already heard quite a bit - and today is the
last day.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:13AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [14 ]
Of the different bodies, Mars has a special attraction - it is similar
to
Earth - poses scientific questions. Potential of human exploration in
the
not so distant future. Space agencies involved have a plan to
observe, study
Mars. Declining budgets cause these agencies to not explore
independently,
but to increase effectiveness by eliminating duplication, sharing
costs,
pool resources for large projects they could not afford, and s
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:14AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [16 ]
know-how and expertise. Studies observed polar caps and many
countries made
major observation. In 1877, two satellites discovered. In all
upcoming Mars
missions, from Russian 1996 to the four missions in 96 and 98,
there are
something like 12
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:15AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [17 ]
countries involved. Mars exploration is done in a United Nations
mode.
Unfortunately, there's not as much money as the United Nations. It's
a
pleasure having you here.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:16AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [19 ]
In the audience, is Bill Gutch, who will interview teachers and
scientists
and reporting over NASA TV. Good morning - we have an exciting
morning coming
up - we will continue to hear from project managers.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:17AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [22 ]
We will hear from virtual conference participants soon. At 11:30, we
will
hear from project Red Rover, Red Rover. We will rerun the synopsis
information later this morning. Back to you, Sheik.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:17AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [23 ]
Introducing - Donna Shirley. She will talk to you about strategy and
exploration - she is dynamic and a lot of interests, among playing
guitars,
etc. For those of you who think engineers do nothing but
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:18AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [24 ]
We've been going to Mars since 1964, people saw it through
telescopes. When
we actually flew by Mars, we saw a dead, lifeless planet, like the
moon,
lots of craters, no canals. We sent 2 missions in 64, in 69 another 2,
and
in 71, we orbited for the first time. All we could see was a fuzzy
ball. As
the storm
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:20AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [25 ]
sat for 90 days, then strange features poked out of the dust. As the
dust
settled, giant canyons, it had been live and active, not dead. In 76 we
put
two orbiters and landed - looking for life, didn't find any. Everybody
was
sure if we scooped up dust and fed it nutrients, that life would
spring
forth - it didn't. We got discouraged about the search for life. We
lost
Mars observers on the next trip.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:20AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [26 ]
The Mars Surveyor Program is based on the idea that you don't put all
your
eggs in one basket and send it to Mars. In addition to Surveyor, we
have Mars
Pathfinder - you'll see a movie on that later.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:22AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [27 ]
[She is now describing items from a graphic being shown here in
Washington.]
Pathfinder is part of discovery family. Surveyor and Pathfinder don't
look
alike, act alike, but both are going to Mars. Pathfinder being launched
in
September. We can't fly big rocket, sending little cheap rocket -
eliminates
amount of stuff
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:23AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [28 ]
We use little rockets and get into big loose orbit around Mars,
skimming
through atmosphere, until we reach mapping orbit. Camera, laser
altimeter
will be on board. We'll measure magnetic field, and find out more
than we
know today.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:24AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [29 ]
Missions in 98, an orbiter and lander. Orbiter will carry instruments
lost
earlier. Lander will land on south pole, digger arm will put dirt into
instrument, measure water content -- what kind of water,
characteristic of
Mars in ancient history. Microprobes will also accompany 98
mission, to help
us see what Mars is like underground. We expect to find "tree rings"
of
history. Dust and ice, dust and ice. What happened to Mars - cold
what year,
warm what year?
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:25AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [31 ]
2001 missions -- carrying Gamma Ray Spectrometer. We're looking
at landing a
rover in the ancient highlands. If there was ever life on Mars, it was
probably in the lake beds - searching for fossils - best place to look,
unless we find a hot spring. In 2001, we're going with Russians -
international aspect. In 1996, we're sending an instrument - two
small
stations and two small penetrators. Two on Pathfinder
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:27AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [32 ]
German, Finnish and Danish participation. There's a laser
experiment on the
Lander provided by Russians. We're very international in exchanging
instruments and information. We're trying to do the joint mission
with the
Russians - working with them to determine if we and they can
afford. Trying
to do joint mission with Europeans, not selected by them. We'll try
to bring
back a sample of Mars. We'll launch in 2005, but it takes two years
up and
back - do we have the
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:28AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [33 ]
Cost of movie "Waterworld" is same as cost of Surveyor or
Pathfinder. Next
is same price as "Jurassic Park" ride. NBC is paying $456 million to
broadcast Olympic games. 10 year Mars program is same price as
military
bomber. Plenty of money, problem is to get it to go to Mars.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:29AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [34 ]
[DC conference attendees watching Pathfinder movie - done by
students at Ga.
Tech.]
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:30AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [38 ]
At Cape Canaveral, Mars Pathfinder waits to launch - the Delta.
After
clearing lower atmosphere, the shroud will fall away, exposing
spacecraft
- will orbit
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:31AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [41 ]
briefly before going on. With conical heat shield pointing way, it
will
begin it's 7 month journey to Mars. 5 days before arrival at Mars, it
will
turn to entry position.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:32AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [42 ]
The atmosphere friction will create fountain of sparks. Descending
on night
side of Mars. Heat shield will be released.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:33AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [43 ]
Lander will separate on bridle 18 meters long. Few seconds before
landing,
bags will be deployed to cushion impact. Retro rockets will suspend
craft in
air just before landing. Mars has only 1/3 gravity as earth, will
bounce
about 10 stories before landing.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:34AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [44 ]
After airbags stop rolling, they will be deflated and retracted,
exposing
lander. Small motor engines will drive open landers petals, like
flower,
standing it upright revealing instruments.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:35AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [46 ]
The lander's camera will take first look and locate sun. The
communications
atennaes will be deployed. The Rover, Sojourner, will rise to full
height.
Imager will scan horizon. Sojourner will then power up and venture
onto
surface for closer look.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:36AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [50 ]
Chassis will be able to scale rocks half its height. Objects too big to
drive over will be circumnavigated. It's power source is top-mounted
solar
panel. Once Rover has found rock of interest, the spectrometer will
be
placed against rock. Determination will take 10 hours.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:37AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [51 ]
Back to speaker --- Surveyor will get there in September. We'll then
send
missions every opportunity. Eventually, if we find water, resources,
then
we'll send people.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:37AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [52 ]
2018 is scheduled date for manned mission. end of that speaker.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:39AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [53 ]
777 9938384 for video. Dr. Mark will come and speak next. Mark is a
member
of the advisor board. Project Scientist for the mission. Mark is the
first
guy who actually talks about Mark.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:40AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [54 ]
what mars is about why its an interest place spend dollars there.
Showing
slide. Mars interesting. 4th planet from the sun. Surface temp is 63
degrees. Rotates in a 24 hour period.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:41AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [55 ]
The tilt effects the climate. Distance from sun varies. From 1.35 to
1.76.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:42AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [56 ]
Its farther from the sun. Produces bizarre seasons. More extreme
farther from
the sun. North moderate, South warm. Difference in temperature
produces
extremes in the atmosphere. Polar caps, water in one of them c02 in
both.
Next slide. Mars history have been thinking about mars for some
time.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:44AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [57 ]
civilization on Mars. Built canals to transport water on mars. planet
getting
drier. Mars named after the god of war. Radio program by Orsen Wells
where
America being invaded by martians. Next slide: most of knoweldge
have come
from space craft. Science rather than speculation.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:45AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [58 ]
picture of polar bears and snow storms. Pictures mars two, three
and four,
Viking 1 and 2 in 1976 has given us the most information about
mars.
There
are two Viking 1 and 2 was to determine was there life on mars.
Two
orbiters
had two cameras took pictures 50,000 pictures obtained.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:46AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [60 ]
Next: There was activity to determine if there was life on Mars. Took
soil
and looked for photosynthetic activity. Looked for gases, found none.
Looked
for organic molecules. No molecules could exist.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:47AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [62 ]
Pictures will show images: Mars is red, dark streaks, craters. Next:
Straw
color rather than red.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:48AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [63 ]
Next: Mars has 3 or 4 basic geology types. Southern 2/3 of plants 3
or 4
million years. Northern low lands and Southern highlands, red spot
is know
as Thoraces. The red is young volcano rocks. Covers about 1/4 of the
planet.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:50AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [64 ]
Whole area is uplifted to 10 kilometers. Mars is the lumpiest planet
in the
solar system. Next: On the province 27 kilometers high, top of
surface have
no craters on top. This tells us that volcano has been active in the
past.
