Calling Utah K-12 Science/STEM-focused teachers! We have opened applications for our next Spaceward Bound Utah crew, which will be held October 12-16.
Spaceward Bound Utah is a 5-day workshop at the Mars Desert Research Station outside Hanksville, Utah where K-12 teachers from Utah will be able to experience what living on Mars might be like in the future. The MDRS is a research facility that has been developed to simulate an early research base on Mars. The campus includes a simulated spacecraft designed to land on Mars, which also serves as the living quarters for the crew when they are on site. There is also an engineering bay, a greenhouse, a fully equipped science laboratory and two observatories on campus. Electric vehicles and spacesuits designed to mimic what astronauts would have on Mars are available for crews to explore the landscape surrounding the station, which is a true geologic Mars analog. The focus will be on in situ experiences that can be replicated in a classroom and allow all students to conduct activities and experiments that will be done on Mars.
The Mars Society is looking for enthusiastic teachers interested in living and working under the same operational constraints that would be encountered on Mars, while participating in a workshop developed and led by educators. While priority will be given to full-time experienced middle school science teachers, all teachers and K-12 educators may apply. Together they will develop classroom activities based on their experiences at the station.
The upcoming session of Spaceward Bound Utah will be held October 12-16, which arrival scheduled for October 11. Selected teachers will have their standard fees waived. These fees cover room, board, and use of all facilities and scientific equipment. Teaching materials and science supplies will also be provided, and some travel expenses might be reimbursed. While this program was developed for Utah educators, program organizers may consider select teachers from outside Utah at our discretion.
If you are an educator and are interested in participating in this Spaceward Bound program, please fill out the application by clicking here. If you have any questions, you can contact Jen Carver-Hunter at jench@marssociety.org.
