Artemis – Lunar Lava Tube Student Challenge
As a recipient of an Artemis Student Challenge Award, WSGC is supporting undergraduate student teams for our Lunar Lava Tube Exploration Challenge. The LLTEC is a pilot challenge for an integration of the science, engineering and programming to successfully lead to the exploration and utilization of the lunar lava tubes that could support long term human exploration of the Moon. Technical challenges within this project include design and analysis of a model lunar rover capable of semi-autonomous or autonomous navigation.
NESSP Programs & Initiatives at UW
WSGC is affiliated with the Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP) at Central Washington University. Mary Denmon is the Co-I on the overall project and subaward PI for activities taking place at the UW. NESSP is funded through NASA’s Science Activation group through the Science Mission Directorate. The program operations for NESSP at UW include coordination of professional development workshops for educators, logistical support and curriculum development for national student challenges, and coordination of website, social media, and related materials. Specific activities at the UW include:
ROADS Student Challenges
NESSP’s Rover Observation and Drone Survey student challenges program brings our STEM education expertise to educators and students across the United States. Challenges center around a specific scientific topic or NASA mission and create opportunities for educators to participate in NESSP-provided professional development and for students to work together in teams to tackle STEM topics. Challenges culminate in events at regional hubs around the U.S., with top teams earning exclusive NASA experiences. Past target sites include the Moon, Mars, and Asteroids.
UW Riverways
Riverways Education Partnerships endeavors to further the NESSP goal to strengthen STEM education by acting as a bridge between rural and tribal secondary students, dynamic STEM experiences, and higher education. The program focuses on cultural and academic exchanges between UW undergraduate students and secondary students that increase the undergraduates’ skills as educators and mentors, and the secondary students’ skills as scientists and learners. Riverways coordinates Alternative Spring Break programs, after school programs, and campus visits.