Our Vision
THE MODEL MARS PLATFORM IS INSPIRED BY
Why Space? Space provides inspiration and aspiration. Space educational activities touch on multiple aspects of science, technology and innovation (STI) with a present and future orientation. And space efforts also lead to direct benefits to Earth (like Earth Observation, communication, nutrition). Mars in particular holds a place of fascination and offers a metaphor for what life may be like in a harsher environment with greater scarcity (as with climate change), but also for reimagined socio, economic, political and technological systems. Perhaps by exploring potential future life on Mars, we will also come to appreciate much more the precious nature of what we have on Earth (like nature). Mars is not an alternative to Earth, it is a vehicle to explore humanity, question priorities, and learn to do more with less. Yet it also gives us real science, technology and human variables to consider and experiment with.
Why World-Building? Both space exploration and science/speculative fiction spark the imagination and a sense of new possibilities. As we think about living on other planets, or other future environments, we are able to speculate on what a better version of society might look like, who decides, what assumptions we need to break down, and what we value most. We are liberated to go beyond current entrenched practices. World building also allows for immersive storytelling and creation in which one can explore nuances, the intersections of different disciplines and sectors, and relationships and community building. In being able to engage in ”hopeful imaginaries”, we give youth a space to dream about how they would like society to evolve and create opportunities for them to “stress test” their ideas and compare them against other possible future Earth scenarios..
Why Model UN? The Model United Nations is an over 90 year old youth program (reaching millions of young people around the world) that puts students into decision-making positions as they represent the world’s countries, different perspectives and needs, and work toward establishing and implementing global frameworks and goals. Through simulation- based learning, it engages young people in cross-cultural dialogue, negotiation and global cooperation around pressing issues for the planet and people. Model Mars takes inspiration from this approach while transposing it on Mars in the future and with very different constraints. Most importantly, Model Mars asks participants to take their speculative ideas and apply them to needs on Earth, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our aim is to build on the best of these three learning opportunities, combining elements and introducing new ones, in order to create a truly inter-disciplinary, creative and cutting-edge learning ecosystem.
OUR GOALS
stimulate change
Expanding horizons and changing mindsets about what is possible to achieve and increasing young people's agency in identifying and then forging their desired futures. Envisaging models for greater international cooperation and generating solutions for more equitable and sustainable societies on Earth. Moving the perspectives of underrepresented groups to the center of decision making.
Develop skills
Building STEM skills and broadening STEM identity. Advancing understanding and practice in Arts and Humanities. Building other 21st century skills (e.g. problem solving, communication), as well as modes of thinking like exploring human centered design, future foresight, systems and ethics. Creating pathways to future learning and careers.
democratize space
Forming a new and inclusive narrative of space for all and expanding participation in space exploration and use of spinoff applications for life on earth. Actively engaging underrepresented groups and creating next generation engagement in meaningful ways.
