This sorting game is a great way to start the Moon or Mars Colony project!
Project Overview: Can you keep a team of colonists alive and happy on Mars? Students work in teams to complete the ultimate project-based learning STEM experience: planning a long-term settlement in space! The project outline is below, and you can read more here.
Identify the Problem (2 sessions): Learn about Mars
Brainstorm Solutions (1 session): Mars Planning Game
Design Colony Layout (2 sessions): Mars Colony Layout
Build Colony Model (3+ sessions)
Record Video + Complete Submission (2 session): Space Colony Competition Submission
Freebie Overview: The sorting activity is to jump-start students thinking about a colony on the Moon or Mars that fits within the “Identify the Problem” phase of the project. The goal is to facilitate rich discussions on what students might want in a new human civilization on the Moon or Mars!
After a deep study of space rocks, the lunar surface, and craters, students use what they learn to build a catapult that launches “research equipment” into craters. Sure to leave a lasting impact!
Grades: K - 8th
Teaching Duration: 4 hours
Quick View
$45.00
Need a semester-long STEM unit? This Mission to Moon bundle includes engineering design challenges building up to a capstone project of building a habitat on the Moon!
Become a team of astronauts on a Mission to the Moon! This STEM unit of 10 lessons is perfect for elementary STEM classrooms, afterschool programs, or summer camps!
Grades: K-5
Teaching Duration: 1 month
Are You Struggling to Find High-Quality STEM for Your Classroom?
We can help! Move beyond repetitive building activities and elevate your STEM classroom with authentic, inquiry-based units that are standards-aligned and classroom-tested for high-impact STEM learning!
Join today to access 200+ STEM resources and a full-year scope and sequence for grades K - 8 that promotes innovation, problem-solving, and an integrated approach to engineering learning
Living in Space Sorting Game
Updated: February 3, 2025
Type: Stage 1
Grade Level: 3 - 8
This sorting game is a great way to start the Moon or Mars Colony project!
Project Overview: Can you keep a team of colonists alive and happy on Mars? Students work in teams to complete the ultimate project-based learning STEM experience: planning a long-term settlement in space! The project outline is below, and you can read more here.
Identify the Problem (2 sessions): Learn about Mars
Brainstorm Solutions (1 session): Mars Planning Game
Design Colony Layout (2 sessions): Mars Colony Layout
Build Colony Model (3+ sessions)
Record Video + Complete Submission (2 session): Space Colony Competition Submission
Freebie Overview: The sorting activity is to jump-start students thinking about a colony on the Moon or Mars that fits within the “Identify the Problem” phase of the project. The goal is to facilitate rich discussions on what students might want in a new human civilization on the Moon or Mars!
Related Vivify Lessons
After a deep study of space rocks, the lunar surface, and craters, students use what they learn to build a catapult that launches “research equipment” into craters. Sure to leave a lasting impact!
Grades: K - 8th
Teaching Duration: 4 hours
Need a semester-long STEM unit? This Mission to Moon bundle includes engineering design challenges building up to a capstone project of building a habitat on the Moon!
Click for pacing guide & supply list.
Grades: 6th - 8th
Teaching Duration: 12 - 18 weeks
Become a team of astronauts on a Mission to the Moon! This STEM unit of 10 lessons is perfect for elementary STEM classrooms, afterschool programs, or summer camps!
Grades: K-5
Teaching Duration: 1 month
Are You Struggling to Find High-Quality STEM for Your Classroom?
We can help! Move beyond repetitive building activities and elevate your STEM classroom with authentic, inquiry-based units that are standards-aligned and classroom-tested for high-impact STEM learning!
Join today to access 200+ STEM resources and a full-year scope and sequence for grades K - 8 that promotes innovation, problem-solving, and an integrated approach to engineering learning
Editable Budget Sheet for Engineering Design Challenges
Love Bug STEM Challenge - Perfect for Valentine's Day!