Design Your Own Mars Colony

In this highly interactive, eight-week course, we will examine what it would take for humans to live on Mars. We will cover the planet’s historic context, major features, geology, atmosphere, climate, and past, present and future exploration. We will then examine what it would take for humans to live on Mars. Learners will design their own colonies based on real life planetary and life science.

In the designs for their colonies learners will consider questions such as:

- How will the colonists feed themselves?
- What will the power sources be?
- How will they obtain water?
- How will they protect from radiation, dust storms and other natural hazards?
- Where will they locate the colony?
- How will they produce air and pressure in the habitats?
- What kind of governmental structure will their colony have?


Final Project (Mars Colony):
Learners will design their own unique martian colonies based on the criteria presented throughout the course.  They have creative options on how to complete the project and will collaborate with the instructor to determine what format works best for their learning style. Students will share their project with their classmates during the eighth week of the course, respond to questions and comments, and ask questions about their classmates’ projects.  


Week 1: Introduction to Mars - In this opening lesson students will be introduced to the planet Mars. We will learn about its context within the solar system and its similarities and differences to Earth. 

Week 2: Present Day Mars - This lesson will examine current day Mars. We will explore its major geologic features, features, climate, and atmosphere. 

Week 3: Mars’ Evolution - In this lesson we will learn about the formation of Mars and how it has changed over time. 

Week 4: Martian Exploration - Students will learn about how we study Mars. We will examine past, current, and planned future missions. 

Week 5: Human and Earth Biology - This lesson will introduce the biological context for humans and requirements for human survival on Mars. 

Week 6: The Martian Environment - We will explore unique challenges to human colonization of Mars, including fractional gravity, the radiation environment, and planetary climate.  

Week 7: Martian Colonization - In this lesson we will explore what requirements and considerations human colonies would have on the Red Planet. We will examine case studies and the unique challenges and opportunities that the planet presents. 

Week 8: Presentations - Students will share their projects with the class and instructor. 

There is no textbook or prerequisites for this class, just a love of learning and curiosity about astronomy and STEM. All necessary learning materials will be provided in the classroom. Classes are designed to encourage student engagement and follow their curiosity.