This children’s article, Strange rocks on Mars could be signs of ancient life?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about space, and discover how scientists hunt for life beyond Earth. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A robot on a mission
NASA’s Perseverance rover is like a robot car that has been exploring Mars since 2021. Its job? To look for clues that life might have once existed on the red planet. Recently, it found some very unusual rocks near an old river.
These rocks are about 3.5 billion years old and are covered in strange spots. Scientists call them “leopard spots” and “poppy seeds.” They might be signs of tiny life forms that lived on Mars long, long ago.
What could the rocks mean?
Inside the rocks are special minerals. On Earth, some of these minerals are linked to microbes, which are tiny creatures too small to see without a microscope. That is why scientists are so excited.
This does not mean aliens are living on Mars today. Instead, it could mean the planet was once a better place for life, with water and a thicker atmosphere.
Why it’s such a big deal
If Mars really did have life in the past, it would change how we see the universe. Earth might not be the only planet where life ever existed! That is why Perseverance is carefully keeping rock samples to bring back to Earth.
Back here, scientists can study them more closely with super-powerful tools. That will help them figure out if Mars once had living microbes.
The big question
For now, the rocks are only a “maybe.” Scientists call them possible signs of life, but they need more proof. Still, the mystery is exciting. If Mars had life billions of years ago, what about other planets? Do you think we are alone in space? Maybe we’ll know the answer soon.
Article vocabulary list
- Rover: A robot vehicle that explores another planet
- Crater: A big round hole, often made by an asteroid or volcano
- Microbes: Tiny living things you can only see with a microscope
- Minerals: Substances found in rocks
- Sample: A small piece taken for study
- Atmosphere: The air around a planet
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What is Perseverance doing on Mars?
A) Looking for gold
B) Searching for signs of life
C) Building houses
Answer: B) Searching for signs of life
2. What do scientists call the spots on the rocks?
A) Leopard spots and poppy seeds
B) Zebra stripes and tiger tails
C) Polka dots and sprinkles
Answer: A) Leopard spots and poppy seeds
3. What might the special minerals in the rocks show?
A) Evidence of microbes long ago
B) That Mars is made of chocolate
C) Proof of aliens today
Answer: A) Evidence of microbes long ago
4. Why do scientists want to bring Mars rocks back to Earth?
A) To sell them as souvenirs
B) To study them better with powerful tools
C) To build new houses
Answer: B) To study them better with powerful tools
5. What is the big question these rocks raise?
A) Are we alone in space?
B) How many rocks are on Mars?
C) Can robots eat rocks?
Answer: A) Are we alone in space?
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
