Mars One



This is an activity based on discussion, current affair reports, comparing and contrasting different sources, comparing fiction to real life events, future possibilities and a role play. The activity involves debate, reading, video comprehension and teamwork.

 Task 1

Answer these questions in pairs:

  • How many amazing physical achievements (climbing Everest, walking to the South Pole etc.) can you think of?
  • Which achievement was the most impressive?
  • What’s the most physically difficult thing you’ve ever done? (climb a mountain, run a marathon etc.)
  • Are there any you would like to try in the future?
  • Are there any you wish you had tried in the past?
  • Are the world’s best athletes present at the Olympic Games?
  • What type of athletes or sportsmen/women do you think deserve the most respect?
  • What do you think of ‘extreme’ sports (bungee jumping, tightrope walking…)?
  • What do you think is the most impressive human achievement? (not necessarily physical, could be scientific/technological/medical for example the moon landings)
Task 2
Reflect and Discuss the topics raised by these slides.
Great Achievements by Cordina Mario

Task 3
Answer the following Questions: 

  • How much do you know about Mars? Share your knowledge with your group.
  • Are you interested in astronomy and the science of space travel?
  • Do you have any memories of important achievements in space travel?
  • Have you heard of the Mars One project? Share your knowledge with your group.
Task 4
Reading for Information

                                                                  Read about Mars 1 and answer the questions.

Task 5
Science Fiction or Reality


Task 6 
Read the different articles about the Mars 1 test project.
Daily Mail Report
The Washington Post Report
Al Jazeera Report
Mars 1 Reports PDF Download
Answer these questions.


  1. How many members were chosen for the Research Team?
  2. What was the research about?
  3. What did they eat?
  4. How many bathrooms and showers did they have?
  5. When does NASA want to send people up to Mars?
  6. What tasks did they have to perform?
  7. What was the main problem that they encountered?
  8. How much did the project cost?
Task 7
Optional Follow up
Look at the list of 12 shortlisted candidates for the next research team. 
  • You have been asked to choose the final 6 participants. 
  • Debate and discuss each candidate
  • Give reasons for your choices.