In the year 2101, humanity has taken its first bold steps toward becoming an interplanetary species—and students in Greece are getting a taste of that future through DES@Mars 2025, the second interactive Mars analog simulation developed by DES School in collaboration with Mars Society Hellas, the official Greek chapter of Mars Society International.
Designed for elementary and high school grades, DES@Mars 2025 places young participants in the role of “Martians Pro,” early settlers tasked with building a viable community on the Red Planet. The program blends hands-on STEAM activities, social skill development, and immersive storytelling to give students a deeper appreciation of space exploration and human resilience.
This year’s simulation unfolds across two mission tracks:
- Grades 1–3: Early Exploration & Raising the Mars Flag
Young astronauts arrive on Mars with a clear directive from Earth Headquarters: solve a series of riddles, explore their new environment, search for essential resources like water, and raise the Mars flag. Acting as commanders, scientists, engineers, and doctors, students use walkie-talkies for team communication, employ tools like metal detectors to search for water, and practice readiness checks using thermometers and oximeters. - Grades 4–6: Colonial Tensions & Governance
Older students take on a more complex scenario—conflict over Martian resources. As Earth-based corporations pursue monopolistic control, colonists grapple with feelings of economic injustice and distant governance. Through role-play, students navigate issues of self-determination, fair resource distribution, and the signing of a “Treaty of Peaceful Coexistence.” The Mars Free Radio Station adds to the drama, broadcasting messages of unity and independence across the simulated settlement.
Throughout the simulation, participants experience dynamic, real-time challenges, including an unexpected “solar storm” signaled by a horn alarm that forces astronauts to halt operations and seek safety—mirroring the unpredictability of real Mars missions.
At mission’s end, every young astronaut receives a certificate, mission badges, stickers, lanyards, and personalized action cards, acknowledging their teamwork, imagination, and problem-solving.
DES@Mars 2025 not only ignites curiosity about space—it empowers students with confidence, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging to humanity’s future among the stars.
For full information, please contact: Alexandros I. Krassakis at alexandros@krassakis.com.
