MODEL MARS PROTOTYPE
Model Mars Mission Control
Early in 2022, the Model Mars Prototype team hunkered down in Mission Control, with the goal of finding out if the platform as envisioned and built could be a successful STEM/STEAM learning experience for youth whose circumstances varied greatly, how the teams would work collaboratively to solve the problems presented to them, and whether their virtual journeys on Mars could provide meaningful applications for those living on Earth.
In addition to testing Model Mars in multiple geographic locations, the prototype test also studied and compared:
Differences in teams working in person, partly online and completely online
Varying ages (11 to 18)
Varied cultures and economies of participants
Varied first languages (all materials presented in English)
Level(s) of engagement between envoy(s) and team
Varied connectivity and access to online info