Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-089
April 16, 2008
Students Count Down to Marsville Blast-Off
WHITEHORSE - Grade 6 students from seven schools will be blasting off on the annual Marsville Link Up Day.
Over 120 participants will be simulating a space launch and colonizing Mars April 18 at the Vanier Catholic Secondary School gymnasium. This is the biggest Yukon group ever to participate in the event which will include participation from schools throughout Canada and the United States.
“Marsville is a fun, hands-on experiential education project that engages students in science and brings kids together to build something out of this world,” Education Minister Patrick Rouble said.
The purpose of the event is to raise interest in science, space and technology. Classes have spent months preparing for the event by studying the planet Mars and space exploration. They have made computerized Mars rover robots with Lego and they will be running their rovers through a maze. Some of the best of their home-built space suits will be presented.
In the morning, they will lift off and build their life support systems - space domes, out of plastic. A display of alternative energy will also be presented in the morning by Energy Solutions Centre staff.
Students will also get to view a five-minute video prepared by Canadian Astronaut Steve McLean especially for the Yukon students.
Participating schools are: the Grade 6 Late Immersion French Class from Whitehorse Elementary School, Jack Hulland Elementary School, Elijah Smith Elementary School, Robert Service School (Dawson City), Tantalus School (Carmacks), St. Elias School (Haines Junction) and Atlin School (from Atlin, B.C.).
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| Contact: | ||
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Michele Royle Communications Coordinator (867) 393-7102 michele.royle@gov.yk.ca |
Terry Markley Intermediate Programs Coordinator (867) 393-7104 terry.markley@gov.yk.ca |
Media are invited to attend the event and meet Yukon’s young astronauts on Friday, April 18, at the Vanier Secondary School gym. Media are welcome anytime between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., but between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. is recommended for the best photographs.
Yukon students will be colonizing Mars in another annual Marsville project.