The MartianExtra Credit

Yes – I realize there is a book, and perhaps I will get around to reading it someday. However, the following questions are based on the movie. Maybe the movie is true to the book, I can’t say.

I will say this - I liked Matt Damon’s character in this movie WAY more than I liked his character in Interstellar. I also enjoyed this movie WAY more than I did Interstellar…but I have to agree with one of the critiques I read – it is exploring totally different themes…and perhaps less serious themes….than Interstellar. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting – but for once botany looks like a pretty cool career path. 

Prepare yourself for a three hour time investment, and if you are the squeamish type, I’d avoid eating/drinking anything major until the first 20-ish minutes have passed.

And if you are interested in doing a little reading, here are several links to articles that discuss The Martian:

And now for the questions:

  1. How did Mark Watney survive the accident?
  1. There are at least four immediate challenges Watney must solve in order to survive – name them. Which one has Watney identified as the most pressing problem, and why?
  1. This movie did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of engineering: problem-solving and critical thinking. Recount three examples that highlight theseskills.
  1. Science is also all about models. Identify and explain the role models played in this story – making sure to give at least one example.
  1. Collaboration is another important staple in science…describe two examples of scientific collaboration from the film and its significance.
  1. Sanders makes the comment, “Every time something goes wrong, the world forgets why we fly. I’m just trying to keep us in the air.” Explain what he means by this statement, and whether you agree or disagree with his decision that led to this comment – explain WHY you feel as you do, with support. (This is an ETHICAL question…)
  1. “Space does not cooperate. Everything that could possibly go wrong, will. You can accept that you are going to die and give up, or you just begin.” Explain what Watney means by this statement, and why it is a significant life lesson.