The successful landing of NASA's Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars on the morning of Friday 19th February 2021 (Singapore time) was a very fitting end to a week that saw Year 6 participate in DCIS's latest STEAM challenge from MIT.
The challenge, entitled Mission MOXIE, tasked the children to investigate and test different types of filters. This was in reference to the MOXIE experiment which makes up part of the Perserverance rover's portfolio. MOXIE, or the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment will demonstrate a way that future explorers might produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere for propellant and for breathing.
The students showed great enquiry skills and enthusiasm as they carried out research into the rover and its destination, Mars. They used what they learned to create digital animations and information posters for younger children. The students even had the opportunity to create their own model Mars rovers, using Lego WeDo, and programmed their movements.
A wonderful week of learning and fun was enjoyed by all. Well done Year 6!
