Girls help set up Mars colony

Working remotely and virtually with students at Gems Modern Academy in Dubai during the school break, iSTEM students from Wiley Park collaborated on solving the theoretical challenge of setting up a functioning colony on Mars.
Their work included proposals on habitat structure, transport, energy production, food and oxygen production, waste management, radiation protection and even a system of government.
Drawing on research conducted by both schools and incorporating 3D modelling design, the team presented their ideas virtually to a panel of STEM and space industry leaders from around the world with representatives from the Council for Australian-Arab Relations, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Space Agency along with their counterparts in the United Arab Emirates at the World Expo in Dubai.
Head science teacher at Wiley Park, Murray Henstock, said it was exciting to be able to provide real world experience in connecting globally with others to solve common challenges.
“The program allowed the girls to develop their teamwork and collaboration skills along with their scientific knowledge, creative thinking and problem solving capabilities,” he said.
“Sharing cultures and ideas in real time across the globe is a powerful way for students to connect their learning with the wider international community.”