NASA HUNCH Kickoff Lesson Plan

Welcome to NASA HUNCH: Moon to Mars

Today, we begin our NASA HUNCH journey. You are joining a nationwide program where students create real solutions to support NASA’s Moon to Mars missions

Why HUNCH Matters

This program is about more than grades. NASA HUNCH gives you authentic, workforce-level challenges. Your work will directly connect to astronaut health, mission operations, and space exploration.

Project Categories

Software | Biomedical Science | Design & Prototype. Your project could involve programming, robotics, AI, biomedical engineering, or physical prototyping.

First Two Weeks Roadmap

Explore → Select → Brainstorm → Form Teams → Begin Design. You’ll explore projects, pick your top three, brainstorm solutions, form teams, and begin the design process.

Digital Accountability Activity Notebook (D.A.A.N.)

This is your digital engineering notebook. Document daily progress, brainstorming, plans, and reflections—just like real engineers.

Brainstorming

Think Big. Think Bold. Each of you will generate 3–5 possible solutions for your top projects. NASA values creativity and divergent thinking.

Team Formation

Teams of 2–3 students based on overlapping interests. Share ideas, combine them, and start developing a group direction.

Engineering Design Process

Follow the Engineering Design Process: identify, research, brainstorm, prototype, test, refine. Document each step in your D.A.A.N.

Expectations

Iterate. Document. Communicate. Revise ideas, build prototypes, and communicate regularly. You’ll present to NASA professionals at the end of the year.

Your Mission Starts Now

Select your top 3 projects. Set up your notebook. Be ready to brainstorm. You are the engineers NASA is counting on.