Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum)

 
The Martian Pottery Project, led by ELSI’s Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Thilina Heenatigala, in collaboration with Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the School of Environment and Society, Giorgio Salani, has been awarded Tokyo Tech STEAM Education for Younger Generations Grant with the support of AirTrunk. The project is a unique educational initiative to explore the intersection of planetary science and pottery craft. It aims to engage high school students in Tokyo through hands-on workshops that blend scientific inquiry and crafting with artistic expression. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to merge the fascinating fields of planetary science and pottery,” said Prof. Heenatigala, the project’s Principal Investigator. “This project will not only inspire curiosity about Mars but also foster a deeper understanding of how environmental conditions can influence artistic practices.”

The initiative will allow students to hypothesize and create hypothetical Martian pottery, considering Mars’ unique soil composition and atmospheric properties. “This interdisciplinary approach is a fantastic way to engage students with STEAM subjects in a creative and meaningful way,” added Prof. Salani, Co-Principal Investigator. “By imagining what pottery might look like on Mars, we are challenging students to think critically and innovatively, applying their knowledge in new and exciting contexts.”

The project, set to commence in the coming months, will culminate in an exhibition showcasing the students’ work. This exhibition will not only highlight the educational outcomes of the project but also serve as a platform to celebrate the students’ achievements and the potential of interdisciplinary learning. The Martian Pottery Project promises to be a transformative experience for participants, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and artists.