Design a city that is self-sustaining and would allow people to live on another planet. Think about what humans would need, including a source of energy, to survive in an environment which is so different to Earth's.
Students would respond to this question towards the end of the unit and use what they have learned to design a city that would allow humans to survive on another planet. Students will need to first think about the things that humans would need to survive in general. Ie: Food, water and shelter. They would then need to think about what else they will need to survive on another planet. Ie: Air, power, transport and communications systems. Lastly they would need to consider why they would set up a city on another planet. Would it be as a holiday destination or for scientific purposes.
Mars Colony Design
Mission Purpose
The purpose of this mission is to establish a sustainable community on the surface of mars in order to conduct research into the planet's ability to support life. This mission is expected to take 2 years to complete and will allow a team of researchers, engineers and medical staff to live on the planet for up to 5 years.
City Design Details
Oxygen Supply: Initially oxygen will be transported to the colony in compressed gas tanks. Once established, fruit trees will be used to continually cycle the carbon dioxide back to oxygen which will be pumped around the complex.
Water Supply: Water will be transported to the colony in storage tanks. As it is used, it will be pumped through the water treatment and recycling plant. Research missions will also be sent out to establish if there is water stored in the polar regions of the plant and if it can be used as a viable source of water.
Power Supply: Solar panels will be set up to convert the light from the sun to energy. More solar panels can be set up as needed.
Food Supply: Initially 3 greenhouses will be set up to provide the colony with food. Greenhouse #1 will contain a number of fruit tree's which will also help provide oxygen. Greenhouse #2 will contain crops like wheat, corn and other grains. Greenhouse #3 will contain vegetable gardens and a hydroponics plant that will be used to grow other important plants.
Transport: To get around the planet for exploration and research missions, all terrain vehicles will need to be used. They will have oxygen tanks and communication systems on board.
Communications: In order to communicate with Earth and other space stations, satellite dishes and antenna's will be set up at the colony. Space satellite's will be used to convey messages long distances.
Living arrangements: Residents of the Mars Colony will be provided with private apartments for sleeping and down time. Food will be provided through a variety of canteens found in the apartment buildings and main research building.
Recreational Facilities: Sporting facilities including tennis and basketball courts and football fields will be provided for the residents of the colony. A gym will also be set up. These facilities will help to keep spirits high and encourage bonding between the residents.
The purpose of this mission is to establish a sustainable community on the surface of mars in order to conduct research into the planet's ability to support life. This mission is expected to take 2 years to complete and will allow a team of researchers, engineers and medical staff to live on the planet for up to 5 years.
City Design Details
Oxygen Supply: Initially oxygen will be transported to the colony in compressed gas tanks. Once established, fruit trees will be used to continually cycle the carbon dioxide back to oxygen which will be pumped around the complex.
Water Supply: Water will be transported to the colony in storage tanks. As it is used, it will be pumped through the water treatment and recycling plant. Research missions will also be sent out to establish if there is water stored in the polar regions of the plant and if it can be used as a viable source of water.
Power Supply: Solar panels will be set up to convert the light from the sun to energy. More solar panels can be set up as needed.
Food Supply: Initially 3 greenhouses will be set up to provide the colony with food. Greenhouse #1 will contain a number of fruit tree's which will also help provide oxygen. Greenhouse #2 will contain crops like wheat, corn and other grains. Greenhouse #3 will contain vegetable gardens and a hydroponics plant that will be used to grow other important plants.
Transport: To get around the planet for exploration and research missions, all terrain vehicles will need to be used. They will have oxygen tanks and communication systems on board.
Communications: In order to communicate with Earth and other space stations, satellite dishes and antenna's will be set up at the colony. Space satellite's will be used to convey messages long distances.
Living arrangements: Residents of the Mars Colony will be provided with private apartments for sleeping and down time. Food will be provided through a variety of canteens found in the apartment buildings and main research building.
Recreational Facilities: Sporting facilities including tennis and basketball courts and football fields will be provided for the residents of the colony. A gym will also be set up. These facilities will help to keep spirits high and encourage bonding between the residents.