No other planet has been recorded on the surface. Mars rocks are
there to
explore.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:52AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [65 ]
Next: Valis Marnaris has largest rift in the atmosphere. Extends a
few
thousand kilometers.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:53AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [66 ]
See surface is down dropped. Next: VM to our own grand canyon. You
can see
fault scars. See large craters. The surface is the same as the top and
downdropped.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:54AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [67 ]
Next: Map of what Scaperali saw. Did not try to interpret what he
saw. Next:
The view was a red baked parched desert on mars. Viking two just
rock and
soil. Next:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:55AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [68 ]
where is the water on Mars? Polar cap frozen. Next: Polar layer
deposits,
layer that will be sampled. See white and dark layers. Warmer times
would
produce a red strip. Cold a whiter strip. See fine layering. May
indicate a
climate change. Next:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:57AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [69 ]
We think some of the water is locked up as ground ice. The surface
of mars
is below mars in gaseous state. Life can only exist if there is liquid
water. You see a splash crater. Something hit surface, produced
appearance.
Mars is a rust pit. Most of surface if likely to be oxidized material.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 6:58AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [70 ]
We think there is some water locked up in Mars. Liquid water once
existed on
the surface. Next: Lava formed features. Next: See dindritic channels.
See
large craters. Water may have been in liquid state on Mars. Next:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 7:00AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [72 ]
See large trofs. Next: See clearer islands, large 20 kliometers. Next:
Looking a crator terraine. Planet next to ours 3 ro 4 billion years ago
had
water on it.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 7:01AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [73 ]
Could life have started on Mars. Are we a specialized occurrence?
Life will
start any where where water is present. ARe we alone in the
universe? Next:
Evidence that water was there, water stood on Mars. This is a lake
bed. See
a series of channels that drain into a depression. What that means is
that
water filled up despression. Then flowed away in a stream.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 7:02AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [74 ]
Most earth like of all planets. Only planet that can support life.
Other not
livable. Next:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 7:04AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [75 ]
Kinds of science to do with first two missions: (1) goal to provide
global
understanding of mars. Climate, look at geology. To start in 1997.
Pathfinder will land 7/4/97. Has 4 science instruments. Rover,
imager, alpha
proton, chemical analysis instruument, has weather station.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 7:06AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [76 ]
rocks soils and atmospheric science. Next: Pathfinder we should be
able to
determine rotation of Mars. Define an arch, you can define the pole of
rotation. Last time we looked, we determine the rotation of mars.
Now is
another location. Taking today we can determine a procession
constant.
Determine a number of the internal distribution density. This
information if
very poorly known now. WE think by tracking Pathfinder, we can
determine the
moment of inersia. If we take for a long time, will see changes in
the
length of day.
7:08Will be able to determine the co2 in the atmosphere. Next: pathfinder starts
the insight investigation into Mars. Look at viking, focused on life detection. Rocks form
in particular in minerals and particular ways in which the rock forms. Determine the
temperature and material it froze from. Can determine the condition. Wet, dry, how did
that material get to be there. Interesting because if we find ancient rocks of Mars 3 to 4
billion in age, we would be able to say something definitive about Mars.
7:11See other rock and things. Next: Pathfinder: rover can go and see what
there. We have samples of mars. Meteorites are melted from the surface of the planet.
Common on Moon. Would like to find other rocks. What you can see a errorelispe is
about 100 by 200 klimeters. This outflow channel is unusual on Mars. This event was
great, deposited all material in mouth of channel. a place where we would have rover to go
and look.
7:13See material to left is smooth and flat on mars. its a place where all rocks
have been dumped. We would like to learn: how did surface differenciate? Highest
resolution we can see. Will land in one pixel, will spend entire time in that pixel.
7:15Will have the panel for questions and answers: Sending someone to fix the
dish: Dr. Boyce will be speaking next. Will monitor questions for the next 20 minutes:
7:19Q: ARe we drop something in 96 that will measure moisture: A: Yes
neutron Q: Can weeds live on Mars? A: We can't contaminate mars, all spacecraft must
be sterilized so we would mess up the planet. There was nothing living on lander. Q:
7:20Q: Do scientist know why the northern hemispher of Mars is more
active? A: Internal activity. Early impact could have hit mars and moved material and
scattered it.
7:20BillBournIs an operating model of
the sojourner rover available for purchase?
7:22Q: What is the second
pathfinder? A: No name yet. Q: Is there a measurement of windspeed. A: Report the
range of low and high. Q: what else is frozen into the cap. A: Just
water.
7:24Q: How early should we teach space to students? A: As early
as their understanding will let them. Q:
7:26Q: What happens to the
rockets that come off the pathfinder? A: They fall off and drop into the ocean. Q: How
come mars has the same length of earth days, but a longer year? A: Because Mars is
farther away from Earth. Q:
7:27BillBournIs there a operating model of the Sojourner rover available to purchase?
7:31Q: What season will it be with pathfinder lands? A: Before the nominal dust season about September. Q: Talk about types of landings? A: Viking used a propulsion system to land, Pathfinder used airbag system. Q: What do you think that caused different age related features. A: Vulcanism. Erosion. Q: Is there a way we can share with parents this information? A: Through townhall meetings,
7:32program in 10 states, talk to universities and colleges.
7:36Q: What evidence exists that Mars does not have a hot liquid core? A: No it has no hot liquid core. Q: How were rocks formed on the surface image of Mars A: Lava flow, crators,
7:39Q: 1998 a probe will land at a polar cap, which one? A: South pole, 80 degrees south. Q: How deep is the cap? A: a kilometer, maybe 10 centimeters. Q:
7:41Q: What is the cause of Mars highly eliptical orbit. A: Unknown
7:44While Washington conference is breaking for coffee, we'll talk to some of the teachers here.
7:46Kids will get to do what scientists do. Allows students enough knoweldge and data to analyze, but not to conclusions. URL: http:cotf.edu. 7:48Questions on WebChat and didn't have time to answer - let's ask a few: Q: When it lands, during time of year, what is likely to be the differenc ein temp. from day/night? A: During high noon on summer day - gets up to about freezing (water). At night, -100 C. Air is thin, and when sun goes down it instantly gets cold. Mars atmosphere is carbon dioxide - produce greenhouse? Yes, but it's so thin, but it's not very much because of thinness. You have to have solar energy coming in for greenhouse. Becasue of thinness, there's black body radiation. As NASA Scientist Admin. What's your personal reaction to Passport to Knoweldge? A: It's absolutely great - we work for American public. We work for public of world.
7:50Techno. and scientifically literate in global warming, etc. We have Cheick doing outreach program. We are going to use internet, TV, every means possible to get info. out. On internet as soon as callibrated. We have curriculum writers, to get to students, teacher. How soon might teachers and students be able to extract Mars images. A: Once in mapping orbit in Jan., as soon as pictures are taken, they'll come down on Internet.
7:51Dataflow wil start on first day - data about going through atmostphere. Pathfinder to prove we can land cheaply. Windsocks for wind measurement. We have pressure guages. Temp, pressure, windspeed and direction. We'll be able to put together surface map, surface conditions - good bet it won't rain. On Viking, it actually snowed. We don't expect any frost on the rocks.
7:52On Mars today, H2O, goes directly from solid to gaseous state, why is that true on Mars today? Why can't liquid water exist? A: It can't exist now because pressure is so low. When molecules of solid start to turn into water, they immediatley burst forth as gas. Pressure is so low that stuff vaporizes - i.e., dry ice, moth balls.
7:54Real gulf between haves and have nots - those with or without computers. Those on the net have world plugged in. Those that don't, don't have it. How can we get word out to small towns? Companies that have demo. materials can be borrowed and shown to classrooms. Citizens who know and understand to be demonstrators for others.
7:56If you want to see how wonderful it is - some students stood in front of WebPage and wondered why they couldn't have this -- they were awed. Please share with school boards. Is problem of such magnitude - if you've got spare time and you talk computer tech, please volunteer your time. Go to local PTA meetings - get teachers together and communicate. 1 - go to Benton homepage - KickStart. 2- Tech Corp. homepage and sign in to share and show. Write letters to Congress.
7:56Unusued computers to libraries - the more kids hooked on- instant knowledge - instant opportunity. Plug in to the rest of universe. 4th grader wanted to take hamburgers to Mars.
7:59Those who know technology can use search engine - other who don't know - ask someone.
Everett Washington teacher - the driver of Mars rover was driving illegally - students fined him and charged him 30 Mars bars - designed Martian driver's license - students got D.O.T. (Wash. State) - sanction license, sent governer to school - Brian Cooper was tested. First Martian driver's license. Brian Cooper's name, code number, landing site for Mars Pathfinder.
8:01Kids had great fun with Martian Driver's License. We're going back to Cheick Diarra.
Cheick: Hello and welcome to the second part of our meeting. With partners at GA. Tech, especially Prof. Grammall, have we developed CD-ROM to enable everyone to take quick flight and he will demonstrate CD-ROM.
