It’s 2017! For the first time in NASA history, half of the newest astronaut class is female, and this astronaut class is the first to be in training for a future crewed mission to Mars. NASA intends to send humans to Mars by about 2035, and there could be a colony on Mars as soon as 2040.
In theaters, The Martian has shown audiences what it might be like to go to Mars, and Star Wars is inspiring a new generation with a record-breaking film starring a diverse cast and a strong, smart female lead. Online, an aspiring astronaut and future Mars explorer, Astronaut Abby, has over 400,000 followers on social media.
In theaters, The Martian has shown audiences what it might be like to go to Mars, and Star Wars is inspiring a new generation with a record-breaking film starring a diverse cast and a strong, smart female lead. Online, an aspiring astronaut and future Mars explorer, Astronaut Abby, has over 400,000 followers on social media.
|
"Since we first began exploring space, every generation has had a craft to transport their dreams into space. We have seen the Apollo Era, the Shuttle Era, and now we are ready to see the Orion Era. My generation, the Mars Generation, will make it happen. It's our time, we are ready."
- Astronaut Abby |
The time is right for a new television series that will show kids, especially girls, how exciting science and outer space can be.
The Mars Kids! television series concepts are being developed by S. Miria Jo, with consultation from Astronaut Abby and The Mars Generation. Concepts include a series for preschoolers, a series for tweens, and a series for young adults. All Mars Kids! shows are well-researched and science-based, and may include guest appearances from Astronaut Abby and other science and sci-fi personalities.
Astronaut Abby
|
"The mission of the Mars Generation includes exciting and educating young people about the importance of human space exploration and STEM education. A Mars Kids! television series will be a great contribution to our outreach efforts, and will be a fun way to get a new generation of young people interested and inspired in NASA's journey to Mars.”
- Astronaut Abby Founder, The Mars Generation |
The Mars Kids! pre-school and tween series are focused on making science and space exploration appealing to children. The young adult series presents the history and future of space travel in the context of the life of a teen-aged girl who is growing up and exploring her relationship to the universe.
All children, but girls in particular, need to know that they have a wide range of choices in life and in their careers. Mars Kids! shows are designed to open children's minds to amazing possibilities and encourage their interests in the arts and in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). All Mars Kids! series are intended to be watched and enjoyed by both boys and girls.
All children, but girls in particular, need to know that they have a wide range of choices in life and in their careers. Mars Kids! shows are designed to open children's minds to amazing possibilities and encourage their interests in the arts and in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). All Mars Kids! series are intended to be watched and enjoyed by both boys and girls.
Caryn Ward Ross
|
“Research on the gender disparity in television and films, specifically children's programs, shows that as children watch more television, girls’ self-esteem typically decreases. 'If she can see it, she can be it' is critical to girls’ development.”
- Caryn Ward Ross Board of Directors, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media |