Andrea Novicky

Novicky’s innovative project, “The Spartemis Mission,” launches students on a figurative journey to the moon. Students will study the current Artemis mission and use NASA data to create topographically and atmospherically accurate lunar landing simulations using real-time rendering technology. The project focuses on engaging students in the study and application of algebraic functions, physics and advanced technology through the engineering design process while increasing proficiency in algebraic thinking. According to research by the Gates Foundation, students who pass Algebra 1 by the ninth grade are twice as likely to graduate high school and more likely to enroll and graduate with a bachelor’s degree and go on to well-paid careers. Using the current Artemis mission as the map and their imagination to drive them, Novicky thinks this unique teaching idea will motivate and inspire students.