NASA’s NESSP Program Concludes the Artemis ROADS III National Challenge
The NASA Science Activation program, specifically its Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP) team, has successfully wrapped up the 2024-2025 Artemis ROADS III National Challenge. This educational competition was structured to bring authentic NASA mission goals into the classrooms, engaging more than 1,500 students across the United States. The challenge ran from December 2024 to May 2025 and saw participation from over 300 teams comprising students from upper elementary, middle, and high schools spread across 22 states. These young minds were tasked with applying their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in inventive and engaging ways.
Mission Objectives Inspired by NASA’s Artemis Missions
The competition was designed around eight Mission Objectives, each inspired by NASA’s ambitious Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon. The challenges were diverse and aimed at pushing the boundaries of the students’ problem-solving and creative skills. Some of the tasks included:
1. **Designing a Lunar Water Purification System:** Students were inspired by local water cycles to develop a system that could purify water on the Moon.
2. **Creating a Moon-Based Agricultural Plan:** Teams were required to devise an agricultural plan suitable for lunar conditions, relying on experimental results.
3. **Programming a Lunar Rover:** Another exciting challenge involved programming a rover capable of autonomously navigating the Moon’s tunnels.
4. **Engineering a Human-Rated Water Bottle Rocket:** Students had to construct and refine a rocket that could safely return a “chip-stronaut” to Earth.
5. **Imagining Future Careers:** Through creative outlets like graphic novels or video interviews, participants explored potential future careers in space exploration.
6. **Exploring Through Games:** A new Artemis-themed Lotería game was developed to help students learn more about NASA’s Artemis program in an engaging manner.
Collaborative and Educational Opportunities
To enhance the educational experience, in-person hub events were organized by Northern Arizona University, Central Washington University, and Montana State University. These events provided opportunities for teams from Washington, Montana, and Idaho to present their projects, collaborate with fellow participants, and get a taste of college life. Moreover, students had the chance to virtually engage with NASA scientists and engineers through the NESSP’s NASA Expert Talks series, providing them with direct insights from professionals in the field.
Transformative Experiences for Students
Dr. Darci Snowden, the Director of NESSP, expressed her enthusiasm about this year’s challenge, describing it as the best iteration yet. She highlighted the transformative impact of the competition on students and educators alike. Many participants reported that their involvement in the challenge significantly altered their perceptions of science and engineering. This transformation is attributed to the program’s design, which emphasizes the joy of discovery and innovation. It allows students to experience the creative and collaborative spirit that drives real scientists and engineers. The challenge also introduces students to the wide array of STEM expertise that NASA depends on for planning and executing missions like Artemis. Most importantly, it gives these young learners a sense of being part of NASA’s mission, an experience that can be profoundly life-changing.
Recognition of Outstanding Teams
NESSP proudly acknowledged several teams for their exceptional performance in completing all eight Mission Objectives and the Final Challenge. Some of these teams included:
– Space Pringles from San Antonio, TX
– Space Axolotls from Roberts, MT
– TEAM Wild from Eagle Mountain, UT
– Pessimistic Penguins from Eagle Mountain, UT
– Dwarf Planets from Eagle Mountain, UT
– Astronomical Rovers from Eagle Mountain, UT
– Cosmic Honeybuns from Eagle Mountain, UT
– Houston, We Have a Problem from Eagle Mountain, UT
– FBI Wanted List from Eagle Mountain, UT
– Lunar Legion from San Antonio, TX
– Artemis Tax-Free Space Stallions from Egg Harbor, NJ
– Aquila from Gooding, ID
– Space Warriors from Wapato, WA
These teams, along with others, were highlighted in a Virtual Recognition Ceremony video available on the NESSP YouTube channel. The presentation also featured teams selected to visit the Kennedy Space Center in August 2025, a prestigious reward for these aspiring space explorers.
Support for Educators
The ROADS program not only engaged students but also provided valuable professional development opportunities for educators. Workshops and resources aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were offered to K–12 teachers. These materials were designed to help educators integrate the challenge’s content into their classrooms effectively. Teachers interested in these resources can register for the upcoming workshops scheduled to begin in August 2025.
About NASA’s NESSP Project
The NESSP project is supported by NASA cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC22M0006 and is part of NASA’s broader Science Activation Portfolio. This portfolio connects NASA’s scientific expertise, authentic content, and experiences with community leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of our universe. For those interested in exploring more about how Science Activation connects communities with NASA’s scientific endeavors, additional information is available on NASA’s website.
In conclusion, the 2024-2025 Artemis ROADS III National Challenge has not only inspired students to engage with STEM in meaningful ways but has also equipped educators with the tools needed to foster a new generation of scientists and engineers. As we look to the future, programs like these will continue to play a crucial role in preparing young minds for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s space exploration efforts.
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