Space Settlement Design Competitions (aka SpaceSet) are designed for high school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By providing a simulated industry environment for our participants to work in, along with complex futuristic problem and the dynamics of large teams to deal with, students will require guidance and support.
This is where a mentor is critical to their success. The SpaceSet journey is challenging, and ultimately beneficial, for students; increased success comes with the deft guidance of a mentor.

Mentors can do just about anything to help the team with the project; but it is the students’ that must do the actual design. Mentors should be onboard from the word go and available from the earliest stages of planning right through to the proofreading. The best mentor is one that is there to keep the students moving towards their submission, helping them avoid getting bogged down in decision making. Ultimately, they’re happy to assist in any way that does not see them actually contribute to the writing of the submission.

It’s also important to note that mentors do not have to be teachers. A mentor does not have to have any specific qualifications, or anything more than an interest in the competition. They can be parents, teachers, community members, or ex-students, anyone interested in supporting a team.
If a participating team makes the ISSDC Finals, students must be accompanied by legal guardians, or their representatives.

Once your team has Registered, AEC will provide can provide you with an Information Pack that provides additional information on mentoring. Available documentation includes:

• Lesson Plan
• Weekly Reflections
• Marking Rubric (Australian curriculum only)

And don’t forget to check out our FAQ page as well.