Mission Control
Civics-meets-science in this workshop presented by the Australian Space Agency and Parliament of South Australia.
30 students | Years 6-10 | Part 1: 90 minutes, Part 2: 75 minutes | Free
Part 1 available at Parliament House in term 1 2025 | Part 2 available at the Australian Space Discovery Centre in term 1 2025 | Special back-to-back sessions available
The Mission Control Workshop combines Civics and STEM skills in a two-part workshop.
South Australia is going to attempt to terraform Mars. A Parliamentary Committee completed an inquiry into what industries would need to be taken to Mars for this project, and the report identified 12 industries. The problem? The budget will only cover 10 out of 12 industries.
Part 1: From Parliament to Mars (90 mins)
The Mars Space Mission Bill 2024 needs to pass both Houses of Parliament to determine which 10 industries will be going. The Government, Opposition, Minor Parties and specific electorates/Members all have different industry priorities. Students complete a role play passage of a bill to decide the 10 industries.
Students will think critically about the skills and knowledge needed for a successful mission to Mars. They will debate and vote on industries to send on the mission in a way that mirrors South Australia’ parliamentary process.
Part 1 is available at the Parliament of South Australia. For Part 1 bookings please submit a request form.
Part 2: Life on Mars (75 mins)
Students will work collaboratively to complete a hands-on design challenge based on industries that can be taken to Mars. They will need to consider how to sustainably power operations, feed the population, and communicate across the far reaches of space.
Part 2 is available at the Australian Space Discovery Centre as part of in-centre Schools in Space sessions.
Bookings
There are two types of sessions:
- Back-to-back
- Individual
Back-to-back sessions
We have set aside custom times to complete Mission Control in back-to-back sessions in a half day experience along North Terrace in Adelaide, South Australia.
11 February 2025
- 10am-11.30am – Parliament of South Australia
- 12.30pm-1.45pm – Australian Space Discovery Centre
11 March 2025
- 10am-11.30am – Parliament of South Australia
- 12.30pm-1.45pm – Australian Space Discovery Centre
8 April 2025
- 9.30am-11.00am – Parliament of South Australia
- 12.00pm-1.15pm – Australian Space Discovery Centre
Book the half day back-to-back program
Individual sessions
Instead of the back-to-back options, participants can custom book times for Part 1 at Parliament House or Part 2 at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.
The two-parts do not need to be completed in sequence.
Bookings at each location will be forwarded to the respective education team.
Queries
Contact [email protected] or call 08 8432 1400.