About the Course
For decades, scientists have looked to Mars as an untapped resource, one that possibly holds clues to the origins of the solar system as well as the potential for future colonization. Numerous autonomous satellites and rovers have been sent to the red planet, and with each successful mission, we learn more about our most accessible celestial neighbor. In this course, you and your classmates will take on the role of intrepid interplanetary explorers, learning about the fascinating complexities of tasks like landing an exploration vehicle, and planning a Martian colony.
We’ll explore topics such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, Kepler’s laws, and terraforming as we learn about the atmospheric and geological conditions that exist on Mars. Using this knowledge, we’ll design plans for a mission and develop a sustainable blueprint for a prosperous civilization. We’ll build and evaluate models of Martian colonies and probes and debate the ethical considerations of space exploration and colonization. Through a combination of independent activities and group work, you’ll take an interdisciplinary approach to mapping the future of Mars.
The content in Planning for Life on Mars overlaps with the CTY course Project Mars. Students who have already taken Project Mars may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.
Learning Objectives
- Identify differences in geology, weather, atmosphere, and gravity between Earth and Mars
- Articulate how differences in the two planets’ geology, weather, atmosphere, and gravity will impact human colonization efforts
- Plan, design, and build a model of a sustainable colony on Mars
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 6 weeks
Times: 3 - 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: June 8, 2026
Filling up fast! 2 spots left
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work) Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work) Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Thu for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work) Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid