Learning Resources to Inspire
We’re looking for schools and in-class instructors in Southern Ontario and Quebec to join the Mars Explorer Program (MEP) for the 2024 school year and beyond! If your class would like to learn more about Mars, the Moon and other STEM-related subjects, we have online learning modules and qualified volunteers available to visit your school to conduct these lessons in-person. Additionally, we have constructed the ‘Mars Explorer Mobile Education Station‘ (MEMES) with support from the Canadian Space Agency. MEMES is a mobile classroom that offers hands-on, interactive instruction in STEM fields and space exploration.
The Mars Society of Canada (MSC) looks forward to an exciting and inspiring future on Mars! We think young people deserve to be taken on this journey as well. The mission of the Mars Explorer Program is simple: To provide a free, open-source, accessible and enjoyable learning space to inspire young people to explore Mars! The program is a collection of high-quality, Mars-themed teacher resources and online learning modules that are linked to the Canadian provincial curriculums that can be used by teachers or presented to classes by qualified volunteers from the MSC. In the future, the Mars Explorer program will run virtual after school clubs, summer camps, and exciting competitions.
Featured Learning Modules
How to Build a Community on Mars
Students learn to build a community on Mars using TinkerCad – a child-friendly 3D modelling software.
Let’s Eat! Growing a Martian Garden
In this project students set up an experiment using the scientific method to grow plants in Mars Soil Simulant.
How to Write a Diary on Mars
Students learn about composing a diary entry by reading diary entries from Jin Sia, an analog astronaut and engineer.
Mars on Earth: Analog Missions
What would you need to survive in a habitat on the Moon or on Mars? Students will learn about the Mars analog stations on Earth that are answering this question.
Look Up! The Sky for Terranauts
This lesson will teach students about the different types of celestial bodies and inspire them with a consideration of light and the vast differences in scale.
Let’s Go! Mini-Rover Design Basics
Using simple ‘maker tech’, young students will learn the fundamentals about the hardware, software and basic designs that make rovers work well.
The Search for Life: Extracting DNA
You’re a scientist on Mars and found a strange item. It’s something not seen before so you’ll need to test to see if it may be a living organism.
Time Capsules: The Mars Landing
Students will learn about the importance of preserving memories in order to ask important questions about the future.
Permafrost: It’s Not Just an Earth Thing!
Mars was once warm and wet, but now it is covered in permafrost. Where else in the solar system is permafrost, and why did this happen?
Space Medicine: Gravity & Your Body
Our bodies change when we have less gravity. Learn about what happens to your bones and muscles, and what you can do about it!
Space History: Female Astronauts
Students will learn about the long history of female astronauts and the important contributions that they made to space science & exploration.
Day-Long Analog Mission
With the help of the Mars Explorer Mobile Education Station (MEMES), we are prepared to help you stage your own mini-analog mission!
Videos
Why You Should Become a Martian
Welcome to Mars, Your New Home
Get Involved!
The Mars Explorer Program is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. If you have a passion for Mars and education, and want to contribute to humanity’s inspiring and exciting future on Mars, we’d love to hear from you! We’re currently looking for people who can help in the following ways: Lesson design, in-class presenters, summer camp councilors, competition management, and fundraising. If you can’t volunteer but would still like to support the project, you can support it by becoming a member of The Mars Society of Canada!
Be a part of this!
The Mars Society of Canada offers a professional and credible platform for all space advocates to promote Canada’s participation in Mars science and exploration. By becoming a member of our federal not-for-profit, you provide direct support for our educational, public outreach and analog research efforts. We proudly represent the voice of thousands of Canadians who believe in the profound benefit of Mars exploration, and a multi-planetary future for humanity.