STEM Soars: Middle Schoolers to Debate Mars Colonization in 2025

Middle schoolers are blasting off with the Mars Colonization topic for 2024-25!

When we think of STEM education, often, we imagine hands-on experiments, coding workshops, and math problem-solving. But there’s a powerful tool that can enhance these skills and prepare students for success in future STEM careers in an unexpected way: debate.

In our middle school debate program, students will debate the pros and cons of Mars Colonization. Our debaters are not just learning about the red planet; they are becoming critical thinkers, problem solvers, and future innovators. By engaging in thoughtful discussions about the implications of establishing human colonies on Mars, students analyze complex information, evaluate evidence, and present well-reasoned arguments.

It’s a special kind of STEM connection that is often left out of discussions on how to prepare our next generation of scientists. By learning to think critically at an early age, debaters are better equipped to tackle complex challenges and innovate new solutions that will drive progress in STEM fields.

Our new Mars topic will foster a range of skills that are essential for success in STEM careers, including:

• Analytical Thinking: Students learn to break down complex issues into smaller, manageable parts and analyze each component critically.
• Evidence-Based Reasoning: They understand the importance of using data, facts, and research to support their arguments.
• Problem-Solving: By debating the challenges of Mars colonization, students develop creative problem-solving skills and learn to think outside the box.
• Public Speaking: Debate requires students to communicate their ideas effectively to others, a skill that is valuable in any career.

But beyond all of these portable skills, we saw at camp how the Mars topic sparked kids’ imagination and got them excited about learning. With the skills they’ll learn, our debaters will be prepared to shoot for the stars whether they pursue space careers or not!

Get Involved

Representatives from the MN Astronomical Society, Augsburg University Physics Department, and the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium joined us to judge middle school debate at camp – but you don’t need to be a scientist to judge! We’re looking for caring adult mentors to serve as debate judges for middle schoolers.

Save the date for upcoming debate tournaments!

Use this link to sign up for shifts!