PRACTICAL WAYS SCIENTISTS CAN ENGAGE IN MARS EDUCATION

The Curiosity rover, currently exploring the surface of Mars, has made many exciting scientific discoveries. The public’s interest in this mission is high, and K-16 educators can capitalize on this excitement over Mars to inspire the next generation of scientists. Mars can serve as an excellent hook to get students engaged in science. As scientists, there are a variety of ways in which we can work with teachers and students to help motivate and develop in them a passion for discovery. This talk will describe several activities in which scientists can engage the educational enterprise including how one can use the Mars Student Imaging Project (MSIP) as an activity in general education courses at a university, how to connect with and participate in K-12 educator workshops, and how to create traditional summer research experiences for undergraduate students. Through these various activities, students at all levels of scientific knowledge and ability are able to participate in making new discoveries and meaningful contributions to our understanding of Mars.