The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field)
Scientists in the Field Series
on Goodreads (322)
What’s inside...
On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. On July 7, 2003, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. A thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes-and heart-of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity face on their mission, and how did they overcome them?
Why do you think exploring Mars is important for scientists and for us on Earth?
What qualities do you think a scientist needs to have to work on a project like the Mars rover mission?
If you were to design a rover to send to another planet, what special features would you include and why?
How did the discoveries made by Spirit and Opportunity impact our understanding of space and other planets?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they already know or think about Mars to gauge their prior knowledge and pique their interest.
Encourage your child to think like a scientist by asking them to predict what challenges a Mars rover might encounter before revealing the obstacles faced by Spirit and Opportunity.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork shown in the book and relate it to everyday scenarios your child might encounter.
After reading, engage in a creative activity, like drawing a new rover design or writing a diary entry from the perspective of a rover on Mars.
Utilize the themes of the book to instill curiosity about science and space, encouraging further research or exploration together on topics of interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: The book illustrates the relentless hard work and determination exhibited by the rovers and the scientists behind them on their mission on Mars.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persistently tackling challenges in their academic work or personal projects, learning not to give up easily.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The journey of Spirit and Opportunity on Mars represents an inspiring story of exploration and the quest for knowledge, as they traverse unknown terrains and gather data.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and pursue answers, fostering a mindset of inquiry and discovery.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book details various challenges faced by the Mars rovers and the innovative solutions the science team comes up with to keep the mission going.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and creatively come up with solutions to obstacles they encounter in school or in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The success of the Mars rovers is portrayed not as a solo endeavor but as a collaborative effort of a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working cooperatively in group settings, whether in sports, school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Scientific learning and discovery
Explanation: The book showcases the use of science and technology in gaining new insights about Mars, emphasizing the rovers' role in expanding human knowledge about the planet.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage with science subjects actively, understand the world around them better, and recognize the impact of scientific advancements on society.