Expedition Mars
The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars: a greenhouse, a mobile geological survey base, and a centralized research habitat. The primary human habitat is not on Mars, but on one of its moons, Phobos. A Spacecraft regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the surface of Mars. The Spacecraft also carries parts to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to continue the search for evidence of life and water. However, when crew members discover an imminent threat to their Spacecraft and the Martian surface facilities, they must act quickly to save their stations, their research, and their lives
- Targeted grades for Expedition Mars:
Grades 5 & 6
- Number of groups served per day: 2
- Price: $700
- Length of Field Trip Day: 3.5 - 4 hours
(depending on transportation needs)
Expedition Mars Teacher Resources
Teacher Training
Teacher training is available to any teacher who plans to attend the Challenger Learning Center with their students. If you have not attended the Challenger before, we strongly encourage this training. Please plan to schedule a session at least two weeks prior to your field trip date(s). The session will include an overview of the Challenger program and what to expect during your time with us. Training is included in your registration fee.
To schedule a virtual or in person meeting, please email challenger@wcusd200.org or call
815-338-7722.
Plan Your Mars Expedition!
Expedition Mars
The Challenger Learning Center mission simulator offers students from 5th-8th grade a totally immersive, hands-on STEM educational experience. Our Expedition Mars scenario puts young learners in charge of a simulated flight between Mars and Phobos. For approximately two hours students are transformed into astronauts, scientists, and engineers with a single common purpose – the success of the mission. Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision making skills are put to the test. Challenger Learning Center’s space simulations are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. h
Exploring Mars
Students will use their STEM skills to program a rover to explore Mars. We will utilize Augmented Reality to start learning about Mars. Then teams will use Ozobots built especially for children to learn how to program and solve real-life problems. The goal of these lessons is to inspire students to become lifelong learners, and to explore and join the STEM careers of the future.