Summary:

A stranded astronaut on Mars must utilize science and engineering to live.  The film shows Watney’s drive to live and his inventive problem-solving on Mars.

The Martian is a dramatic and suspenseful science fiction/survival film. This film emphasizes problem-solving and resourcefulness under adversity. It’s an excellent video for individuals interested in space exploration and harsh environments.

How to Use it:

Let students know it’s a movie about risk-taking and creativity and that, although the story is fictional, it's rooted in scientific fact. Have students take a look at some of the main character's creations in the movie: a sextant for navigation, his potato farm, or the water he makes from rocket fuel. Next, design a lesson where students are given a limited set of tools, a goal, and some constraints, then see what sort of innovative DIY projects they can launch.

After watching, split your students into groups and have them design their own habitats for surviving on Mars. The future of Mars exploration could be sitting in your classroom! You could also experiment with growing plants in different conditions to simulate space farming. It’s a hands-on way to get students thinking like scientists and solving the problems that living on Mars currently has!

Learning Topics:

• Mathematics

• Science and technology

• Space

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the hexadecimal system, and why is language so important in science and math? 

2. How important was it for the film's main character to keep a log? 

3. Why do we not yet have the technology to go to Mars?