Module 3: Mission to Mars

Blast Off into Brain Science:
Hands-On SEL and STEM for Grades 2–5

SEL Focus: Neuroscience of Emotional Regulation
STEM Focus: Space Mission Engineering

Teaching children the neuroscience of emotional regulation improves their ability to manage emotions

Imagineerz@School’s Mission to Mars module blends space-inspired engineering challenges with brain science, helping students strengthen SEL competencies and develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

SEL Objectives

Apply their knowledge of the human brain to make better choices by utilizing these social-emotional strategies:

  1. Understand Brain Anatomy & Physiology to learn the roles and interactions between the amygdala and pre-frontal cortex in the human brain
  2. Apply Inhale-Calm Down-Adapt-Now Try (i-Can!) to reset after a setback
  3. Use Amygdala Calming Actions (ACA) & Amygdala Calming Thoughts (ACT) to overcome obstacles

STEM Objectives

Assist NASA in completing their maiden journey to Mars by applying these physics concepts and protective measures:

  1. Use Thrust & Gravity to get a rocket into orbit
  2. Incorporate Air Resistance & Drag to ensure a space ship’s safe landing
  3. Create Hermetic Seals to allow astronauts to survive in extreme weather conditions

Video Lessons

Materials

Materials Needed

* = Not provided in kits

8 Builders

20-30 pieces of Each Per Student for All 10 Lessons

  • Construction Paper
  • Jumbo Craft Sticks
  • Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
  • Cut-Up Cereal Boxes or 22pt Chipboard (4×6)*
  • 3 oz. Dixie Cups
  • Bendy Straws
  • Twine
  • Paper Towel Rolls* (Optional)

2 Tools

1 per 2-3 Students for All 10 Lessons

  • .94 in. Masking Tape
  • Scissors*

Tester

1 Per Student

  • Wiffle Balls

Note: Mung beans* or beads are used in Lesson 4. For testing stations, set up 4-5 bins (10-15 qt. each) and some beads or beans for each bin.

Ordering Materials

Click here to order materials on Amazon

  • The quantities on the Amazon list reflect what you will need for one classroom of 20-24 students. Please adjust quantities if ordering for more or fewer students.
  • Remember to ask classroom parents for donations of cereal boxes and paper towel rolls. All other materials can be ordered from the list above.

Best Practices

  • You do not need to give each student their own set of materials. Just lay out all the materials and let them select what they would like to use — the video will tell them how many they can use.
  • Spread materials throughout the classroom to avoid crowding.
  • In addition to cereal boxes and paper towel rolls, you can ask classroom parents for other recycled materials, like egg cartons, but we suggest you avoid the following:
    • Styrofoam — Classroom forecast: Snow showers!
    • Cardboard — You’ll spend all your time helping cut cardboard, rather than i-Can! coaching!
  • Request that classroom parents cut recycled cereal boxes in half, both lengthwise and crosswise.

Set Up and Tips

Quick and Easy!

  1. Lay Out Our Standard Set of Materials:
    • Students use the same communal materials across all 10 lessons, so you never need to assemble individual material kits!
    • Simply lay out our standard set of materials before each lesson and replenish individual materials as needed.
  2. Set Up Testing Stations (If Needed):
    • A few lessons require additional set up, such as creating a square with blue tape to use as a target area.
    • We include all special instructions in the Set Up and Tips for each module.

 

Print this document and keep it handy to take a quick look before each lesson.
Set Up and Tips

Resources

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Draft Parent Emails

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