Algebra Classes or Entry Level Physics Classes:

Use mathematical analysis to learn about the gravitational pull on Mars and how it changes a
persons weight.
Important Things to Know:
-weight: the force of gravity that pushes on a certain object; changes on different planets
-

mass: the amount of matter in an object that stays the same on different planets

equation to calculate weight: w= m x g

w: weight in Newtons

m: mass in kg

g: gravitational acceleration (m/s^2)

- conversion from Newtons to pounds: 1 Newton = 0.22 pounds

Examples:
1.

If Sally weighs 100 pounds on Earth and due to the gravitational acceleration on Mars,
she weighs 45% of that when she is on the planet. How much does Sally weigh on Mars?

For this problem set up a basic percent problem. Ask yourself, what weight is 45% of 100
pounds?
n= (45%)(100)
n=(.45)(100)
n= 45 pounds
2.

John has a mass of 25 kg. How much will he weigh on Mars in pound? The gravitational
acceleration on Mars is 4.41 m/s^2.

Use the given equation to find the weight. First, figure out what variables you have:
w: ?

m: 25 kg
g: 4.41 m/s^2
Then set up the equation:
w= m x g
w= 25 kg x 4.41 m/s^2
w= 110.25 Newtons
Next use the conversion given to convert from Newtons to pounds to find out how much John
weighs on Mars.
110.25 Newtons x

0.22 pounds

= 24.26 pounds on Mars

1 Newton
Problems:
1.

Lennys dog Max weighs 25 pounds on Earth. If he weighs 45% of this on Mars then
what is his weight when he travels to Mars?

2.

Sara want to take her car on a trip to Mars but needs to know how much it will weigh on
the planet before she puts it in her rocket ship. The mass of her car is 1500 kg and the
gravitational acceleration on Mars is 4.41 m/s^2. How much will her car weigh on Mars?

3.

Convert 5890.5 Newtons to pounds.

4.

The rocket to carry a group of astronauts to Mars weighs 7000 pounds on Earth. How
much will it weigh on Mars if it will be 45% of the weight it is on Earth?

5.

Jordan has a mass of 50 kg and the gravitational acceleration on Mars is 4.41 m/s^2. How
much does she weigh on Mars?

Physics Lesson:

This activity will illustrate some basic principles of flight physics are applied in affect rocket
launches. The IMPADS mission will be launched from a

rocket. This rocket must be

stabilized to control the pitch, yaw, and roll.

Terms to Know:
Pitch: rotation from side to side axis
Yaw: rotation on the vertical axis
Roll: rotation from front to back axis
Questions:
1.

How would a lack of pitch control affect the rocket?

2.

How would a lack of yaw control affect the rocket?

3.

How would a lack of roll control affect the rocket?

Earth Science Presentation:

The IMPADS mission platform uses the Dust Experiment to track the intensity and frequency of
dust storms on Mars. While learning about Meteorology, research and compare the frequency,
intensity, structure, and any possible precipitation of supercell thunderstorms, hurricanes, or
desert sand storms to Mars dust storms. Express why you think that it is important to learn about
the dust storms on Mars, if you think it is important at all. To practice presentation skills make a
cohesive powerpoint and present it to the class. To practice correct research skills and citations
use the APA format of citations. A good resource to aid in writing the citations is the Purdue
writing lab.
Biology Research Activity:
Perchlorate is hazardous to the human body so, the IMPADS mission is using the Neutral Mass
Spectrometer to study the amounts of the compound in the atmosphere which will determine

safety systems put in place when humans do travel to Mars. To learn more about how important
it is to get an accurate level of the compound, investigate how perchlorate impacts biological
systems in humans bodies over set periods of time.
Time Intervals:
1 day
2 day
30 day
60 day
1 year
2 year
History:
The IMPADS system is traveling to Mars. There has always been a fascination with Mars in pop
culture. Trace the origins and history of this interest in a five paragraph MLA cited paper.
The IMPADS system is not the first platform to go to Mars. Trace the history of the Mars
exploration program in a five paragraph MLA cited paper.