A student discussion
Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Preparation
Transcript
Teacher: So you've got a few minutes to discuss with your partner.
Student 1: So, as far as I know, the main similarity between Mars and Earth is that they can both support human life.
Student 2: Yeah, but do we know that's actually true? I mean, Mars is much colder than Earth, isn't it? It says here it's about minus 55 degrees most of the time, whereas on Earth only places like Antarctica get that cold.
Student 1: True. Well then, I suppose you could say both planets are a similar distance from the Sun?
Student 2: No way! Mars is much further away! It says here it's about 228 million kilometres, while Earth is about 150 million.
Student 1: Yes, but in space that's not that far. Jupiter is, like, almost 780 million kilometres. That's why we use astronomical units when we talk about distances in space. Earth is 1 astronomical unit from the Sun and Mars is 1.3. The difference doesn't sound so big when you look at it that way.
Student 2: I see what you mean. Jupiter is 5.2 astronomical units so I guess you're right. What other similarities are there between the two planets?
Student 1: Let's see … not the colour, obviously!
Student 2: Yeah! Earth is called the blue planet and Mars is called the red planet for pretty obvious reasons!
Student 1: Their sizes are pretty different. Mars is about half the size of Earth.
Student 2: What about this? It looks like the days on both planets are almost the same length. Earth's day is 24 hours but Mars's is about half an hour longer.
Student 1: You're right. OK, any other things they both share?
Student 2: I suppose you could say they have water in common.
Student 1: Could you? How?
Student 2: Well, Earth is 70 per cent water and Mars probably had huge oceans in the past. It's just that most of the water there now is probably frozen.
Student 1: Ah, I see. I don't think we can say the air is the same, though. Most of Earth's air is nitrogen and oxygen, but Mars …?
Student 2: Mars doesn't really have air, not compared with Earth. It's got about one per cent as much air as Earth.
Student 1: Right, and it's mostly carbon dioxide.
Student 2: Gravity is another difference. I didn't know this, but Mars has higher gravity than the Moon. But it's much less than on Earth, of course.
Student 1: Oh, yes. It says Mars has about 38 per cent of Earth's gravity.
Teacher: OK, let's see what you've found …
I really do not think people will live on Mars one day because there has to be many and precise conditions so that humans can live on any planet. One of the reasons could be: Perfect distance from the Sun so we avoid people getting frozen, all the animals and forest can develop.
Access to purified water. Even if it says that Mars has frozen oceans it does not mean this water can be consumed or even can be obtained easily. Without water there is no life at all.
Without the perfect balance of warmth and water we can not have any growing, any food, any nutrients source. So even if we could all humans get to Mars, we could not survive.
Yes, I think people will live on Mars one day because, unfortunately, we are making a mess here on our planet. Eventually, this place won't be liveable, sadly. So human beings will find a way to live in another planet. However, I also think, that we have a beautiful planet, so we have to take care of it. It's our home and we need to appreciate the things that this planet gives us, we have to respect nature, respect the animals and respect each other. If we abuse the resources of the planet, there won't be another one and our existence could be seriously damaged.
I don't think so. The best way is to try to repair the damage on Earth or develop technology that help us survive here.
Good morning,
i found very interesting this lesson, obviously i suppose actually isn't impossible to live on mars without tecnological systems to produce air, food and worm conditions for living.
By.
Hello, thanks for your lesson.
In my opinion, I think people can live on Mars one day. However, we will need special conditions supported by advanced technology. To survive there, people will need water, food, and a suitable atmosphere. Although living on Mars will be difficult, I believe it will be possible in the future.
Thanks!
Tung Huynh
Thank you for the lesson!
Thank you so much , of course I got advantage from it.
Oh yeah
No, I don't think so. We used to live on Earth. Actually, I couldn't even imagine how this could happen in the future, and if it did, it would be so scary.
I believe that people will be able to live on Mars in the future. Science is developing rapidly, and I think we will make many breakthroughs in space technology. For example, we may live in special glass houses that can protect us from the harsh environment on Mars. Moreover, humans are very good at adapting to different environments, just as our ancestors did in the past. Therefore, I believe living on Mars could become a reality, and I hope I can experience it one day.