8:03Dr. Grammall: Delighted to be here - the presentation starts with slides to give overview. [Kurt Gramoll, GA Tech Engineered Multimedia.] If we want good college students, must have good educational opportunities. Great opp. to interact with NASA, but never let info. out to public, or K-12, where it can be used extensively -- main purpose for CD.
8:04CD Mascot is "Marvin the Martian." CD was originally thought of as something to enhance ability to lecture at schools. Students were going to sleep - so needed jazzing. Lab equipment helped make movie. Animation keeps students awake. Fully functional mutlimedia lab at GA Tech helped.
8:06Implementing this type of technology over last 5 years has improved greatly. Most schools have a number of computers. Money was coming in for education - put into hardware. We needed software. School struggled for software. Helped fill void in Georgia. We needed to run on 46 machine or Pentium or Apple MacIntosh. Both types common.
8:07Playback on both necessary. Let students go through and experiment. In packet of info., you've received copy of CD. Like to acknowledge many students - Jason, Justin, Kelvin, Mike - all put in long hours - had fun, but without their help and assistance and dediction - not possible. CD in two parts - Mars Pathfinder mission - first CD - talks mainly about Pathfinder - has mission and lecture module.
8:08Allows flexibility, shows what rocket looks like, able to turn it around, move around in info. when student need
8:09Surveyor Mission - before we can talk about given mission - questions such as what is a spacecraft, heatshield, etc. A lot of background info. was missing - step back and go through basics. Organized as planned trip. First, know something about solar system, what's beyond? What about destination planet? Something we're looking for? Why wanting to go? How are we going to get off? What about journey itself?
8:10What are some instruments? Can we build our own? Let's look at solar system first. This would take about 6-7 hours, maybe more, so we'll pass off to you to take CD and explore. In each major topic, you have subtopics. Try to time with what Web people are seeing. You can actually see how planets move around in real time. Pluto is hardly moving?
8:12Different pages given different info. Pop-up diagrams on covered topic. Also movies to further explain text. Second topic - constellations. Where different stars are - constellation finder. As you move around - fabulous graphics - [DC audience applauds]. How do planets really move around sun? What happens if velocity of Earth changes - play God for a while. Allow students to play around with parameters. In this case, I have four planets, call them anything you want. Turn them on and off, and edit each one.
8:15Given positions and velocities, you can plot those out. Turn on grid to show circulars and put tracer on. You can actually plot movement. Escape velocity sends it into never-never land. You can play around with velocity. Earth year half of Mars year - you'd find out. Some instructions on panel to scroll through. What about Mars itself? What about past missions, geological, topology, unanswered questions? Where's the face come from on Mars. NASA doesn't like to discuss, students love. Natural occurrence, suppose faces were different shape, it would mean nothing. No reason why you can't have something like that. Students have prelim. info., want more.
8:16Take closer look at Mars ourselves - we've sent probes, orbiters, know a lot about pictures. I can actually simulate what Mars is like. Something left up there - a previous mission [graphics show]. Hot spots -
8:17Data taken from US geo. survey of data - we extruded, painting picture around it - gives sense to student of spinning, looking at planet. Further explanation given in window on-screen. How are we going to get there? Planning launch. Reference systems
8:183 dimensions in space - planning Earth trip, 2 dimensions. Which way is up, left or right. If you show students, pictures, illustrations, they can understand. Planning Mars mission - what if we were to try to understand how JPL planned mission - info. capsulated on CD.
8:19One of things we must be careful of is time to communicate. One problem, the Rover. Remote controls here move forward instantly. Mars takes 5-10 minutes. Delay in signal from 0-10 seconds. Has yet to see someone complete missions in 0-10 seconds.
8:20Control here moves wheels on Rover on Mars - like a tank where tracks move one side or the other. Video game effects.
8:21Orbit change - going Earth to Mars. Allows you to chance launch date - position of planets on particular dates. Students will put Earth next to Mars, real close, crank up speed and launch right away. The MGS gets in front of Mars - so students must realize that you can't launch at closest point, but around Nov., Dec. with correct Delta V. Less propulsion to have and carry.
8:23If right Delta V chosen, they'll coincide. Some databases show gravitational pull [showing movie]. Info on past rockets - proton rocket, comparison to Shuttle? Simple, yet effective database. I can take rocket, spin it around, look at top and bottom [applause]. Computer tech. is wonderful - up to us to apply so students have better environment. Learn about JPL. Let's bring up Wayne Lee again.
8:23Students want to know how to become engineer - there are 8 thousand people at JPL, correction, 6,000 - not all scientists. Vast number are tech. related, manufacturers of components, very important to projects.
8:24What do you do at JPL? What is your education background? A: electrical engineering. Learning to communciate and work with other people is essential. Must teach our students how to communicate. What about past missions? Pathfinder - able to work with collegeagues to put movie on CD.
8:26Rover deployment - portions of movie - accompanied by music [audience loves it]. Learn about different planets - contact satellites - left info in GA. Connect to Saturn - graphics give info. - makes it fun for students. Entertainment factor keeps students interested. Must compete with M-TV. Engineering based mutlimedia helps.
8:28Questions: Jim from Kingsport, Tenn. Appreciation for CD both MacIntosh and Windows. Are plans available to get info out. A: We are trying to find low-cost methods of distribution. Cheick - you have heard about budget constraints - what we can do is produce maybe 5,000 at most, which we give out with my telephone number. AFter that, if you need a copy, call my number. I'll tell you where it's being printed, and you can call the printer directly. Under $10.
8:29On WebChat: Q: Bill wants to know hardware requirements for CD-Rom. A: Runs sufficiently on 486 or Pentium, or MacIntosh non-power or power. 8 megabytes, most come with 16. Color monitor. Self-contained on CD - loads nothing on harddisk. QuickTime for Mac or Windows. On CD if you want to install from CD.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:30AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [125 ]
Q: Comment for Kurt - used Pathfinder - 3rd grade through high
school. Kids
facilitate learning of other children. - mutli-grade learning -
fantastic.
[Image]
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:32AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [128 ]
E-mail address - URL more info can obtained: info@engmm.dom [e-
mail]. Just
released - please give week or two to put on that site. First public
release
of CD - still in formative stage of trying to figure out how to
distribute.
Web question: How can we, listening in, find out who their state's
teachers
are? A: We'r egoing to put list of teacher participants on-line. Hope
teachers here will do their own workshops - we'll support all
teachers here
with CDs.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:34AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [130 ]
Coming up next, Red Rover, Red Rover. Another partner is the
Planetary
Society (non-governmental). Carl Sagan sick at home in Washington
State.
Planetary Society has program going taking issues, Rovers, control,
-- made
practical, hands-on. George Powell has day-job at JPL. His night-
time job is
volunteer for Planetary Society - Red Rover.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:35AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [131 ]
George is an engineer - not an educator. Leading an edu. project -
looking
to you to help us to make Red Rover meaningful. First slide - Imagine
coming
into classroom - not average Thursday - explore Mars. Not activity in
fantasy, a real-life event. Your students from your classroom will
explore
Mars. Probably not Mars Pathfinder will explore, but to your kids, it
will
be a true planet.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:36AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [132 ]
Imagine your students exploring a Mars terrain - what Red Rover's
about -
bring exploration into the classroom. Actual hands-on activity.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:37AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [133 ]
To bring planetary exploration into classroom - Mars picked because
there's
a lot of activity going to Mars. Robotic activity is practical. Both in
classroom and things going on in real world for students to relate to.
This
technology is applicable to moon and other planetary bodies. Next
slide:
Basic concept - pictorial that shows basic elements of Red Rover -
one side,
students invovled in focused educational project. MarsScape on right
side.
