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Need a full-length printable PDF lesson to further explore this topic? A recently released news article addressed this topic of preparation for future Mars missions. In April 2026, NASA announced a bold new plan that could change the future of space exploration. The agency says it wants to speed up its return to the Moon, build a permanent base there, and even launch a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars—all within the next few years.The full-length lesson includes an extended reading passage, comprehension questions, graphic organizers, visual aides, puzzles, discussion prompts, and other activities. These activities strengthen summarizing, main idea, inference, vocabulary in context, close reading, and critical-thinking skills.Link to full lesson on Teachers Pay Teachers Storefront

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