Welcome To Your First Colonization!
Terraforming is a process of planetary engineering, specifically directed at enhancing the capacity of an extraterrestrial planetary environment to support life. The ultimate in terraforming would be to create an uncontained planetary biosphere emulating all the functions of the biosphere of the Earth---one that would be fully habitable for human beings.
WHAT?
In other words, take another planet or moon and make it Earthlike!
Since that might be a little bit large, why don't we design a colony on some distant planet or moon instead. Colonization is not all that far-fetched an idea. Teams of scientists are assembled to simulate colonization all of the time. NASA assembles teams for every mission they undertake.
Who is on my Team?
Everyone in the group will share the role of Interplanetary Surveyor. After that, decide what responsibilities your group members should have. Some team members may have more than one role.
Each team will consist of members in the following jobs: Life Support Engineer, Human Resources Director, Environmental Engineer, and Recreation Director. Each job is necessary for colonization.
What is the team going to do?
Your team will make a proposal to put a colony of 600 humans somewhere in our solar system (sorry - not on Earth or our moon) as a test of whether it might be possible to someday do large scale colonization.
Your colony must be self sufficient! You will only be allowed to bring enough materials to start your colony. This means, once your colony is built and working, it must provide everything the colonists need. Other than what you brought, whatever is in the station must be made new, fixed easily, grown or recycled. It is a long way to Earth, and replacement parts, food, etc. cannot be shipped due to the high costs. UPS rates for outer space can range between $100,000 - $1,000,000 per pound, depending on your location. Therefore, your colony must be self-sufficient. You are on your own! Be prepared!
You will have limited ability to travel close to your location in space (2,000,000 miles or 3,225,800 Km round trip) using shuttles, but travel is limited to emergency situations only!
Where can your colony be?
Your colony can be located on any other planet or moon in our solar system. It can also be located in orbit around the sun, any planet (except Earth), or any moon (except Luna). Bottom line, anywhere in our solar system except Earth or Luna is an acceptable colonization site!
How will my team report our findings?
You will present your proposal to a United Federation Commission made of other teams who will then help the High Commissioner (the teacher) pick the best proposal by questioning your proposal. Please see the rubrics detailing the assessment criteria for the products.
Products will include:
A. A written proposal describing the colony which includes an introduction, a body, a conclusion, and the answers to the following questions:
1) What makes the place you decide to put your colony better than anywhere else in the solar system?
2) How will the environment and ecosystem in and around your colony be changed by building and running your colony?
3) What factors will help you decide that your colony is successful?
B. A brochure describing why someone may wish to settle in that particular part of the solar system.
C. An oral presentation describing your colony.
When
planning your colony, you must focus on the technological aspects of the colony.
Also focus on how your decisions can impact on the health and welfare of the
colonists.