Use of space analog missions as an educational tool in primary schools

Space exploration is a field that inspires wide range of people, from children to university students, including the general public. With return Moon planned for 2024 and rapid expansion private industry, educating next generation this challenge becomes priority. As many interdisciplinary programmes in universities are developed, increasing interest do-it-yourself projects can be observed. In addition, nothing more than wish becoming astronauts. By combining these two previously stated themes, space analog missions, simulations life on another celestial body, were used as an educational tool children, our case primary school. frame EPFL semester project, such program was run at Vivalys school Switzerland. A class 16 between age 6 9 successfully designed conducted simulated Mars-based mission September 2020 March 2021, spite difficult COVID situation. The Mission has been entirely integrated year's by adapting subjects (mathematics, sciences, geography, French, sports, history, arts), attending workshops, performing hands-on experiments. Systems engineering approaches adopted allowing acquire knowledge regarding stakeholder analysis, risk management decision tools. young team made design choices presented them experts during reviews. Leadership, teamwork autonomy demonstrated practiced. This innovative: approach combined with education practical work. impact studied using assessment strategies evaluations, rubrics personal interviews. progress skills acquired, well their will work field, highlighted results. Following success program, local schools showed running similar project. Thanks first study, lessons learned curriculum, organizing exterior activities, enhancing participation adults, collected. step towards impacting different groups, starting pre-school right up secondary education. study underlines current need enthusiasm further developed upcoming years easily accessible across Switzerland world, also through promotion IAC.