TO MARS AND BEYOND

INNOVATION IN SPACE EXPLORATION The Year 8 InnovateEd programme has embraced the challenges of using creative and critical thinking to solve complex problems that will be inevitable with the establishment of a colony on Mars. The very nature of these problems will require technical solutions for matters of survival, along with the diverse range of ethical decisions that will underpin a society of people living in a vastly differentenvironment. To explore the complexities of Mars, the students recently visited the Victorian Space Science Education Centre. They participated in an experiential, hands-on opportunity as a team of appropriately suited astronauts. They completed a geological survey in a simulated Mars environment and problemsolved challenging issues while in Mission Control. After a safe return to Earth, the students took core samples and findings to a laboratory for additional scientific testing.

‘The VSSEC Mars experience required a lot of good communication skills and cooperation. We all got a chance to be an Astronaut and a Mission Control Officer. We realised that it was only when we all worked together and helped each other that we were able to successfully complete the mission. I am sure we all learned a lot from that day and we will use this valuable information in the near future.’ – Lily S, Year 8

‘The Mission to Mars excursion was an excellent experience and provided a great insight into what needs to be done before we colonise Mars. It also allowed us to move into the shoes of different types of Scientists, Engineers and Astronauts and try to solve difficult problems. It was an amazing experience and I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of the excursion, and for the experience and outlook it has given me.’ – Chloe D, Year 8

Building on this new-found knowledge of Mars, students constructed and coded EV3 robots, designed water filtration systems, filmed Captain’s logs and dissected electronic toys to identify the input, process and output sub-systems. Jane d’Oliveyra Middle Years Co-ordinator and InnovateEd Learning Leader