Stranded on Mars: The Science of Survival

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Mars Is Not “Almost Earth”

The Martian—both the novel by Andy Weir and the film adaptation—tells the story of an astronaut stranded alone on Mars, forced to survive using science, creativity, and problem-solving.

Throughout this lesson, scenes and ideas from the story will be used as a reference point to compare what the science gets right, what it simplifies, and where it stretches reality for dramatic effect.

Mars looks familiar in photos—rocky ground, mountains, valleys—but that similarity is deceptive. In real life, Mars is not “almost Earth.” It is a planet that challenges human survival in subtle, relentless ways, where even small mistakes can quickly become life-threatening.

Atmosphere: Too Thin to Help

Mars has an atmosphere, but it’s extremely thin—about 1% as dense as Earth’s. That means:

• You cannot breathe it. (It’s mostly carbon dioxide.)

• There isn’t enough pressure to keep liquid water stable.

• Heat escapes quickly, causing extreme temperature swings.

Without protection, the human body would lose consciousness in seconds. Survival requires a sealed, pressurized environment at all times.

Temperature: Cold Wins

Mars is cold. Very cold.

• Average temperature: around –80°F (–60°C).

• Temperatures can change dramatically between day and night.

Technology can generate heat, but it requires energy. On Mars, every watt matters.

Gravity: Helpful, But Not a Superpower

Mars has about 38% of Earth’s gravity. That means you would weigh less and find it easier to lift heavy objects. Sounds great—until you consider the trade-offs.

Lower gravity:

• Makes movement easier but less stable.

• Weakens bones and muscles over time.

• Changes how tools, vehicles, and even your body behave.

In the movie The Martian, the main character—an astronaut stranded alone on Mars—moves around the planet in a way that looks mostly familiar, with walking, climbing, and working appearing similar to life on Earth.

In reality, Mars’s lower gravity would change how the human body functions over time, requiring constant physical effort to maintain muscle strength, bone density, and coordination just to stay healthy.

Radiation: The Invisible Threat

Earth’s thick atmosphere and magnetic field protect life from most cosmic radiation. Mars does not offer that protection.

On Mars:

• Radiation from space reaches the surface.

• Long-term exposure increases cancer risk.

• Electronics and human tissue are both vulnerable.

Habitats would need shielding, often using thick materials or even Martian soil piled on top of living spaces. Radiation isn’t dramatic—but it is dangerous.

Dust Storms: Science vs. Story

Dust storms on Mars are real and can cover the entire planet. However, Mars’s thin atmosphere means its winds don’t pack much force.

This is where The Martian stretches reality:

• Martian winds look violent but exert far less pressure than Earth's winds.

• A storm strong enough to knock over a rocket would require unrealistically powerful conditions.

Why exaggerate it? Because stories need a catalyst. Science fiction often bends facts to start the problem, then becomes more accurate in how characters respond to it.

Shelter: Your Only Safe Bubble

On Mars, survival depends on staying inside a controlled environment:

• Proper air pressure

• Oxygen supply

• Temperature control

• Protection from radiation

The habitat in The Martian is one of the film’s more realistic elements. NASA and other space agencies actively study similar designs. It isn’t glamorous—but it’s plausible.

One small failure, however, can be catastrophic. A tiny tear or pressure leak could destroy months of preparation in seconds.

The Big Idea: Survival Is a Systems Problem

Mars doesn’t kill you with one dramatic blow. It challenges you with dozens of small, constant problems:

• Limited air

• Limited water

• Limited food

• Limited energy

• No backup plan

Survival depends on understanding how these systems connect. Fixing one problem often creates another. Smart decisions matter more than heroic ones.

In The Martian, Mark Watney survives not because he’s fearless, but because he understands the science—and respects its limits.

What Comes Next

Mars is dangerous not because of a single dramatic threat, but because of many interconnected challenges that must all be managed at once. Atmosphere, temperature, gravity, radiation, and shelter work together to determine whether a human can survive—or not.

In the Got It? section, you will apply what you’ve learned by analyzing survival conditions on Mars, identifying the most serious risks, and explaining how science helps reduce those dangers.

This is your chance to think like a mission planner and test how well you understand what survival on Mars actually requires.