First on Mars

First on Mars is an Australian-born program that aims to help learners know how to thrive in the future. Via a hybrid experience of AR, VR, drama games, roleplay, minecraft, space props and more, participants take an imaginative journey to a Mars colony that is established but struggling. They are tasked with proposing solutions to ‘what does Mars need first if it is to be a thriving community?’.

While undertaking this journey, the workshop activities launch participants to learning about creative problem solving, collaboration, planning skills, project delivery and storytelling so they can thrive here on Earth (these are all part of the innovative FutureWe.org/framework that stands behind First on Mars).

The program also aims to plug learners into other organisations to create a pathway towards future success - in the space industry or anywhere. To this end we have worked with Space Nation to grow radish seeds that have been to the ISS, and regularly invite experts such as Mars Desert Research Station alumni Richard Blake (and others) to videoconference in or record specific inspirational videos.

Available for primary, high school and all adults, the program has so far run in 10 Australia schools, 1 in the USA, and at 10 adult events from conferences to libraries. It also comes in two versions - a 2-4 hour mini-mission, and a full 2 day incursion that sees participants receive mission patches, present their solutions and leave with a Mars selfie. Find out more at FirstonMars.net.