Planning for Life on Mars
- Grades 4-5
- CTY-Level
-
LIVE
- Science and Engineering
For decades, scientists have looked to Mars as an untapped resource, one that possibly holds clues to the origins of the solar system as well as the potential for future colonization. Numerous autonomous satellites and rovers have been sent to the red planet, and with each successful mission, we learn more about our most accessible celestial neighbor. In this course, you and your classmates will take on the role of intrepid interplanetary explorers, learning about the fascinating complexities of tasks like landing an exploration vehicle, and planning a Martian colony.
We’ll explore topics such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, Kepler’s laws, and terraforming as we learn about the atmospheric and geological conditions that exist on Mars. Using this knowledge, we’ll design plans for a mission and develop a sustainable blueprint for a prosperous civilization. We’ll build and evaluate models of Martian colonies and probes and debate the ethical considerations of space exploration and colonization. Through a combination of independent activities and group work, you’ll take an interdisciplinary approach to mapping the future of Mars.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work) Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
About Advanced Enrichment Courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator and help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges.
The content in Planning for Life on Mars overlaps with the CTY course Project Mars. Students who have already taken Project Mars may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.
This course is
ungraded.
Classes
Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.
Testing and Prerequisites
| Math | Verbal | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Level | CTY-Level | or CTY-Level |
Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.
Sign up for Testing Learn MoreCost and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)
CTY Financial Aid Availability for Online Programs
Academic Year 2025-26 (Course start dates July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026): Financial Aid funding is currently available for all eligible students while funding lasts. If interested in applying for financial aid, please select a course with start date of July 1, 2025, or later.
Course Materials
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
About Science and Engineering at CTY
Our Science and Engineering courses bring a variety of science topics to life. By introducing topics not covered in standard science curricula, we build and reinforce your science knowledge. All courses support critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning, and encourage a hands-on approach to learning about Earth, space, life sciences, chemistry, and the physical world. Guided by expert CTY science educators, you’ll perform hands-on experiments using common household objects, and participate in dynamic group discussions.
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