Not picture of Viking - actual MarsScape in Denmark with artistic
help.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:38AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [134 ]
Next slide - hands-on education - first thing students will do is
learn
about Mars. They will have mission scenario: search for fossils - try
to
determine if catastrophic flood plain. Telerobotic program provides
large
basis for teaching science and technology. Next slide:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:39AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [135 ]
Kids are creative in building their MarsScapes. Terrain built by
students in
L.A. The kids are getting the message and have spent time to.. most
is
painting on back of wall, styrofoam rocks, etc.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:41AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [136 ]
Teleoperation - allow you to explore Mars - most exciting thing
about Red
Rover. Students have to come up with robotic vehicle, which will
have to be
able to traverse terrain, gear ratios, etc. As complicated as you
wish - big
gear to little gear makes it go slower. We give you the tools in a
practical
sense to allow this to happen in your classroom. We attach digital
camera to
rover. You've got Mars, vehicle, camera - all necessary for
exploration.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:42AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [137 ]
Denmark students built Rover from truckload of Legos. Rovers can be
very
simple. Gear ratio to be determined can be very simple.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:43AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [138 ]
Live link from vehicle at NASA front entrance. Very simple control
given to
students, left, right, backwards, forward. Simple, plug and play, for
you
and students. Once students are confident, they can go ahead and
move
forward and make it more complicated - robotic arm, etc.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:44AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [139 ]
Internet plays important part in Red Rover. Your Red Rover site is
also an
Internet server. When you log in, locate other sites. Using Internet
you can
cheaply control a Rover in Germany, for example. Red Rover project
allows
planetary exploration, also communication and knowledge in a
practical
sense. Next slide:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:47AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [140 ]
Educational material being created - not curriculum material - not
at that
depth yet, however it will given Mars exploration data, etc. Written
for
student level. Targetting middle school, although applicable to other
grades. Educational material will include mission scenarios to allow
you to
go through it with your studenst. Education themes - astronomy,
robotics
control, navigation, teaming and interacting among students. Linkup
with DC
and Denmark, kids about halfway through stopped exploring and
started
chatting (text-chat). They were so excited about chatting with
foreign
students.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:48AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [141 ]
Different types of sites, different levels of activity. If you just
want to
participate, EarthSite, NetScape. You don't get any ability to build
local
Rover - but low-cost entry into program.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:49AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [142 ]
Next site is kind of core element of Red Rover - Mars Site. Mars Site
is the
meat and potatoes of program. You build rover, build Mars terrain,
locally
control your own Rover or distant rover at another Mars Site.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:52AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [143 ]
"Mars Site" concept - mechanics, gears, mobility, all involved in
participating as Mars Site. Next slide: higher level, Mars Base - like
planetarium, science center, full Internet capability that Earth and
Mars
sites can communicate with. Adler Museum in Chicago probably by
December.
Museum in Arkansas by Dec. So Students can control other small
sites and can
also control much larger site in both the US and around the world. We
have a
plantarium in Denmark, which is also a Red Rover site. Mars Base has
same
capabilities as a Mars Site, but is larger organization, Planetary
Society
assistance. Still working bugs out of software. We have plans to
network
this in a very non-formal way.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:54AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [144 ]
Self-organizing network, like the Internet. We have 20-some sites
already
active. Hoping to grow to several hundred next year. You organize
who you
want to contact. We'll try to make that easier by suppling info (e-
mail
address), if you want to contact Denmark, you determine if site is
available. Send e-mail - between teachers - organizing required. If
you're a
Mars Site, you always have ability to control locally.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:55AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [145 ]
If school doesn't have internet, you'll have to pay long-distance
phone
charge. Talking with LegoLand - hoping to put Mars base at LegoLand.
Having
Russian scientists and engineers work with programmers to link up
and drive
Russian rover in Moscow. Not every Red Rover site will be able to do
that,
but some kind of lottery most likely will determine.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 8:57AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [146 ]
This is not a video arcade game, it is real. We're running out of time
and
won't be able to cover all. Educational material put in booklet.
Question:
WebChat - teachers here will get into, but thousands by TV, if you
could
give URL or address: 1 - call Planetary Society 1-800-969-MARS,
ask for
Cindy Halife (sp?). URL - planetary.org/tps. During lunchbreak,
hands-on
opportunity to drive Rover in England, at Epcot, and Pasadena will be
available. Thank you .
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:00AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [147 ]
Remote watchers - we'll tape teachers' driving. the intenrational
sites that
have logged on - Ireland, UK, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Hungary,
New
Zealand, Italy, Spain participating with you in DC. We will rerun
first hour
of this morning's material. We'll be back in an hour - 1:00 EST.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:02AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [148 ]
At 1 - we'll look at strategy, plus hands-on demo. More Q and A.
After that,
teachers here will work in smaller discussion groups and give
reports.
Followed by coming decade of Mars exploration - only the beginning
of our
return to the red planet. It's lunchtime!! Come back in about an hour,
please.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:18AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [149 ]
Movie currently showing example of Mars landing.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:19AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [150 ]
gigantic airbags provide a soft landing for the lander. The airbags
will
then deflate and be gathered, exposing the lander. As the sun rises,
the
spacecraft will power up, displaying solar panels, bringing lander to
life.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:30AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [151 ]
Dr. Mark Grumbeck is coming on next. My idea is to give you an intro
to
Mars. First Slide: What is so interesting about Mars. 4 planet, 60
degree
temperature. Rotates in a 24 hour period. Orbit is elipitical. The tilt
effects the rotation. Its year is two earth years. Produces bizzare
seasons.
More extreme seasons. North you get moderate heat, north cold.
Difference in
temperature produces extremes in atmosphere. Polar caps, water in
one c02 in
both. Next slide: History of Mars Scaparilli first to explore mars.
Proposed
civilation on Mars. Mars named after the God of War. Orson Wells
television
program prompted awareness of civilation. Mariner 9 went into orbit
in 1979.
Took pictures of snow storms, provided 7,300 picture to review.
Mars 3 and
4, Viking 1 and 2 in 1976 has given us the most information about
Mars. The
sole purpose of the landers was to determine was there life on Mars.
Orbiters had two cameras. Obtain 50,000 pictures. Next slide:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:34AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [152 ]
Took soil added moisture, looked to photosynthetic activity. Found no
activity. Had a mass spectrometer. Found surface was UV rich. No
organic
molecules. Next slide: information from Viking orbiters have given
us the
most information. Planet is red, white polar caps. Next: This view is
straw
colored, dark areas are surface coverings. Spots are of volcanos.
Next: Mars
has 3 or 4 basic geology types. (1) crators 3 to 4 billion years old.
Yellow
surface 1/3 of planet known as Northern lowlands. Big red spot is a
large
provience known as Tharsus. They cover about 1/4 of the planet. Here
we have
techtonic features. Mars is the lumpest planet in the solar system.
Next:
Volcanic provience largest on planet with no crators
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:36AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [153 ]
We have rocks on Mars that span the entire age of the solar system.
Next:
Just shows big volcanos. Next: Salt volcanics are the size of
Olympus Mons.
Next: Here is avalis Marinaris extents a few thousand in length. Next:
See
other activity beside techtonics. Fault scarps. Next
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:39AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [154 ]
This slide shows you fault scarps. Walls along the edge of the
canyon. The
surface at the bottom is roughly the same as the top and that
surface has
downdropped about ten kilometers. Next: Scarpilli's maps are what
he thought
to be vegetated things. Next: Surface of Mars, red baked parched
desert.
Next: where is the water. Water frozen along cap. Polar layer
deposits will
be sampled by next exploration.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:42AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [155 ]
Record of climate change locked in the poles. Next: Some the water
is locked
up as ground ice. The surface of Mars is below the triple point,
frozen or
gaseous state. Life can only exist with liquid water. Impact has
come in and
hit the crust to produce this appearance. Water locked up in the
clays of
Mars. Most of the surface is oxizied water. Water locked in the soil
of
Mars. When you look closer, liquid water once existed on the surface.
Next:
Well lava formed features.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:45AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [156 ]
Islands on Mars are huge are about 20 kilm. across, having teardrop
shapes.
Craters contain what looks like a stream channel. If water rained
from sky
or at equilibrium near surface, then water was at eliquibrium early
in the
planet's history. When did life start on Earth. 3.8 billion years ago
date
the oldest rocks we can find. Here's our neighboring planet, that has
evidence for similar climatic regime at the same time life started
on Earth.
It cries out - could life have started on Mars. Are we a specialized
occurrence
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:47AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [157 ]
There is evidence not only that water flowed across the surface, but
also
that water stood for an extended period of time. Pictures show
water bed -
channels that drain to a depression. Single channel emanates from
depression. Hypothesize that it flowed over dam. Mars is the most
earth-like, has all the same things we have here, next planet that
man will
step on. Evidence indicates that early conditions could have been
conducive
to life.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:48AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [158 ]
Kinds of science we hope to do with the first two missions. Global
Surveyors
- sensing instruments on board - global understanding of Mars. It will
airbreak into circular orbit - will arrive in September '97. Mars
Pathfinder
will land on Mars on July 4, 1997 - the British also felt that date
was
significant in their history. Pathfinder has 4 science instruments, 3
instruments and a Rover.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:50AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [159 ]
It also contains a weather station. What science will we do with
Pathfinder
- try to understand surface minerology, learn something about atmospheric
science. Next slide: By tracking Pathfinder from surface, we hope to
define
the pole of rotation of Mars. The pole wobbles around the ecliptic.
