12.14.09
TVHS students are taking on a challenge straight from the pages of the latest science fiction thriller - colonize Mars.
The sophomores are developing plans this month to colonize the Red Planet, determining everything from what could possibly grow on the planet to what lessons have been learned from past attempts at imperialism on this planet and how should that impact the colonization of Mars.
The project must also address what can be learned from colonizing Mars, what type of culture should be established on the planet, i.e. how can a culture protect against a "red light" district being established on the "Red Planet"?, what type of treaties would be needed between earthly countries before work on Mars can be started and, of course, the science behind living on Mars.
The latter specifically requires the students to construct a pressure sensor and to experiment with and select plants that might be able to survive in the atmosphere of Mars.
On Tuesday, students created their top two designs for the pressure sensor that will be used to measure the rate of photosynthesis of different organisms, said science teacher Leah Penniman.
"Their goal is to figure out which organisms photosynthesize the fastest and can tolerate Mars-like conditions – cold and dry. Their experimental results will be incorporated into the article they submit."
She said the student sensor ideas "were very diverse and innovative, ranging from manometer and barometer type sensors to sensors that involve conductive foam and copper plates."
Construction of the sensors will begin this week.
The students are working on the project through a website called www.redcolony.com
