Science Camps Takes Students to Mars

Science Camps of America will hold a special Space Camp: Mission to Mars starting March 19, made possible in part through a grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

Led by former NASA engineer Denisse Aranda, campers will explore the science, engineering and technology needed to explore Mars in an interactive environment.

Two groups, one from grades six to eight, and another from grades nine to12, will participate in hands-on adventures at Kalaheo High School in Kailua on O‘ahu.

“The future depends on our young people being science-smart, whether they want to pursue a career in a science field or not,” said Michael Richards, executive director of Science Camps. “This is an opportunity for young minds that have an interest in science and space to explore that interest with interactive learning.”

NASA engineer Denisse Aranda of Science Camps of America’s Space Camp: Mission to Mars. Courtesy photo.

Space Camp: Mission to Mars will focus on astronomy, rocketry, planetary science, mission planning, engineering and space exploration technology. The camp will run from March 19 to 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will focus on creating and executing a “Mission to Mars.”

Campers will choose the specific goals of their mission and will learn and expand on the unique costs and technical challenges their mission presents. Activities include building and launching model rockets and using collected data to adjust for varying conditions.

The camp will culminate with a closing event for campers and their families, where the groups will be able to present their “Mission to Mars.”

For more information on Space Camp or to register, go online or call (808) 235-3612.