TINKERING SCHOOL MARS MISSIONS is a groundbreaking new virtual camp experience for Tinkerers ages 10-15. They will remotely operate real-life “Burly” robots on our Mars site as they take on engineering challenges to save the astronauts heading towards Mars. Daily mission briefings and video transmissions prepare the young “Burlynauts” for genuine collaboration and practical problem-solving from their own homes.
Scholarships are available. Please don’t hesitate to apply!
Tinkering School is committed to making our programs available to everyone. We offer scholarships on a pay-what-you-can basis while funds last. All families will be asked their tuition assistance preference during the registration process.
AGES: 10 - 15
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Tuition: $250
Requirements: Non-Chromebook computer with strong network connection, or a Chromebook and a Zoom-capable device.
Waitlists: If your preferred session is full, be sure to still add your name to the waitlist. Spots occasionally open up and it’s free of charge to join.
Note: sessions must meet minimum enrollment in order to run.
Session Times: 4:00 - 5:30pm (PST)
Dates: 4 week sessions (8 days total)
February 2 - 25 (meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays)
March 2 - 25 (meets on Tuesday & Thursdays)
Our online camps have at least a 1:6 staff to camper ratio. Every Burlynaut receives all the attention and support they need, with genuine interactive collaboration and engagement.
Left to right: an astronaut’s video transmission, a Burly rover, a lava tube at our Mars site, the Burlynaut control panel, another Burly rover, and another astronaut’s video transmission.
Mission Report
The Volunteer Space Agency’s (VSA) first foray into crewed Mars missions, Mission Petra attracts the best and brightest engineers, scientists, and astronauts. In November 2034, the mission’s unmanned, autonomous supply ship - VSS Prelude - launched to Mars.
On January 1, 2035, an error in Prelude’s landing sequence led to a calamitous crash, halting the planned autonomous habitat construction. The mission’s crewed ship - VSS Shelley - could not alter course at that point. Shelley’s crew of 100 astronauts will reach Mars in September. Before their arrival, remote Burly rover operators must construct a landing pad and habitats with the salvageable material from the crashed VSS Prelude. We’re calling on you to save the Shelley!
Become a Burlynaut today!
Control your Burly from Earth using your own computer and collaborate in real time to explore Martian terrain, prepare a landing site, and build a habitable station for the astronauts before they reach Mars. Learn real-life engineering skills, engage in practical physics, and build teamwork. Each Burlynaut operates their very own Burly (actual, real-life robots!) using an easy-to-learn control panel and live video from the Burly’s camera.
Like a drill or a saw, a Burly is a tool and functions as an extension of their user. Burlynauts will be guided to use engineering, physics, design thinking, and practical problem-solving. And of course, have fun!
CUSTOM ONLINE CAMPS for SCHOOLS & PODS
If you have a group of 6 or more participants interested in Tinkering together online, give us a shout at info@tinkeringschool.com. We would love to work with you to design and host an engaging, customized Tinkering experience!
School groups
Friends groups
Family groups (adults included)
Adult tinkering in the evenings
Corporate team building and professional development