Students from an all-girls school in Daska, Pakistan, recently joined the Mars Society’s educational initiatives under the guidance of Director of Education, Nicole Willett. This family-funded charity school, which serves girls from playgroup to 12th grade in underserved communities, embraced the program to broaden students’ horizons and ignite their imaginations.
Two middle school teams have been selected to build miniature Martian habitats. Team 1, led by Miss Momina and Miss Chashman, includes students Hamna, Aqsa, Aysha, Sana, and Seemab. Team 2, guided by Miss Iqra and Miss Chashman, features students Abeeha, Aliza, Iman, and Zainab. This hands-on project challenges these young learners to design habitats using upcycled materials, encouraging them to explore the complexities of life on Mars.
In a classroom setting, students used recycled items like cardboard, plastic bottles, and cans to construct habitat models that could theoretically support life on Mars. They delved into engineering, sustainability, and environmental science as they considered vital factors such as insulation, oxygen production, water recycling, and radiation protection. Working with everyday materials, the students honed their problem-solving skills, mimicking the ingenuity needed for real-life space missions.
This unique project not only develops practical skills but also fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience. The students embraced the experience, exploring other areas of Martian life and expanding their knowledge of space exploration. Through these exciting new learning opportunities, these bright students and dedicated teachers continue to push boundaries and fuel a passion for STEM fields among young girls in Pakistan.
If you’re interested in learning more about our educational initiatives and projects or would like to get involved as a volunteer, advisor or supporter, please contact Nicole at: nicolew@marssociety.org.
