The ROADS challenge, a NASA Science Activation program, recently concluded its 2025-2026 challenge, engaging more than 500 students on 120 teams from eight states in authentic science and engineering experiences inspired by Venus exploration. The ROADS challenge began with educator professional development in August 2025, preparing teachers and mentors to guide students through the ROADS experience.
Registered teams then worked through challenge checkpoints from January through May 2026, with in-person Hub events held in April and May 2026 to give students opportunities to showcase their work, connect with peers, and engage with NASA-inspired STEM activities. The Northwest Earth and Space Science Pathways project, led by Central Washington University, creates opportunities for students and educators to connect with NASA science through hands-on STEM learning.
ROADS Challenge Overview
The ROADS framework challenges upper elementary, middle, and high school students to work collaboratively on mission-inspired activities that mirror the ways NASA scientists and engineers investigate planetary environments and prepare for future exploration. Throughout the academic year, ROADS from Earth to Venus teams completed eight Mission Objectives focused on science, engineering, teamwork, and communication.
Students documented their work in Mission Development Logs, designed mission patches, modeled carbon movement on Earth and Venus, investigated the greenhouse effect, collected remote sensing data using kite-mounted cameras, programmed robotic rovers to navigate Venus-inspired terrain, explored NASA-related careers, and presented their final mission stories through virtual submissions and regional Hub events.
Student Participation and Recognition
In addition to completing the challenge virtually, many students participated in in-person Hub events hosted by NESSP partner institutions, including Central Washington University, Montana State University, and Northern Arizona University. These events gave teams the opportunity to showcase their work, exchange ideas with peers, interact with mentors, and experience college campuses as part of a broader STEM learning community.
- The Evil Twins, The Acid Clouds, Flaming Asteroid Nebulas, and The NASA Intelligence, all from Silverdale, Washington, were recognized in the Elementary School Division.
- Venus Ascenders from Mukilteo, Washington; Project Fuego Venus from Safford, Arizona; Galaxy Dragons from Sequim, Washington; The Four Folds from Hardin, Montana; and Crater Lake Crusaders from Medford, Oregon, were recognized in the Middle School Division.
- Laborantem from Columbus, Montana; Velocity to Venus from Sequim, Washington; Puget Sound Propulsion from Mukilteo, Washington; and Evergreen Explorers from Mukilteo, Washington, were recognized in the High School Division.
Dr. Darci Snowden, Director of NESSP, stated that the ROADS Challenge gives students the opportunity to do more than learn about NASA missions – they become part of the mission. Students took on an exceptionally broad set of mission objectives, from modeling carbon cycles and designing experiments to conducting remote sensing operations with kites and programming rovers to navigate challenging terrain while collecting scientific data.
Future of the ROADS Challenge
The ROADS challenge is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio, which connects learners with authentic NASA science experiences through partnerships with educators and community organizations. Educators, families, and community organizations can continue to access ROADS from Earth to Venus activities and educational resources, along with materials from previous ROADS challenges, through the NESSP website.
Conclusion
The ROADS challenge has proven to be a successful program in inspiring student innovation and interest in STEM fields. With its hands-on approach to learning and emphasis on teamwork and communication, the ROADS challenge is an excellent example of how NASA is working to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see the impact it has on the future of space exploration and scientific discovery.
Source: science.nasa.gov.
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