To mark the landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars on February 18, 2021, the Eugenides Foundation Library has created an online educational program so that we can explore the secrets of the “red planet” together.
Specifically, participants—whose task is to complete a quiz about the planet— search for and identify the correct answers in sources that have been verified and included on the Eugenides Foundation’s website (texts, articles, books, videos, etc.).
When was the first mission to Mars? Is there water on the “Red Planet”? Are there earthquakes there? What is its atmosphere made of? Which regions of Mars are most suitable for hosting future missions?
But also…
What do we mean when we say “accurate and reliable information”? How do we evaluate scientific sources?
Answers to these and other equally interesting questions can be found in an engaging way on the Eugenides Foundation’s website, which is in itself a comprehensive source of a wide variety of reliable scientific information.
At the end of the program, participants have the opportunity to speak with the Director of the Eugenides Foundation Planetarium, Dr. Mano Kitsona, who further explores issues related to the Red Planet and answers their questions and concerns.
The main objectives of the program are to engage participants in the science of astronomy and space exploration and deepen their understanding of these fields, to familiarize them with recent scientific discoveries from space missions and rovers on Mars, to help them understand topics related to the planet’s characteristics, as well as to develop skills for evaluating and locating relevant information in response to specific questions.
The program is offered free of charge, but reservations are required by calling 210 9469631, both for the general public and for school groups.
Days and times for reservations:
Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri. & Sat.: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Thu.: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The workshops are conducted via the Microsoft Teams online platform.
Image credits: NASA
The program is offered both online and in person.