HOUGHTON — One small step and one giant leap. This past weekend, a team from Michigan Technological University traveled to the “Great Minnesota Get Together” to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at the Minnesota State Fair. As part of a NASA funded research project, a team of scientists and engineers developed a moonwalk simulator which mimics how it would feel to move in a low gravity environment like the moon. The simulator was on display and presented to K-12 students and families as part of an annual STEM Day event. Students were fitted with a harness and connected to a pulley system that allowed them to walk, jump, and hop along like an astronaut would on the moon.

As the largest state fair in the country, by average daily attendance, the Minnesota State Fair attracts more than 200,000 people on its busiest days. For the STEM Day event, exhibitors presented interactive challenges and hands-on experiences for learners of all ages. The event which was hosted by SciMathMN engaged approximately 15,000 visitors. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair and help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said project leader, Tan Chen, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Tech.

The moon walk simulator was developed by Michigan Tech students, Danny Ezzo, Ingrid Halverson, and Parker Courte-Rathwell as part of their senior design project. Together, they sought out to combine their engineering disciplines for a common design goal — alleviate 5/6th of an individual’s body weight while they walk, run, skip, and jump. The simulator was built in part to help Chen’s team ultimately determine the most efficient way for astronauts to move across the surface of the moon.

Through the Artemis Program, NASA is focused on returning to the Moon so that they can prepare for human missions to Mars. Understanding how to best prepare astronauts to move and optimize their health is critical for mission success. Accordingly, the research project at Michigan Tech involves collaboration with the Physical Therapy Program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

According to Chen, large scale events like STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair help to attract, engage, and enable K-12 students to move toward STEM careers. STEM engagement is a NASA priority as it helps to build a stronger future workforce. Engaging K-12 students is rewarding for all. “This is like a dream come true! It’s so special for me to see something I worked on be inspiring for kids in my home state and super exciting to see our team on twin cities news stations!” explained, Halverson, a Michigan Tech graduate engineering student and Minnesotan.

For more information about STEM opportunities here in the Copper Country visit the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Tech.