Mini-Missions
What is a Mini-Mission?
NESSP Mini-missions are summer experiences led by local educators and community members. NESSP provides suggested activities, supplies, training/support, and instructor stipends. Instructors make the schedule, find a place to host, and recruit students. This year, NESSP offers two mini-mission options: Artemis ROADS mini-mission and ROADS on Icy Worlds mini-mission. Please check out the links below to learn more about each mini-mission and the resources available! We also recommend you review these slides or this recording from our 2024 mini-mission info session.
What Mini-Mission are available?
Applications for 2025 mini-missions will open in April of 2025.
Artemis ROADS Mini-Mission
The Artemis ROADS Mini-Mission is a weeklong series of hands-on activities inspired by NESSP’s 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025 national challenges.
Students will explore NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon, by completing hands-on activities tasks designed to enhance their STEM skills and understanding of space exploration.
Grade Levels: 3-12
Suggested Length: 5 days
Resources:
- Artemis ROADS Mini-Mission Instructor’s Guide
- Artemis ROADS Mini-Mission Student Workbook (Mission Development Log)
- Artemis ROADS Mini-Mission Resource Folder
- Artemis ROADS Mini-Mission Suggested Schedule(s)
- Fillable Recruiting Fliers
ROADS on Icy Worlds Mini-Mission
The ROADS on Icy Worlds Mini-Mission is a weeklong series of hands-on activities designed to simulate the planning of a rover mission to an icy world like Europa.
Students will engage in a mix of science and engineering challenges, working through hands-on activities that mirror real-world mission planning and exploration.
Grade Levels: 3-12
Suggested Length: 5 days
Resources:
- Icy Worlds Mini-Mission Instructor’s Guide
- Icy Worlds Mini-Mission Files
- Suggested weekly agenda
- Materials List
- Fillable Recruiting Fliers