Terraform a planet for human settlement
Simulation
We need your help!
You've been tasked with terraforming a newly discovered planet to make it suitable for human settlement. You'll need to add the perfect amounts of carbon dioxide, algae, plants and animals, and in the right order, to succeed in your mission.
Be careful, you can't take things back and you don't want to create a runaway greenhouse effect.
Instructions
You'll be provided with instructions at each stage in this simulation.
Your goal: terraform a planet to make it habitable for humans.
Good luck!
Discussion questions
What triggers a runaway greenhouse effect, and how can you prevent it?
You're advising NASA on terraforming a newly-discovered exoplanet: what would you include in your brief?
Details
NGSS
- DCI | LS2.C: Ecosystems are dynamic in nature; their characteristics can vary over time. Disruptions to any physical or biological component of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all its populations.
Learning Objectives
Understand the environmental conditions required to sustain human life.
Understand the relationships and interactions between biotic and abiotic factors within an ecosystem
Concepts
Terraforming
Ecosystem
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Greenhouse effect