It's
been 20 years and the whole planet has wobbled since that time, and
we hope
to now determine the procession constant. We need this info to
determine the
moment of intertia. The density of the planet - governs how the
planet
rotates. This is poorly known on Mars. We have no idea of whether
Mars has a
metallic core.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:52AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [160 ]
If we can track Pathfinder for a Mars year, we'll see changes in the
length
of day. Effect like an ice skater who pulls her arms in during a spin,
in
the winter, we hope to see the mass of the CO2 in the atmosphere
that's
freezing out at the poles. Next graphic: The Viking landers focused
mostly
on life detection. We've finally gotten around to the rock part. Rocks
form,
and when they form, they form in particuolar minerals.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:53AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [161 ]
The forming of the rocks tell us the atmosphere in which the rock
was
formed. Sand blowing, water, etc. Rocks are indicators, which is
interesting
to geologists. If we can find rocks from the beginning of Mars'
history,
we'd be able to say something about environment at that point, more
than
water flow.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:55AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [162 ]
The idea for Pathfinder - we land, have the Rover look closely at
rocks,
determine forming environment. We now know nothing about the
rocks on Mars.
We think we have samples of Mars, meteorites, which are basalt
(fine grain
rock) - primary volcanic rock. The most common rock type on Earth.
3/4 of
the Earth is covered with basalt. That's the rationale behind
selecting
landing spot.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:57AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [163 ]
The catastrophic outflow channel is an unusual feature. Water that
today
fills our Great Lakes, filled the feature in two weeks. It carved a
huge
channel, 100 km across, deposited material in channel. We can land
here and
get a smorgasbord of rocks and determine Mars' early history.
There's one
particular flat surface where we'd like to land to determine how did
crust
differentiate.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 9:58AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [164 ]
We will spend our entire time on the surface and determining the
landing
location was interesting indeed.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:05AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [165 ]
Signing back on! Live From Mars! Good Afternoon. Before we start, I
would
like to pass the mike to Bill. Look at the Mars Program, Education
and
Outreach, Hands. on strategy. Q and A. What Lies Ahead. On the Net
Activities. Participants are teachers will break up in groups and we
will
wrap up activities. Before we start, let me introduce to you students
from
Goddard. Jacob,
[Image]
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:07AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [166 ]
We appreciate everyones comments about the Mars robot. Introducing
Meredith
Olson in Seattle, Washington. Talking about the philosophy of science
education.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:08AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [167 ]
Will take about the philosophy about JPL Mars Outreach. Will also
teach a
lesson andhave you participate. Would like you to determine if
philosophy is
in the lesson. NASA is interested in education in our country. The
thinking
about JPL Education Program is to use Mars exploration as a tool for
an
improviment of science education.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:11AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [168 ]
People have talked about Mars, presented activities. Seen fewer
teach about
Mars. I've taught for 37 years. A lot of work. You have an
understanding of
what it means to teach. Teachers teach students. Good teaching
requires
understanding of the child and his potential. Understand how
students learn.
Teach about Mars you need understanding. A great revolution about
Mars is
unfolding. A major strand in the revolution is the emphasis of
students
experienceing science. Inqurity is a step beyond science as process.
The new
vision includes students interaction with reasoning.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:14AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [169 ]
These concepts serve as filter for their understanding. Left
unexamined will
interfere with learning. Lessons reveal concepts. Scienfitic literate
socity
is built from exposure from crafted lessons. Reveal gently to the
students.
Reconstruct understanding. 3 publications Focusing on Theroritcieal,
Science
for all Americans, National Science Education Standards form the
foundation
of what it means to teach for understanding. Current methods of
teaching
science need improvement. Students cannot construct coherent
explanation.
Most research has been done in physics. Very little has been done on
the
process that shape the earth. A window of opportunity exists
through Mars.
There is interest in science instruction.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:17AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [170 ]
We will build project addressing them. Mars Ed. Office works with
teacher,
schools to develop ways to examine how students comprehend how
do we deal
with Mars. How do we take this information and capitalize on its
potential
for education. The vision is not just to teach about Mars. Lessons
willnot
start with Mars. Will bring Mars in at appropriate times. Want to
promote
habits of mind. Fundamental task is how to we help students make
meaning of
Mars data. How do we inspire confidence and joy in their own
abilities. How
do we teach without telling. Students are experimentalist. We don't
start
with theories, we collect data, find patterns then focus a strategy.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:18AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [171 ]
Science for all americans. Tells us sound teaching usually begins
with
questions. Ask to assess the state of a childs concepts.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:19AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [172 ]
what is the simple question, building understanding, what
modalities do we
use to promote learning styles. Will be changing modes to fit
students. A
simple question to produce a participatory mindset. WE look forward
to
creative change.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:22AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [173 ]
Dan Barstow will be speaking next, highly recommended from NASA,
explain
processes of educational material. What we have done is collect
ideas. Work
with others to create learning modules. First, intro module for
students to
learn background about Mars in the context of discovery approach.
Ask
students their interpretation. This moduel is on the WEB can be
downloaded.
Second, Canyons and Valleys--important valis Marineris
relationship, along
with Viking images.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:24AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [174 ]
Slide Mars Educational Modules: 1-introductory, 2-theme based
modules,
canyons and valley, atomosphere and seasons, etc., 3-Mission based
modules,
Pathfinder understand instruments . Next: 3 types of activities: 1-
Classroom
experiments 2- Mars/Earth comparison, 3-Use of real data and real
images.
Dan Golden, head of NASA, wait until July 4, when Pathfinder lands.
The test
will be whether the students will be excited about the outcome.
These are
draft modules. These are field tests, we need feed back. New ideas
and
activities come from you.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:25AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [175 ]
We have talked about it, now we will have hands-on activities.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:28AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [176 ]
First thing should have a bag, distribute them to the audience. Bag
should
contain protractor and paper clip, 2 pieces of paper, a petree and a
baggie
and disgusting stuff to use to our project. I'm going to alternate
between
treating you like students and then like teachers. Workshops are
imporant so
you can feel what your students feel. On the adult side 2 pieces of
paper.
On the adult side a larger piece. Sometime during the period, hand
this to
one of the people in the isle. Can you figure out the overarching
concept
I'm doing, when you have figured it out, write down the time you
discovered
the overarching concept.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:29AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [177 ]
The smaller piece of paper is where I'm going to begin. What I'm
doing will
take 2 weeks in a classroom. The first day, I do not tell them what
we're
going to study.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:32AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [178 ]
I say, what's the steppest hillside you've ever climbed? Would please
write
down a number of degrees and give it to the people in the isle. In this
kind
of inquiry question should lead you to talk to your others friends to
talk
about it. You cannot talk, this is a test. You have to make your own
assessment. What is your prior conception about the steepest hill
you could
walk up? How many degrees.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:34AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [179 ]
Turn that paper in and never get it back. You and I know what you
wrote
down. Should bring anticipation. I live in Seattle, where is the
picture of
my city? We now must learn how to use the protractor. We have a
string on
the protractor. The most important thing is to get the knot right at
the
hole, hold it upside down that the string is hanging across 90
degrees. Must
be exact. If this is a hillside, how steep is the hill.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:38AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [180 ]
Even fourth graders can see that swinging the protractor the
distance
between 90 degrees here and vertical and up there. Read the number
of
degrees from 90 and that will tell us the angle above the horizontal.
I
teach on a very steep hill in Seattle. How steep is the hill outside.
Queen
Ann hill must be 60 degrees. Seattle has steep hill. I just happen to
have a
picture of my kids and shadow sticks data. What is the angle of that
hillside? 11 degrees. It's one of the steepest hill in Seattle. We have
our
own conception of the steepness of the hill. Next, given that info,
how
steep a board can you walk up? (Participants enter) You can't make a
running
start.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:39AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [181 ]
Students will take measurements, read the angle about 5 degrees
over. Walk
up steps. Turning board over.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:41AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [182 ]
Angled board at another level and read it. Angle is now 10 degrees.
Now
walking up 10 degrees. Next step, how steep is that, (say it aloud)
now tell
me. About 17 degrees (guessing), now the actual measurement--
(students
walking up board).
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:43AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [183 ]
Now guessing new angle between 27 and 32. We're after a range. The
exact
range is 25 degrees. Taking the board up another level. Students
walking up
board. Going to another level. Guessing degree 27. Type protractor
and count
over from 90. Actual degree angle is 35. Student typing to walk up
board.
