Nexus SES is a space exploration simulation where participants play the role of explorers aboard the research vessel Nexus. Their missions are based on real-world challenges which help them develop a range of STEM skills including problem solving and team-work. Participants are rewarded for ingenuity in trying different approaches to finding solutions.
How a Mission Works
- Briefing: The crew receive a clear mission outline and constraints.
- Exploration: They ask questions, request scans, and gather information.
- Options: They discuss possible approaches and weigh trade‑offs.
- Decisions: The crew choose a course of action.
- Outcomes: The simulation responds and the situation develops.
- Debrief: The group reflect on what happened and what they might try next time.
Roles on the Nexus
TC – The Controller: The ‘out‑of‑world adult’ who runs the simulation. They manage pacing, rules, and consequences. The TC is not a character and does not need to act or improvise.
The Archivist: The ship’s computer. Often supported by AI, the Archivist provides logs, sensor data, and reminders from inside the world without telling the crew what to do.
The Crew: The young people. They take on roles such as Navigator, Engineer, Science Officer, or Communications. They make decisions together, and live with the outcomes.
Adult Captain (Optional): An adult may appear ‘in‑world’ as the ship’s Captain to set tone and model calm leadership. By default, the Captain stays on the Nexus while the crew take the lead.
Why This Kind of Sim?
Nexus SES is being developed to provide an engaging context for gamified learning.
What’s Next?
We are working to make Nexus SES a flexible framework for families, groups, and schools. Updates and resources will be available here on edventures.uk.