Exploring Mars: MSIP Activity Formats

In order to accommodate the needs of classrooms across the nation, there are 3 ways in which to participate in MSIP:

• On-Site Format
• Distance Learning Format
• Archived-Data Format

Student teams, who wish to submit a proposal requesting the use of the THEMIS visible camera, would participate in the On-Site or Distance Learning formats. The Archived-Data format allows for teams to conduct research and get connected to Mars experts without requesting to use the THEMIS visible camera.

View the technical requirements for participation in internet, video, or teleconferences.

On-Site Format

The On-Site Format of MSIP provides students from across the United States with the opportunity to conduct part of their research at the Mars Space Flight Facility on the campus of Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

• Students have the opportunity to spend 3 days working with scientists and Mars Education staff
• Students continue to conduct research that was started in the classroom
• Students learn image processing techniques to be used as part of their research
• Students acquire and are the first to see their team targeted THEMIS image of Mars
• Students compile their data and present to staff at the Mars Space Flight Facility
• Students can have their findings posted on the MSIP Team Results webpage

Student teams that plan to come on-site, will still have the opportunity to participate in internet, video and/or teleconferences.

View the Checklist for On-Site MSIP Participation, procedures and additional details.

Distance Learning Format

The Distance Learning Format of MSIP provides students from across the United States with the opportunity to conduct their research at their school site and by periodically connecting to staff at the Mars Space Flight Facility via internet, video and/or teleconferences.

• MSIP teams can conduct their research without every leaving their school site
• Individual MSIP teams have the opportunity to communicate with scientists and Mars Education staff at the Mars Space Flight Facility via internet, video or teleconferences
• Students can participate in nationwide conferences, giving them access to learning from experts at the Mars Space Flight Facility along with other student groups from around the nation
• Students acquire and are the first to see their team targeted THEMIS image of Mars
• Students have the option to present their findings to staff at the Mars Space Flight Facility using available conferencing capabilities
• Students can have their findings posted on the MSIP Team Results webpage

View the Checklist for Distance Learning MSIP Participation, procedures and additional details.

Archived-Data Format

The Archived-data format of MSIP provides students with the opportunity to get connected to staff at the Mars Space Flight Facility via nationwide internet, video and/or teleconferences. This format allows teachers the freedom to use available curricular materials as they see fit.

• MSIP teams can conduct their research without every leaving their school site
• Students can use archived data for their research. This data is available on the http://themis.asu.edu website
• Students can participate in nationwide conferences, giving them access to learning from experts at the Mars Space Flight Facility along with other student groups from around the nation
• Students can have their findings posted on the MSIP Team Results webpage

View the Checklist for Archived MSIP Participation, procedures and additional details.