At the PAST Foundation, we view every significant milestone in human history as an opportunity to rethink education. The Artemis II mission is a prime example. For the first time in more than fifty years, humans are returning to the Moon. This achievement is not only important for NASA but also creates new opportunities for learning in our classrooms.
What happens when we move beyond treating space as just another chapter in a textbook and instead treat it as an active laboratory for learning?
This edition introduces the Artemis II Mastery Toolkit, a set of activities developed through our Hacking School framework. We know that when students have choices, see themselves reflected in their work, and engage with their communities, learning becomes meaningful and lasting. Hacking School removes traditional barriers in education, gives students a voice, encourages creativity, and builds connections to the real world. These activities are designed for educators, administrators, and parents who want to foster curiosity and exploration among their learners.
Elementary School: Building the Foundations of Wonder
For elementary students, Artemis II offers an opportunity to explore both the process and the people behind space exploration. The goal is to help them build the confidence to see themselves as capable participants in these endeavors.
Student Agency: The Mission Specialist Choice
Allow students to choose a mission role that interests them. Instead of assigning the same task to everyone, set up stations where students can engage in different specialist activities.
- The Activity: Students select a mission role: as Flight Surgeon, they design a nutritious "space snack"; as Lead Engineer, they build a model Orion capsule from recycled materials; as Public Affairs Officer, they write a broadcast script as if reporting from the Moon.
- The Goal: By choosing their path, students take ownership of their learning from day one.
