What questions do the first two paragraphs raise in your mind?
What does this line help you understand about the narrator? (
When does this story take place? How do you know?
In what way is this line a hint about what Philip later reveals to Blythe?
How do the ways Blythe and Philip sit help you understand their characters?
Explain what Blythe means.
What does the scene with the fire alarm reveal about Philip?
What is VidHub?
How does the idea of not living in fear apply to both Philip and Blythe?
What are Philip’s reasons for wanting to join the mission to Mars?
How has Philip changed over the course of the story? What caused this change?
Did Lauren and the other committee members treat Philip fairly?
What effects do you think the decision to speak to viewers on VidHub will have—on others and on Philip himself? Why?
Do you think Philip has good reasons for wanting to go to Mars? What about Blythe? Explain.
Choose one of the traits above, on "Could You Be a Colonist". Explain how author Kass Morgan shows in “The Mission” that this trait is important.
Based on what you read in the informational text and the story, would you apply for a mission to Mars? Explain.