Activity 1.2 - Mapping the Topography of an Unknown Surface

To simulate the topographic mapping of the Martian surface by the Mars Global Surveyor, students constructed model Martian surfaces within cardboard boxes ( Figure A ). They then sealed the boxes, traded with other students, and used graph paper and "altimeter rods" to determine the shape of the hidden surface model ( Figure B ). Finally, the students used the Gryphon Bricks software program to render their paper models into 3-D virtual computer models. The Bricks program allowed the 3-D images to be rotated, so as to be viewed from four different sides ( Figures C-I ).

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• Figure A - Examples of Cardboard Models

• Figure B - Paper Model by Kassie Samuels

• Figure C - Bricks 3-D Model #1, View 1

• Figure D - Bricks 3-D Model #1, View 2

• Figure E - Bricks 3-D Model #1, View 3

• Figure F - Bricks 3-D Model #1, View 4

• Figure G - Bricks 3-D Model #2, View 1

• Figure H - Bricks 3-D Model #2, View 2

• Figure I - Bricks 3-D Model #2, View 3

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