MaSTEM (Mars Adventure with STEM)- Space home design for those who dream of living on Mars

In this activity, we started working with our students as the 3rd Team. Our research topic was chosen as "space house design for those who dream of living on Mars". First, we held an online meeting with the participation of students, under the mentor of teachers. Students discussed online and generated ideas by brainstorming. According to the emerging ideas, the distribution of tasks was carried out among the students.

In the online meeting, different ideas were presented by the students. priority topics related to these ideas were determined. Some of these titles are listed below.

1. What are the physical conditions on Mars?

2. What should be considered when designing a house suitable for Mars conditions?

3. What are the design criteria?

4. What should be the human capacity of the house?

5. How should the exterior design of the house be?

6. What materials can be used for home design?

7. Which web tool can be used to create home design?

Discussions were held on online forums regarding the questions listed above. At the end of this, it was decided to create a design with the "tinkercad" tool. The visuals related to the house design created with the students are given below.

The "Mars home design" worksheet link is https://www.tinkercad.com/things/d1Nr1lQWBSx.

By conducting teamwork between countries, a common STEM study was tried to be created with a group of students and teachers. Tasks are assigned to each team on a Mars journey. As a team, we will conduct the "space house design" part of this study. Together with my students, we will design a space house using a 3D design tool.

In this study, students conducted teamwork between countries. The students in the team tried to put forward a common STEM study with the teacher. The study sought an answer to a research problem. In this way, students had the opportunity to work like an engineer (E (engineering) of STEM). Also in the study, "What are the physical conditions on Mars?" and "What materials can be used for home design?" Science acquisitions with questions such as were included in the study. The students used their knowledge of "structure of matter" and "chemical change" in science classes (S (science) of STEM). In addition, the quantity calculations used in creating home designs (M (math) of STEM); The disciplines of T (technology) of STEM have been taken into account in the creation of home design with the web 2 tool (tinkercad) and online discussions (T (technology) of STEM). When the whole study is examined, it is seen that different disciplines are used together. Through STEM strategy, they were provided with meaningful learning and gaining interdisciplinary perspective.

On the other hand, an awareness has been raised on students about "Mars travels and space mining" which is a current subject. This current subject was associated with the course outcomes, enabling students to transfer what they learned in the lessons to daily life.

In addition, students; 21st century skills such as "digital literacy, scientific creativity, research inquiry, teamwork, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication and Cooperation, Creativity and Innovation" were provided. Finally, with this activity, the students' orientation towards the professions of the future (such as space mining, astreoid mining) was supported.