Program Highlights

Multi-Day Simulation

There are many challenges to humans exploring Mars, whether it be the scarcity of natural resources, the wild fluctuations in temperature, or the lack of magnetosphere. However, there's no challenge greater to maintaining a human presence on Mars than overcoming the limited amount of oxygen in the Martian atmosphere. During this engaging simulation, which spans the entirety of the forum, students will enjoy guided activities and access to the Maker Centers as they work together to create solutions for survival in an atmosphere that's 96% carbon dioxide.

Immersion Experiences

While the NYLF Explore STEM program took place exclusively at each program location, the alumni program provides students with three unique experiences that allow them to interact with subject-matter experts and gain exposure to emerging STEM fields.

• At the Villanova Immersive Studies Cave, students will be immersed in 3D virtual reality worlds, including the landscape of the Red Planet, and get an inside look at how these worlds are created.
• Students tour a greenhouse and telescope observatory plus hear from Edward Guinan, Ph.D. and Scott Engle, Ph.D., two scientists who are discovering which plants might be best suited to grow on the red planet.
• At Villanova's Structural Engineering Teaching & Research Laboratory, students will take part in a hands-on approach to learning about different building materials when they make AND break concrete cylinders.

Maker Centers

Innovation is often born from the freedom to create. To help assist students with their simulation, they'll have access to Maker Centers, which will provide them with the means to design and test their prototypes. Each day, they'll move their prototype closer to completion, before presenting their final product on the next-to-last day of the program.