Who Will Get the Ticket to Mars at Laguna Blanca School?

The new TIES (Thematic Inquiry Explorations) program focuses on one central idea during each quarter in both Humanities and STEM courses, where students have analyzed both past and near future quests. “This quarterly project-based learning generates deeper meaning and engagement, providing students with a showcase for dynamic work and preparation for the creative rigors of Laguna Blanca’s Upper School,” explains Laguna Blanca Humanities Instructor, Anna Alldredge.

The Mission to Mars competition challenges students with a variety questions: What is the purpose for this journey, and what type of colony will be created? What has been learned from the past that informs future visions? How will the colonists reach the planet, and how will they stay alive? And how can each team craft the most convincing pitch?

Scientists have determined that it takes approximately seven months of space travel to complete the trip to Mars, and much longer to form the first human settlement. And, for months, the students have analyzed the pros and cons of space travel from both past and future expeditions and are prepared to present their findings.

Six teams of Laguna students will each take 30 minutes to pitch their ideas to a fictitious international conglomerate of investors who are eager to launch a private company to Mars. Select students, faculty, and administrators will represent the investment group, and will also throw an unexpected theoretical crisis scenario to each team during their pitches.

Throughout the quarter in history, English, and science classes, the teams have created and shared team-wide Google docs, individual blogs, and multiple projects related to the Martian challenge. Participants also recently visited the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, and experienced a two-hour Martian simulation.

“The students have worked incredibly hard on this project – as a whole class, as members of a team, and individually,” adds Ms. Alldredge. “They are the future…but is the future Mars? Let’s see if these Laguna students can convince you!”

Will you be convinced that Mars is the future? There is only one way to find out! The Mission to Mars competition will launch on November 11, from 11-2:45pm in Laguna Blanca School’s Spaulding Auditorium, 4125 Paloma Drive. Admission is free and open to the public. Space-aged refreshments will also be served, so be sure to tell your friends and space enthusiasts to join in on the fun!