Gifted students from Pecos, Missouri Avenue, and Washington Avenue elementary schools recently participated in an exciting Mission to Mars event at the Albuquerque Civic Center. This annual event, now in its 30th year, brought together over a thousand fifth graders from across New Mexico to engage in a simulated manned mission to Mars.

During the event, students were tasked with assembling teams to tackle the challenges of surviving on the Martian surface. Key issues such as air, food, water, and temperature control were central to their mission planning. Each team developed unique life support systems to address these critical needs, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills.

The event featured technical briefings where students learned about the importance of life support systems. Demonstrations included experiments on air pressure, highlighting the necessity of space suits in a vacuum environment. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply knowledge from various academic subjects, including math, science, social studies, and English language arts.

The Mission to Mars event not only provided a platform for students to explore STEM concepts but also fostered teamwork and critical thinking. As they prepared for their simulated mission, students gained valuable insights into the complexities of space exploration, reinforcing the idea that their future is in their own hands. This engaging experience is expected to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers in New Mexico.