Open AccessMission to Mars Amidst a Pandemic
Author(s) -
Ronda Cole Harmon,
Maryann Hospelhorn,
Esti Gutierrez,
Camille Velarde,
Matthew P. Fetrow,
Vanessa Svihla
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of designs for learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2159-449X
DOI - 10.14434/ijdl.v12i1.31295
Subject(s) - outreach , mars exploration program , covid-19 , pandemic , political science , aeronautics , public relations , astrobiology , engineering , medicine , physics , disease , pathology , virology , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law
For years, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in New Mexico has led an outreach effort called Mission to Mars to engage fifth grade students in applying science and mathematics concepts related to building a colony on Mars. Many organizations across the US canceled similar events due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This design case details the original program and the pivot made to continue the program. We share successes—including reaching more rural learners—insights, and challenges, and how these have shaped a more inclusive vision for future programs.