In the pre-conference activity, students examine images of craters on the surface of Mars and speculate their causes. They then use different techniques, such as modeling and Earth-Mars comparisons, to refine their observations and ideas into hypotheses. The same concept is practiced again in the post-conference activity, where students simulate the actual formation of craters on a terrestrial surface. Using evidence to understand interactions allows individuals to predict changes in natural and designed systems. Models - tentative schemes or structures that correspond to real objects, events, or classes of events and that have explanatory power.
Models help scientists and engineers understand how things work.
Models take many forms, including physical objects, plans, mental constructs, mathematical equations, and computer simulations. Scientific Explanations - incorporating existing scientific knowledge and new evidence from observations, experiments, or models into internally consistent, logical statements. Students will be evaluated on their ability to complete research and explain findings. Students will also be evaluated on the accuracy or feasibility of their answers in the post-assessment activity. Videoconference Description Pre-conference assessment and answers .