Student walked up board.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:45AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [184 ]
Student going for another angle. 38 degrees--will try 40 to see if he
can
walk up--he slipped off. Good try! Our misconception to everyday
things no
even knowing we don't know. Must engage a child's attention.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:48AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [185 ]
All those mountains erupted and fell from the sky. In the package
there are
3 kinds of packages. Please be careful not to drop package, 3
substances in
package, salt, kitty litter, magic mix of Mars soil. Take out
notebooks and
make flat table. Take turns with a partner. Open the baggie and not
try to
pour out of this corner, pour out the middle of the side, set it on
desk top
and carefully figure out how to pour this into a mountain making it
steep
with the substance that you have.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:50AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [186 ]
Now you will measure the angle with the protractor. Mars soil, salt,
cat
litter. As soon as you get it measurment, report the data.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:52AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [187 ]
Salt - 30/38; Cat litter-40/42; Mars soil - 41/45 (measuring both
sides)
Students calling out different measurements.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 10:56AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [188 ]
It is very important that you get every data point from every
student.
Averaging data, the child's ending emotion is "my wasn't validated"
so get
every child's data. The next day they would write all this down in
their
journal books. Start next days class with conclusion of all data
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:00AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [189 ]
What's the trend? What's the best number. Get group consensus on
data
conclusion. 39 for Mars, 34 for salt, 36 for kitty litter. Put
substances
back in the big baggie. Give it to someone in the isle. Keep protractor
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:05AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [190 ]
Deciding what to do with substance, some want to keep others don't.
Please
wait. The question now is: Does the size of the pile matter? The next
day,
the kids know what you're talking about, does the size of a pile
matter? I
have here an oven liner and some kitty litter, squint from where you
are,
and yell out your range (now pouring kitty litter on the floor to get a
"mountain like" pile, now calling out angles of the mountain now
hearing
various numbers. Still pouring, now yelling out possible angles 30's
possible 40's. Pouring more kitty litter, now yelling out new angles,
low 30
to 40's.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:07AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [191 ]
Now showing mountain slides: taking the angle of the mountain,
guessing,
33-35, take both sides, let go to the next mountain give me both
sides, give
me both numbers 29/30; next slide
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:09AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [192 ]
angle should be 35/40, next slide doesn't look like a real mountain.
Now
looking at Mt. St. Helens, calling out measurements, 32, 39, 33, 32,
etc.
next slide: shows the nature of this kind of eruption. Next slide:
What's
the largest mountain on earth? Hawaii. Shows a picture of Hawaii,
asked to
measure it. Next slide. shows another side of Hawaii.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:14AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [193 ]
Using National Geographic picture of mountain measuring with
protractor.
Showing how mountains form from falling substance from the sky.
75 percent
is covered with salt flows, all lie at 0 to 2 degrees. Next slide: here
is
Olympus Mons, the largest montain in the solar system is 2 degrees.
What is
the overarching idea is: if you just take the extreme pyroclastic and
just
the lava fire fountains you can make sense of pyroplastics.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:17AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [194 ]
Forum concluded. Next we will introduce Dan Barstow. Question from
home -
why didn't you tell us to gather our materials, so we could do
experiment.
A: We're learning our lessons. For the activity now, you'll be able to
be a
part in a variety of ways. Asking if everyone comfortable, asking
what
temperature participants think the room is. Wants TV audience to
think as
well. Human being is great weather instrument, measure
temperature,
humidity, barometric pressure. Mars' barometric pressure is
extremely low
1/100th of that on Earth.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:19AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [195 ]
Temperature experiment with audience. People provided with digital
thermometers, with remote probe and readout. Stage is 72.5 degrees.
Variety
around room - 71.4, 71.2, 72.1, 22 C (colleague from France) - there
is at
least a degree different. When I calibrated thermometers last night,
as when
preparing mission to Mars, you have to make sure all register same
numbers.
How much variation do you think there is in this room - we've gotten
already
at most a degree - now how about the entire room. Yelled out - 40
degrees -
explained under light would be hot, under air conditioner would be
cold.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:20AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [196 ]
Asking participants to go around room and find coldest and warmest
places.
In TV audience, go and take your "human being" go try different
places and
get temperature measurements. While that's being done- we'll talk
about the
temp. sensor on the Pathfinder. When the PF lands, there's 2 ways it
takes
temp. One is during descent, second is on ground.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:23AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [197 ]
A mast rises up (using car antenna to simulate). The probe extends a
full
meter in height. Why was this kind of extension chosen? Offered
answer: they
carefully placed it to avoid temperature from lander itself. Another
reason
for vertical extension - they expect to see differences at different
heights. The scientist who has responsibilty for this is Jim Tillman
from
University of Washington. What Jim is interested in is the boundary
layer -
what temp at the very lowest of the atmosphere. Volunteer coming
forward to
demonstrate (Fran O'Rourke) - she went out earlier to measure, and
will go
back out now to see if there's a difference. In order to determine
that sun
did not affect earlier reading, a cup was used to cover end of probe.
Same
cup applied now. Asking for differences around room - 85 right in
front of
light.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:25AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [198 ]
Asking TV audience to use Web to check in. Name place where
especially warm.
By the air conditioner, it was 60 degrees. In front of light it was
98.4. On
the floor it's 70.2 on the floor - different from standing height of
half
meter.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:26AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [199 ]
Volunteer going outside to check varying temperatures at different
heights
just like the Pathfinder does. Video being shown shows different
levels
selected on antenna, measurements taken from each level.
Pathfinder will not
get reading from soil, although our experiment started there. 68.9 at
soil,
using protection from sun, gets reading above soil level of 72.9.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:28AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [200 ]
She also got another reading at ground level of 69.3. On top of car,
the
reading was 113.9. Ground level about 68, at 25 centimeters it was
1 degree
warmer, 50 cent. it was 3 degrees warmer. Biggest variation occurs
close to
the ground. The boundary between atmosphere and land is where
they're
expecting to find most interesting measurements.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:30AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [201 ]
Very important to place instrument in correct position. Pathfinder
will be
launched and shortly after it lands, will begin to transmit data.
Students
will have sense of what to expect on Earth and on Mars. Warmer,
colder?
Significantly colder. The next slide shows temp. readings from
Viking. On
slide, the graph indicates the temp. readings averaged out over the
course
of one day - coldest time is at sunrise (students will find same on
Earth).
Warmest is late afternoon (couple of hours before sunset). Cycle
continues
throughout year. The readings shown on graph from Earth were taken
from
desert (closest to Mars as possible). The different between the two
measurements is a greater degree of variation on Mars. Definintely
cooler on
Mars.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:32AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [202 ]
When students gets data, you can have students create own graph and
monitor
changes. We've never measured changes at 3 different heights - job
of
Pathfinder. Next graph shows part of Martian year. Sol is name of
Martian
day. Graph shows extreme variation. Next slide shows dust storm on
Mars -
dust is both blanket and shade.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:33AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [203 ]
Our interest is not a single temp. reading, but the variance. Another
experiment - the shoebox explorer. Any shoebox will do. One student
will act
as rocket and carry shoebox to particular location. Inside box are
instruments you will select. Student will write down info from
instruments
and bring data back. Other students will try to determine where the
"landing" was. Using the Net, they can share the information with the
rest
of the world. What is going on? Where is the location? - What info.
could
you get from putting something in little box and sending to location?
Audience answer - measurements over period of time
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:36AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [204 ]
Take some pictures, temperature and wind info., altitude. Next
questions are
engineering questions - what could you fit into box that is within
size,
cost and weight constraints? What would you put in? Audience
answers:
windsock, camera, solar panel, thermometer, protractor. Cheick will
assist
Dan in writing down suggestions. Other suggestions: orbiter,
stopwatch,
sampling equipment (scoop), digital camera, paper to write down
info, tape
recorder, spectrascope - engineering challenge, how do you make a
spectrascope that's inexpensive?
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:38AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [205 ]
GPS - global positioning system - nobody mentioned that. Press
button and it
tells you precise location on Earth. It could go into the shoebox. No
one
mentioned scale to measure weight. Measuring tape not mentioned.
Light
meter, magnifying glass, wristwatch (offered from audience). No one
mentioned flag - why bring flag?
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:40AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [206 ]
To detect speed and direction of wind. CBL (calculator-based
laboratory),
pendulum of known length to measure gravity (from Web). Remote
sensors. I
think you get the idea that there's an incredible amount of things
that can
be put into shoebox. Point is not to tell students, but let students
think
it up, send students off, collect data, submit data to WebPage. The
teacher's guide has list of suggested materials. Teachers
admonistered not
to suggest materials to students, let students do thinking.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:43AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [207 ]
After such presentations, you might have questions (Cheick
speaking). Q:
from audience - Bonnie - appreciates science demonstration - how
do we show
things to administrators without getting into trouble? A: (Olson) -
invite
principal and parents to demonstration. Invite superintendent - get
people
in classroom. Adults haven't worked it through and will have as much
fun as
students. We have tool - National Science Education standards - call
to
action to Nation's schools to change approach to science. How do we
go about
doing this? Mars learning opportunities fit quite well into this
category.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:44AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [208 ]
Q: from remote site - relative to hardware - will Rover have tmep.
probe ,
what's timeline for Pathfinder to send data back - for how long? A:
Rover
will not have temp. probe, probe will be on lander, 1-1/2 meter high
with
windsock. Attached to cylin
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:46AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [209 ]
One week timeframe for measurements. Or as long as it lasts.
