Viera, FL - Boeing, a global leader in aerospace innovation, has announced its support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Brevard Public Schools through a generous grant of $250,000 to the Brevard Schools Foundation.
This funding will sponsor the Destination Mars design challenge, a yearlong program aimed at developing real-world problem-solving skills, simulation-based inquiry, and collaboration among our elementary school students. The challenge offers engaging, hands-on learning experiences encompassing coding, circuits, robotics, Minecraft, and engineering design.
The Destination Mars design challenge, now in its sixth year, kicked off on March 6, 2024, and will conclude on March 21. The competition features 42 student teams representing 36 schools across the district. Throughout the challenge, student teams will tackle five distinct mission areas, presenting innovative ideas and solutions for sustaining life and work on Mars.
Student teams will compete in their choice of the following challenges:
Mission Research Station Biodome Pod - Teams design research stations that address the challenges of living on Mars.
Mission Solar Rover - Teams design a functioning solar rover that would be able to travel a straightaway.
Mission Robotic Rover Spike Prime - Teams use block programming to program their rover to complete missions.
Mission Minecraft Education Research Station - Teams use Minecraft Education to design and build a Martian Research Base that would allow members to maintain homeostasis.
Mission Journalist - Students document the progress of each mission and compile a video to show the team’s journey.
Throughout the academic year, student teams have been honing their problem-solving skills both during regular class sessions and in after-school STEM clubs, developing potential solutions to the challenges posed by Martian exploration.
During the competition, a distinguished panel of judges consisting of District staff, School Board members, and Boeing employees will evaluate the teams' projects and performances.
Brevard Public Schools is grateful to The Boeing Company and the Brevard Schools Foundation for their unwavering commitment to advancing STEM education within our classrooms. Their support ensures students can access transformative learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.