In reading The Martian, students discussed the various problems faced by Mark Watney when he is isolated on Mars with limited resources. Dr. Billy Barott, an electrical engineering professor specializing in radio astronomy, guest lectured on the accuracy of the scientific solutions used by Watney and NASA to help him survive and, ultimately, to bring him home.
Students developed pages on the dynamics of the Areas 3 crew and their decision to disregard orders from NASA that they return home, instead of attempting a risky maneuver to return to Mars and save their crew member.
Adam Berlier compared team structures to determine what makes a space team successful.
Mickael Faucher examined what made the Ares 3/Hermes crew so successful in The Martian.
Philip Galiardo asked whether the decisions of the Hermes crew could be considered mutiny.
These students researched the various problems encountered by Watney and his methods for solving those problems.
Mehmet Cakir, researched the scientific method used to solve problems in works of science fiction.
Arianna Eskew explained the different physical and emotional effects of isolation on human beings.
Patrick Hill compared Watney's problem solving to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to understand the order in which he solved those problems.
Nathan Kroboth analyzed the ways in which Watney solved problems and how his methods led to his ultimate recovery.
AJ Maiato explored the nature of Watney's problems and how he managed to survive his isolation on Mars.
Clare Maloney examined the feasibility of Watney's agricultural pursuits on Mars.
Penny Mugford described the ways in which Watney exemplifies the concept of the übermensch in his extreme survival on Mars.
Dexter Robinette looked at the feasibility of creating water on Mars.
Georgina Wood compared the effects of long-term isolation in The Martian and The Twilight Zone.
In these pages, students examined the ways in which communication is established between NASA and Watney when he is stranded on Mars.
Connor Bishop examined the ways in which science fiction handles communication challenges.
Lucas Lesoeur, contrasted American and Chinese perspectives to better understand the role of international relations in the rescue of Mark Watney.
Ryan Sitler researched the communication conundrum faced by Watney and NASA.
Logan Thomas examined different means of sending and receiving communications across vast distances.
Evan Williams looked at the different imaging capabilities used by NASA in the book.
In these pages, students looked at methods of space travel and what it would be like for humans to explore Mars.
Kaylee Cronberg researched interstellar navigation and spaceflight.
Cory Edwards examined the feasibility of exploring Mars.
Oneil Ramdeen looked at what it takes to survive on Mars.