Content area reading is when students are not learning to read but are reading to learn information. The last and first paragraphs summarize and rephrase the main concepts of the article. The reading level is lower than the grade level to facilitate the aquisition of new concepts. Follow-up lessons, below, include activities that engage both sides of the brain to maximize learning. This lesson reinforces facts about Mars and teaches the value of perspective in writing.
Students use logic and simple math to answer some unusual questions.
Students create their own postcards illustrating details about the Red Planet and the long journey from Earth. Companions for a Mars Journey . It's a long way to Mars and the spaceship will be small and crowded. Students plan their expedition to the Red Planet by selecting a crew from candidates such as Stephanie Survival, Dan Determined, and Ursula Unpredictable. Students evaluate human needs in the harsh Martian environment by selecting from a list of available supplies.