What's in a Name? How About a Dash of Science Mixed with a Pinch of Creativity

When NASA announced a contest to name its new Mars rover, Battelle was over the moon. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) serve as the foundation on which our business is built. We’re always working to get students of all ages excited about STEM, and the contest is a great opportunity.

Battelle's STEM education team has had the privilege to be involved with the Name the Rover Challenge, including serving as judges.

The Mars 2020 rover mission is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet. The Mars 2020 mission addresses high-priority science goals for Mars exploration, including key questions about the potential for life on Mars.

The contest was open to K-12 students. More than 28,000 entries were received before the Nov. 1, 2019 deadline.

The finalists in each grade category were recently announced. The grand prize winner is expected to be selected in March.

 

K-4 Finalists

Promise - Amira Shanshiry - Westwood, MA
Tenacity - Eamon Reilly - York, PA
Endurance - Oliver Jacobs - Arlington, VA

5-8 Finalists

Perseverance - Alexander Mather - Springfield, VA Vision - Hadley Green - Oxford, MS
Clarity - Nora Benitez - San Diego, CA

9-12 Finalists 

Fortitude - Anthony Yoon – Norman, OK Courage - Tori Gray - Grand Isle, LA

Ingenuity - Vaneeza Rupani - Northport, AL

Battelle’s scientists and researchers rely on their STEM expertise every day to help solve society’s toughest challenges. This drives our belief that all young people deserve a quality STEM education.

We’re involved in many STEM-oriented philanthropic endeavors; from nonprofit ventures to grants programs and innovative leadership training, Battelle is working to get students excited about STEM as early as possible.