1. U.S. Librarians’ “Countdown to Curiosity”
Thirty-six informal educators from across the United States participated in “Countdown to Curiosity,” a two-day workshop highlighting Mars science and exploration. Participants included 32 librarians and four educators from museums and national parks. The workshop, held November 22 & 23, 2011 in Cocoa Beach, FL, preceded the November 26, 2011 launch of the Mars Science Laboratory onboard the Curiosity rover.
On Day 1, participants took part in hands-on activities associated with the Explore! Mars Inside & Out module (
Through activities and discussion they explored the geologic processes that shape the surface of Mars, how the interior and surface of Mars have changed over time, and if the environment of Mars is now, or ever was able to support microbial life. Guest presenters, including ChemCam instrument team members Dr. Horton Newsom and PI Dr. Roger Wiens, presented overviews of the history of Mars exploration, the geologic history of Mars, and the Mars Science Laboratory mission.
Workshop participants create a Mars community as part of Imagine Mars.
On Day 2, attendees undertook Imagine Mars ( an interdisciplinary project that weaves together the arts and sciences. Participants examined the elements necessary to create and sustain a community and applied their new outlook to create an ideal community on Mars.
Workshop participants attended the launch of Curiosity from KSC and were treated to a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center.
What’s Next?
Participants will implement both the Explore! Mars Inside and Out module and Imagine Mars at their home institutions. All will hold three Mars events over the next year, including an event to celebrate the landing of the Mars Science Laboratory and Curiosity rover on Mars in August 2012!
January 19, 2012
“Countdown to Curiosity” was sponsored by the Planetary Science Division of the NASA Science Mission Directorate.