Expecting dust
storm covering solar panels and other problems. We are expected to
land July
4, 1997, after bags deflated, and on-board checking, power up Rover,
we
should receive image at 5 p.m. local time on West coast (about time
fireworks going off in Washington, DC). Lander's nominal mission is
about a
month. Rover is about a week. They may even last a year - seasons
may put
equipment to sleep with possibility of springing back to life with
next
season.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:49AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [211 ]
Aircraft like Voyager is still sending back info. and could possibly
for
next 20 years. CJ from Pittsburgh - how to incorporate this into
teaching
colleges? A from Olson: the program includes universities in 10
states and
intends to have in all states. Now we're working with engineering
departments, museums. That's the key to all of this - figure out how
to do
that. Cheick - LeeAnn Martinez from University in Pueblo - what they
have is
school system from K- end of college, they are all in same school
system.
They know what needs to be implemented in grades below. Picking up
information from these schools and putting into program.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:51AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [212 ]
There is a wall between science and education. Our experience in
working
with scientists to get their help shows that there is tremendous
cooperation
from planetary scientists. Your own efforts might succeed through
scientists
and then through universities. Question from Janet - Do you have a
Website
or address from Midge (Olson)? A: yes and no - personal problem is
that
local high school providing connectivity is stopping connection in
next
couple of weeks. Working with NASA to get new address:
molson@bush.edu (but
that might not last very much longer).
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:52AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [213 ]
Q for Dan: substituting pictures on Website with older pictures (so
older
kids can identify). Additional activities are planned for older and
younger
- originally made for middle school children. Intro. module currently on
Web. All posted through JPL on their Website and accessible. Q from
remote
site -
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:54AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [214 ]
Cloud observations was done before - wanting to do same for Mars -
kids from
all over country could pool data to come up with something - please
help us
come up with something neat. A: (Olson) Geo. teachers really don't
know the
meaning of Tropic of Cancer, Capricorn. Connecting shadow data, you
can
figure out your latitude, etc. Then, if we could get shadows from
Mars, the
kids may be able to plot some shadows on a few days, and make their
own
assessment of where the Rover or lander is.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:56AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [215 ]
Then everyone pool their data without a determination of right and
wrong.
There's a "Globe Program". The idea is to have world-wide students
do
environmental measurements using scientific-designed protocol
(hydrology,
etc.) and submitted to scientists. This is not only for kids, but is
also
real science, with real data being provided to scientists. A: Steven
from
Florida - in astronomical distances, the Hubbel was designed for far
away -
has the Hubbel provided anything regarding Mars. A: During the
Pathfinder
missions, as we get close to launchtime, we hope to get Hubbel
schedule time
to detect local dust storms. Those are the kinds of things we expect
from
Hubbel.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 11:58AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [216 ]
Q from Clarence from Billou in Washington, DC - we know that
different
pavement surfaces have different temperatures - we could have
created our
own dust storm by having everyone move around here - what
simulatiosn are we
working on that will help kids understand dust storms? A: Right
now, we're
not working on anything specific to dust storms.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:00PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [217 ]
A: Olson - people around the country are developing curriculum
projects and
would be interested in answering that question. One never know
where
wonderful things may come out. Remote questions:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:01PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [218 ]
WebChat q: What actions can students take to involve their schools
in "Live"
projects. A - we'll make a "Live" presentation in a few minutes, so
dates,
times, URL's will be made in about 20 minutes.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:03PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [219 ]
DC conference attendees breaking for coffee.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:06PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [220 ]
Interview in lobby - pulling teachers aside - Rhonda from Georgia.
You have
done neat work with surveys - before and after - how they feel, how
they
perceive themselves - tell us about it. When students first get into
her
class, she asks them "Are you a scientist", last question, "Can you
name a
scientist." And compares answers from beginning of year to answers
at end of
year. Some students listed their classmates as scientists by the end
of the
year. Her students were 4th and 5th graders and they also worked
with a
"buddy" class of kindergarteners.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:10PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [221 ]
Will you continue surveys? A: yes - it is rewarding to see change and
growth
in kids. Q: you're just beginning to see this program on Mars, from
what
you've seen, what gets you the most excited? A: the hands-on
activities, the
excitement - of being "there." It is a situation like I've never
experienced
before. Next from Minneapolis - MJ Saviano - you've been working
with
"NASA's Newest". She brought along a brochure to share with
teachers. It
changes the way you do science. Address from brochure: Nat'l
Science Teacher
Assn. Space Science Program, 1840 Wilson Blvd. Arlington VA
22201. Send
application - due in February.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:14PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [222 ]
Engineer - Wayne Lee - Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena. Q: People
watching
Star Trek - push buttons, you're there. You can't do that in reality.
Talk
about why we can't just go straight to Mars. How good of a billiard
shot is
that? How big is Mars? A: In terms of pool shot, its the equivalent of
standing in SF and putting it through a window on the Empire State
Building.
We don't cost much more than Shaq's salary. To go in a straight line
takes a
lot of energy - try jumping straight up while standing. We use the
sun's
gravity to sling us along. We're coasting all the way to Mars. Q: "Live
from
Mars" program - program next March, possibly called "Cruisin'" Talk
about
challenges you guys face. The further it gets, the harder is
communication.
A: Technically, we have four chances to communicate.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:15PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [223 ]
If I could gather energy from Earth's surface, it would take 30
million
years to charge watch battery. I was 7 when Viking went up. It's
really
exciting to be a part of this.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:18PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [224 ]
Kids who are 7 today could conceivably be in the right age range to
put the
first footprints on Mars. Sherry from Idaho - eastern Washington
state
similar to where Pathfinder going on Mars. The place on Mars where
landing
was a catastrophic flood plain. Same kind of occurrence in Wash.
State. As a
teacher, I was able to spend a week with the scientists. We came
away from
the meeting so energized that it's very hopeful for the future. As
educators,
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:20PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [225 ]
the scientists said they knew when they were grade school age that
they
wanted to be scientists. It also tells the kids that it's never too
early to
dream. Now - Shirley from Maryland. Teaches at Cardoza. Teaches
mathematics.
Language of science is math. Math is queen of sciences.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:25PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [226 ]
Back to Cheick Diarra - the virtual workshop is heating up -
questions
coming via WebChat and e-mail. I'm here to tell you about "Live from
Mars."
Plans to bring to life the exciting missions you've been hearing
about. Part
of Passport to Knowledge program. Live from Mars: 7/4/97
Pathfinder update;
July 5, 1997 Touchdown PBS NASA-TV and/or Channels TBD. Due live
cut in from
landings. Will see some exisiting TB coverage. 1 hour special Live
from JPL
Planetfest" a celebrantion of Earth's achievements in space. From
Earth to
Mars MPF Launch through landing & MGS progress distributed on tape;
october
1997 Today on Mars 13:00-14:00 Eastern, PBS and NASA TB Live
from JPL.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:29PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [227 ]
Virtual visits: with working scientists at exciting real-world
locations;
students interactingon camera with real scientists; real science
seen on
camera parallels activities; videos formated to work live or on tape,
in
15-20 minute segments; videotaped Q&A and hands-on activities
show
diversityof sites participating; live e-mail Q&A highlights internet
resources; student online collabration featured; beind the scens on
Cap
canaveral as pathfinder' is readied; rocketry and the launchof Global
Surveyor; How we get from Earth to Mars; this week's trajactory
correction
maneuver and mission updates; the men and women who fly the
missions;
building and controll access; first all materials are part of Passport
to
Knowledge; see WebSite for additional information
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:31PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [228 ]
Project is video and hands-on and on-line Pat Hadden is speaking
now.
Hands-on teachers guide will be the bases for kids interactive
collaberative
effort. The guide will come out that the mission planners have
already gone
through. They are used to intergrate the on-line activities.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:34PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [229 ]
Mark Siegel on-line director from NASA will be speaking next. The
philosophy
of on-line: it can work if you are a beginning internet teacher.
Explaining
on-line resources: WEB address: Http:quest.are.nasagov/Mars, get on
mailing
list. quest.arc.nasagov/mars will stay up to date on activities. Three
types
of info online 1. information kinds of info. real focus on people,
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:36PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [230 ]
will take about the team who puts this on-line information together.
