Mars exploration projects were the topics at the University of Houston’s Mars Rover Celebration January 28. Eight teams of fifth grade SEARCH students were there to compete and bring home awards.
          The Reckshop Rovers placed first in the RC (remote control) category. Members include Colin Madden, Christopher Hoskins, Luke Revere and Erin Vaughn.
          The Penguins of Mars team placed third in the RC category, and team members are Kyle Flick, Daniel Nagle and Lucas Hopkins.
          Teams spent about six weeks researching Mars,  the previous rovers and their missions. They applied this research to develop a mission plan and build a rover prototype to present to judges at the Mars Rover Celebration at UH.
          “Students really had to use their 21st Century skills in this project: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking and Creativity!” sponsor Stacy Mueller said.  “I am very proud of all the 5th grade SEARCH students that participated in this fun event.”
          Students who presented at UH include both winning teams, The Aqua: Zoe Stilwell; Team Ultra: Nicholas Le, Cole Veloz, Price Moran; Beast Bouncing Blue Bunnies: Walker Conn, Mike Hermes, Logan Hayne; The Red Ones: Allison Proulx, Casey Dinh, Maren Hamilton, Amanda Fleming; Recken Jalepenos: Rhianna Spong and  Duck Rovers: Annie Revere, Kennedy Kaufman, Andrew Lara, and Race Haas.
          Students who studied mars but did not attend the competition include  Thomas Hamre, James Davis, Tristan Rudell, Lucas Hopkins, Erin Vaughn, Sallianne Roher, and Emily Epperson.