Elementary Students Launch ‘Mission to Mars’ from WSU
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) will host two events, “Mission to Mars!” and “Explore the Possibilities,” to excite local school children about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on Dec. 15 and 16.
Mission to Mars
Teams of fifth graders will complete the final project in their Mission to Mars during “Link-Up Day,” held in Weber State University’s Shepherd Union Ballrooms on Dec. 15 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
During the activity, 320 students from DaVinci Academy in Ogden and Vae View, King and West Point elementaries in the Davis School District will construct inflatable plastic habitats. The habitats, which simulate shelters that can sustain life on Mars, are 12 feet in diameter and 8 feet tall. A series of tunnels will connect the student projects. At the day’s conclusion, students cut those tunnels, linking all of the habitats to the colony — hence the name Link-Up Day.
The mission is sponsored by EAST and the Hill Air Force Base STEM Outreach Program. The event is modeled after the mission simulations of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Washington, D.C.
Link-Up Day at Weber State has been modified to include Air Force technologies and terminologies and will provide a unique hands-on learning opportunity for area students.
"Mission to Mars is a well-established STEM program for fifth-grade students where they learn about the planet in their classrooms and then spend a day simulating a manned mission to Mars to establish a colony,” said Alison Sturgeon, HAFB STEM program manager. “This year, 21 habitats will be built and linked together. In addition, the student teams will be judged on their version of a life-support system, uniform, team patch and a saga they write and perform. This STEM Outreach program is designed to inspire students to continue studying STEM fields."
Explore the Possibilities
More than 500 students from Weber, Ogden, Davis and Morgan School Districts are expected for the Explore the Possibilities Showcase, Dec. 16 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., in the Shepherd Union and Engineering Technology buildings.
The showcase, which is in its 12th year, will offer high school students 13 different workshops to introduce them to interesting careers that also, traditionally, pay well.
Classes include computer science and programming, digital media design, electronics engineering technology, construction management and apprenticeships, interior design technology, network management and welding technology.
“The focus of this collaborative event is to share with high school students the possibilities of careers and post-secondary options in engineering, trades and technology,” said Emily Okerlund, Weber School District teacher and showcase organizer. “Students will hear from experts and experience hands-on workshops to give them a taste of future possibilities and hopefully increase their desire to continue to pursue degrees and certifications in these high-skill, high-wage, high-demand jobs."
Lunch will feature a mentor panel representing various fields of study relating to engineering, trades and technology.
"We love combining the community service mission of Weber State University with encouraging kids to solve problems, think creatively and apply what they know about technology, engineering, science and math,” said David Ferro, dean of EAST. “It is good for our schools, families, community and university."
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
For more photos, please visit the following links:
Allison Barlow Hess, Director of Public Relations
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Dana Dellinger, Director, Center for Technology Outreach
801-626-7552 • danadellinger@weber.edu