The CatMart programme reaches 50 schools across Catalonia

Doing research on Mars from the classroom is the premise of the CatMart project, which began this school year in 50 public schools across Catalonia. It is an educational initiative developed by the Hypatia Mars association with the support of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya), bringing the exploration of the Red Planet to pupils in years 3 to 6 of primary school.

CatMart offers a practical and exciting scientific experience through the analysis of “Martian” sand samples collected by the Hypatia I and II crews during their missions at the Mars Desert Research Station (Utah, USA). This simple, self-guided activity promotes scientific thinking and fosters STEAM vocations in the classroom.

The materials are provided in a CatMart box containing tools and samples for 100 students per school. It also includes student and teacher booklets, as well as step-by-step explanatory videos featuring Catalan Sign Language (SLC). For this reason, among the schools that applied for the resource, priority was given to those with deaf students.

Schools have also appreciated that the Hypatia missions are led by women, offering female role models in the field of scientific research.

The CatMart programme is supported by the Government of Catalonia and funded by the European Union through the Next Generation EU funds.