Background Picture shows Link-Up day Students create prototype Martian Colony Students learn about Mars, teamwork, and use telecommunications 49 schools involved in 1999-2000 School's investment --> $1.6M (1996-2000) Facts More than 1800 students from 49 schools attended Mars Missions Link-Up Days during 2000 Student teams constructed 12'x12'x8' habitats and displayed their life support systems Designed to accommodate students with special needs as active participants Special guests included Representative Thomas Udall Mars Missions is an annual project sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base Entire NM Congressional Delegation Letter of Recognition for Mars Millennium Colonization Mission Participation 94-95   9 school ~180 students 95-96   12 schools ~240 students 96-97   16 schools ~320 students 97-98   17 schools ~350 students 98-99   39 schools (Albuquerque and Southern New Mexico) ~Over 1000 students 99-00   49 schools (Albuquerque and Southern New Mexico) ~ Over 1800 students Mars Missions Participation Form