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Time on Mars — 45-minute classroom kit

Ages 8–14 · planetary science · ratios & critical thinking

Learning objectives

  • Explain that a "year" is one orbit around the Sun
  • Compare Earth days and Mars sols (~24h 37m)
  • Calculate a sample age on Mars using ratios

Lesson flow

  1. Hook (5 min): Ask: "If you lived on Mars, would you have more or fewer birthdays?" Show age calculator.
  2. Explore (15 min): Read Mars time guide or vignette Mars colony.
  3. Activity (15 min): Students enter birthdates; record Earth vs Mars age on worksheet (table below).
  4. Quiz (5 min): Quick knowledge check.
  5. Discuss (5 min): Use family discussion prompts.

Worksheet table (copy for students)

NameEarth ageMars ageNotes

19 story classroom kits

Each vignette case study has its own printable worksheet, read-aloud script, timeline infographic, and discussion guide—ideal for literacy or science follow-ups.

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