By 2025, it is realistic to expect a mission to colonize Mars being a reality. A host of agencies are already pursuing this venture and are looking for the qualities potential pioneers would need. Our Middle School used this information to inspire our interdisciplinary unit this year.
The project was launched by a fictional company, Nebula, portrayed by our some High School Drama students, visiting our campus to introduce team challenges designed to see if CAISL students have what it takes to colonize Mars. The science-based challenges were targeted according to the grade of each student group. 6th Grade had the task of creating a thermos to prevent loss of heat energy. The 7th Grade design engineering tasks focused on transportation challenges, firstly how to launch a rocket capable of carrying a load, and secondly how to safely land on the surface protecting the crew (simulated by a raw egg). The 8th Grade task was to design a sustainable camp for the first colonists to be self-sufficient and to have all the necessities for a healthy lifestyle as well as the overcoming the constraints of living within the harsh environment of Mars.
The unit closed with Nebula recognizing all students for their hard work, creativity and dedication to making this project a huge success.
By David Price, Assistant Principal for Middle School
