LARAMIE, Wyo., Aug. 4 -- The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:

The "red planet" has long captured human fascination from afar, but exploring it in person will require advanced planning and specialized skills in science and engineering. For the 23 high school students who attended the University of Wyoming Teton STEM Academy, that goal is now closer than ever before.

During the action-packed week of July 12-19, Teton STEM Academy students, who came from as far away as Puerto Rico, had the opportunity to get their hands on just about every aspect of conducting a mission to Mars during their stay on the UW campus and visits to area attractions.

Activities throughout the week included designing a Martian colony; choosi...