Learning that lifts off: students turn science into real-world solutions
Soon after the Artemis mission orbited the moon, students at École Champs Vallee were launching scientific ideas of their own.
The Green Moon Project, involving all of the school’s Grade 9 English science classes, saw students create 35 different machines each designed to work in space while improving life on Earth. They recently showcased the machines to community members and fellow students.
Behind the project was an intentional connection to multiple pieces of curriculum. Teacher Amanda Green says space, electricity, and environmental chemistry were all key components of the project. “I wanted to weave those together, and help students gain experience with coding and computational thinking,” she says.
Green says, “The goal for the students was to create a machine that has an electrical system that transforms energy. For instance, some of the students created motion sensor lights, lunar rovers, robotics arms, automated greenhouses, and even a flywheel exercise machine generator.”
"The inspiration for Green Moon was the Artemis mission,” says Green, who is passionate about space research and has done work with the Canadian Space Agency in the past.
“Space is a spark for innovation, and that’s what I hoped would happen. I want students to feel excited about applying what we’ve been learning all year. I want them to see the relevance of what we’ve been learning," says Green.
Students approached the challenge in different ways. Some focused on exploration, while others developed practical solutions for everyday life.
Students Leland and Ashton worked together to create a rover that could collect moon dust to study on earth.
“We were thinking it might help researchers find places in space where humans could live,” says Leland.
Ashton says, “My favorite part of the project was getting it to work. It was a relief!”
Students Ryan and Lakshigan created an automatic light sensor. “I liked this project. It’s easier and more fun than learning from a text book,” says Lakshigan.
“I liked working with my friends,” says Ryan, “I also liked that there was a Canadian on the Artemis mission.”
Sullivan, another student, says "I learned that even though something can look complicated or overwhelming, under the surface, with a little hard work it is doable."
“We learned that not everything is reusable and the resources we have on earth are limited and in space it is even worse,” says Camryn.
Her partner and fellow student, Harsimar, adds, “So with this project we learned that it’s important to conserve what we have and take care of Earth.”
The project was made possible by a grant from Inside Education’s A+ for Energy. Green encourages other schools to apply. “It really helps to support project based learning, which is incredibly valuable for students,” she says.
Echoing the spirit of the first moon landing, students see the Artemis - and their own work - as a step forward for science and for what is possible. Ashton says, “Artemis is a good step for humans,” while Leland finishes the thought, “and a good step for Canada.”