Will
have field journals. describing what was done, yesterday, today and
tomorrow. Will have bios of all individiuals outlinging their
experiences,
personal as well, this information brings project to live. Project
News is a
project that has information re guides, TV programs.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:38PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [231 ]
Internet lets us get interactive with individuals, experts interaction
through e-mail. We use volunteer to respond, called Smart Filters
who will
answer e-mail questions. Live, chat with experts, two other parts
connecting
teacher to teacher;
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:39PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [232 ]
teachers with passport to Knowledge team. Collaborationa and
sharing:
counting stars, weather and finally, what to feature students work
on-line.
Sign up for mail list.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:42PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [233 ]
Look at the Live from the Hubble site is where you can find an
overview of
the upcoming information on Mars. Outside evaluators will be
speaking next
regarding assessment: Bob Speilvogel: We take teachers evaluation
forms,
student evaluations, telephone interviews, to come up with analysis
as to
why the Passport to Knowledge program should continue. Kinds of
assessments:
what works and what doesn't. Why they work and how they can be
improved.
Feed back comes from you and students. The most important--what's
the impact
on students. What do they get out of it. What's the impact on you as a
teacher. Third area in Live from Mars, how can be help you with
materials,
on-line materials, etc. Design teachers guide will incorporate
analysis of
this data.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:44PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [234 ]
Will send you questionnaries throughout the year so we can track
your
progress. One feature that sticks out is the stories you have to
contribute.
Give testimonies about what happens in your classrooms. It helps us
evaluate
the progress. Write up off the top reactions to video programs,
guide, etc.
Send them to us. Send both success and not so successful stories.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:46PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [235 ]
We are truly at a exceptional moment in history could be one of your
students. Transition: panel with answer questions from remote site
and from
here in D.C. The non-virtual sessions. Will now break into small
groups.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:49PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [236 ]
Q: From Ireland: congratulations on this program today. Q: Any
conjecture as
to why the atmospheric density is so low in Mars? A: There is no c02
in the
atmosphere getting recycled back. The distance from the sun has a
lot to do
with it too.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:52PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [237 ]
Another possibility that there might have been a huge impact that
blew the
atmosphere into space. Much colder temperature. Q: Will students
have the
opportunity to go to camps or visits sites. A: Yes. A program SSIP.
Each
year students will compete for this programs.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 12:57PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [238 ]
Give all students via e-mail, and programs like this to be a part of
the
program. Q: What kind of encouragement for inner city kids. A: Advise
students to attend college with engineering majors, encourage them
in math
courses. Q: If our school signs on at Rover, we will be the only ones
on or
will be in competition. A: You will be the only one driving at that
time. Q:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:03PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [239 ]
Q: Has Mars ever had an earth-like atmosphere? A: Possibly if it had
the
right gases it could have been. Q: What are Mars missions scheduled
every
two years? A: We cannot travel to Mars in a straight line. Minimum
energy
opportunity. Q: Could we address the issue of life on Mars. A: We are
now
being able to look for planets around other stars. Trying to answer
the
question of has there ever been life on Mars. Could possible aid the
evolution theory. The discovery of some other intelligent being
besides us.
Q: Do we have capable hardware. A: Yes, but we must curb costs. Q:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:06PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [240 ]
Q: Those who are not on-line, how do we get materials. A: Cu-Se-Me,
PO Box
1520, Summit, New Jersey Q:
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:09PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [241 ]
Cheick - lot of community involvement such as Rotary Club can
assist those
who are not on-line. There are teacher resource centers where you
can make
copies. Available through NASA. Q: How are we going to find out the
age of
Mars. A: Comparing the number of crators. Q: Tim in DU: How many
sites
involved in RedRover program. A: 20 active sites world wide.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:14PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [242 ]
Q: Given the atmospheric pressure, can we use winged aircraft? A:
Balloons
may be used. Q to Dr. Olson: Has there been any follow-up on student
performance? Will there be assessment instruments used by all
teachers? A
Olson: We have beta tested two of the modules and are in for review.
I would
like to see two kinds of assessments. 1. Assessment of content and
2. Find a
vehicle for everyone. Q What is the status of the sample return
mission and
will it use MC2. A Shirley: We will do a sample return in 2005 to
make
oxygen and methane determinations.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:16PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [243 ]
Q: What material is used to construct the airbags A: Cheick: much
like
nylon, at least four layers so the rocks will not tear it apart. Q: What
gas
is being used in airbag, has JPL filed an environmental impact
statement? A:
Shirley: Most of the gas is contained, we have filed an environmental
assessment finding was no significant impact.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:19PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [244 ]
Q: Why not build probes in orbit then launch A: Wayne: our best
technology
is to build small and launch them from earth. Q: What are the high
and low
wind speeds on mars: A: Wayne: high 20 meter per second. The winds
that
occur in dust storms would be higher. The figures I'm quoting are at
normal
temperature.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:23PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [245 ]
Q: What other elements than CO2. A: argon, nitrogen, oxygen, CO2 is
99.5
percent (Shirley). Northern icecap is CO2 and water. Q: D.C. - Robbie
from
Cheyenne, teaches Jr. High - how do you plan to control the Rover
once it
lands and how are you going to control maneuvers? A: (Shirley) - the
lander
has a camera that pops up - like your eyes - two lenses -- that
image is
sent to Earth and reassembled on Earth to picture in stereo. Brian
Cooper
(Rover Driver) puts on 3-D goggles, takes icon of Rover with mouse
and puts
it where it's to go, and clicks. Coordinates get sent to lander, then to
Rover and coordinates of rock, and the Rover goes in that direction,
counting wheel revolution until it thinks it's gone enough. Lander
then
takes another picture. If Rover is next to rock, OK, then tell it to
turn
around and measure. If she didn't make it, wheel slippage, etc., we
might
have to send her further. If Sojourner runs into obstacle, the Rover
has
laser light stripes, and tiny camera. If stripes are flat, Rover knows
its
safe and continues. If the light wrinkles up, they know it's a rock. If
it
wrinkles down, it's a depression.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:28PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [246 ]
Q: from WebChat and e-mail (life-related). Marilyn from North
Dakota. Should
we continue if life is found and what impact if answer is yes. and,
why do
we want to believe in life on Mars so badly despite the lack of
evidence? A:
(Diarra) Last question first - 20 years ago when we landed Viking, it
was
like some alien landing on Earth on the Sahara - didn't find life and
didn't
continue searching. The evidence shows that life may have existed
and we
haven't done any investigation yet - we've just looked at two spots -
difficult to conclude one way or the other. Human nature dictates
leaning
one way or another. A: (Shirley) Our strategy is to understand Mars -
how it
evolved. What happened to the water - that might have implications
on our
planet. Climate models on Mars applicable to Earth. We're interested
in
whole planet, not just life. As part of determining direction if it
evolved,
are we alone in the universe - we'd like to know? We're not spending
a lot
of money looking for life - we're trying to understand planet. Going
to best
places to find life, if it exists. General exploration. A: (Diarra) Went
to
Venus on Magellan spacecraft - opposite of Mars where you have
runaway
greenhouse effect. Temps at 700 degrees. In the middle of planet
without
atmostphere. We hope to better understand what will happen to us.
: . . . . Sat, Jul 20, 1:33PM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [247 ]
Q from audience: Chris from Texas (teacher - elementary) - how
many
different design Rover configurations - why this design? A: (Shirley)
- we
looked at a lot (Lockheed Martin, etc.). Looking at designs for 20
years -
wheels, legs, combinations, completely artificial intelligence,
hopping
Rovers. Narrowed down by what's most likely to work and cost least.
We had
pick-up size Rovers with not much money and we were working with
scale
models. When money was discussed, we decided scale models might
have to be
actual size because of the budget constraints. If you have legs, you
have to
devote a lot of computer memory to legs, so wheels were more
economic. We
arrived at current config. because it seemed best compromise. We
had Rocky
2, 3 and 4, and once we demo'd Rocky 4 with kind of brain described
earlier,
we had 6 different configurations before we decided. As we built
them up, it
helped us understanding other system configurations. Q: Katrina from
West
Virginia - we noticed in film that ramps rolled out and : 1) what
keeps ramp
from buckling from weight of Rover, and 2) why both sides if it only
goes
off one side. A: - Shirley - works like party toys you blow into. When
you
unroll it, the sides roll up and make it stiff. The Rover doesn't
collapse.
The compromise between the stiffness and ability to unroll took the
engineers a lot of work - special Velcro. Reason there is 2 - if we
were
close to big rock blocking one direction, we'd want to be able to
move in
other direction. Rover can see backwards, it wouldn't be as good, but
could
be done. Woudln't it be awful to get to Mars and not be able to get
off.