More than 20 years after NASA deployed its first rover “Sojourner” to explore the surface of Mars, space exploration continues to inspire future scientists and engineers. On Saturday, March 23, dozens of aspiring space explorers will gather at the University of Houston Student Center South Houston Room to wrap up a six-week mission to build model Mars Rovers. These Houston area elementary and middle school students will display their innovative creations from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. during the 2019 Mars Rover Celebration.
The annual event is the culmination of weeks of lessons following NASA curriculum. For the final project, students use $25 worth of common household items – such as toilet paper, aluminum foil and paper towels - to design and build a model rover for a science mission on the surface of Mars. Students also dress up as career scientists, astronauts and even space aliens.
This competition isn’t just limited to the Houston area. This year, elementary and middle school students from Sacramento, California will join via a live streaming platform.
WHAT: 2019 Mars Rover celebration and awards ceremony
WHO: Houston area elementary and middle school students
WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23
Judging will take place from 10-11 a.m., and 1:30-2:30 p.m.
WHERE: University of Houston Student Center South Houston Room, 4455 University Drive, Houston 77024; parking is available in the Welcome Center & Parking Garage. (Click here for map)
ONSITE MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Domjan, 281-380-0764