Six-year evolution of a space-inspired collaborative problem-solving study program in Finland

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the six-year qualitative longitudinal case-study of the Epic Challenge study program in Finland. Created in 2008 for NASA engineers, the Epic Challenge program has grown and evolved to teach collaborative problem solving that reaches across different disciplines and ages. The paper presents an overview and evolution of program features and teaching methodologies. In the program, students learn a challenge-based methodology called Innovative Conceptual Engineering Design (ICED) and use this methodology to develop innovative solutions connected to the overarching challenge of sustainable human habitation of Mars. The program is built around the assumption that
 space exploration as a complex, multidisciplinary challenge provides the inspiration, a driving force and integrated curriculum for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts and problem-solving techniques in four key areas: teamworking, networking, systems thinking and innovation. In 2015 the program was adopted and fused with a phenomenon-based learning curriculum in Finland, and it grew to be taught to students of various backgrounds from high-school to doctoral level. The course delivery and content were modified annually based on lessons learned and more than 500 students have gone through the program in Finland. The paper presents the evolution of key program features and concludes by presenting the most robust features of the program implementations that could benefit space agencies, companies and faculty interested in promoting space and STEM related competences.