Mars Activities for Kids
In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about the planet Mars. These activities are designed to complement the Mars BrainPOP Jr. topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.
Classroom Activities for Teaching About Mars
Compare and Contrast
Have students look at images of Mars’ surface on the Internet or at the library. Invite them to point out different landforms. Then have students look at images of Earth’s surface. How are the planets alike and different? Have students come up with different ideas and discuss them together.
Have pairs of students create a travel guide for Mars. You may want to supply real travel guides for students to build background knowledge about the types of information that should be included. Encourage students to use photographs from the internet or draw pictures in their guides. Then have them share their guides with the entire class. Would students like to visit Mars? Why or why not?
Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Mars
Life on Other Planets
Scientists have not found life on other planets yet, but the universe is a big place! Have your child write a short story about finding life on a distant planet. What is the planet like? What is the life form like? Encourage him or her to be creative and draw illustrations that go with his or her story.
Martian Weather Report
Have your child use the internet to find out more about the weather on Mars. Then have him or her create a weather report about the planet. Is it hot? Cold? Is it windy? Your child can create a report or deliver the information as a weather forecaster.