Mission to Mars

In this hands-on learning activity, students are challenged to design their own mission to Mars. Like in real-world missions, thorough preparation is key: Which experiments should be carried out – and why? Students must define their mission goals and justify their scientific choices. For example, is it relevant to focus on oxygen production if the mission is unmanned?

This learning activity is interdisciplinary and draws on subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and geology – reflecting the inherently cross-disciplinary nature of space science. Through hands-on experiments and discussion, students gain practical insights and experience that can inspire their science exams.

Schedule
09:30 Arrival at the Planetarium
09:35–10:00 Introduction to Mission to Mars
10:00–10:15 Mission planning
10:15–11:30 Experiments and investigations
11:30–12:00 Lunch break
12:00–12:30 Continue experiments and investigations
12:30–13:10 Presentations and wrap-up
13:30–14:20 Film screening in the Planetarium Dome*
14:20 Thank you for today – and time to explore the exhibitions

*Monday: Ocean to Orbit 
*Tuesday–Friday: Touch the stars