TEACHERS

In 2008, NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander set down on Mars. The phoenix is a mythological bird that lives for 500 years and then burns to death. When the flames are gone, a new phoenix rises from the ashes. The Phoenix Mars Lander joined rovers Spirit and Opportunity on Mars to gather information about our neighbor planet in the solar system.

Select one Mars rover name. Tell why you think it is a good name for its mission.

In 2008, the Phoenix Mars Lander set down on Mars. It entered Mars’ atmosphere at 12,700 mph [miles per hour]. A parachute opened and thrusters slowed the craft as it descended. It landed at 5.4 mph.

How many mph did it slow down in order to land?
[Hint: Subtract.]

The National Moment of Remembrance is a moment of silence that starts at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day. It is meant to honor the soldiers who have died in wars. The tradition was started in the year 2000.

Archaeologists learn how people lived in the past by discovering and studying the things that they left behind, such as tools, and that are now buried underground. Archaeology is important because there are no written records from that long ago in human history.