Space Across the Curriculum Courses for PreK-12 Teachers
The Space Foundation's Space Across the Curriculum courses provide teachers with a unique opportunity to develop extraordinary classroom skills, while at the same time earning credit for professional development or toward a master's degree.
These week-long intensive graduate-level courses for PreK-12 educators provide space-related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content that is instantly transferable to the classroom. All courses are experiential, hands-on and focused on national standards and STEM principles. Although the underlying focus is on STEM, the courses are structured to adapt lessons to all grade levels and all curriculum areas. Participants do NOT need to be science or math teachers. Public, private and homeschool teachers from around the globe are welcome.
Credits and Degrees
Participants can earn continuing education credits or graduate credits or can apply Space Across the Curriculum courses toward a master's degrees at:
- Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo): School of Education Master of Education and Continuing Education programs with a space studies emphasis
- Regis University: School for Professional Studies Master of Education emphasis Space Studies
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS): College of Education Curriculum and Instruction emphasis Science Education/Space Studies
Location
Space Across the Curriculum courses held at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute in Colorado Springs are open to teachers from any school throughout the world. In addition, we conduct Space Across the Curriculum courses for targeted groups at Colorado State University-Pueblo, Charles County, Md., and in other schools systems on a contract basis.
Note: Earth Systems Science: Our Earth Revealed will be held at Space Foundation World Headquarters, 4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
Fees and Scholarships
We charge a modest fee for teachers, which is often paid through school or school district professional development fees. In addition, there are a number of general and targeted scholarships available.
2012 Space Across the Curriculum Courses
June 11-15
Space Foundation Discovery Institute, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Biological and Physical Research: Long-Term Space Travel
Learn how to teach life science concepts by investigating the effects of microgravity on the human body and exploring the dangers of space exploration. Experience astronaut disorientation in a Barany chair, participate in an underwater pool simulation and compare a trip to the top of Pikes Peak to a long-duration space mission.
June 11-15
Space Foundation World Headquarters, 4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Earth Systems Science: Our Earth Revealed
Discover the Earth's complex geological history as we study weathering, erosion, natural disasters and global climate change through field trips in the Garden of the Gods and surrounding areas.
June 18-22
Space Foundation Discovery Institute, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Meteorology and Space Weather
Examine the different areas of meteorology and how to incorporate them into the classroom. Hands-on lessons will be used to teach meteorology along with a trip to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
June 25-29
Colorado State University - Pueblo
Rocketry
Build and launch a variety of rockets including Pop! Rockets, water rockets and chemical rockets. Also, learn how to incorporate rocketry into the classroom to teach a multitude of standards across various subjects.
July 9-13
Space Foundation Discovery Institute, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Lunar/Mars Exploration and Base Construction 
Explore what it will take to establish and maintain a human presence on the Moon or Mars in this project-based class. Topics will include everything from growing food on Mars to creating oxygen. Build a model of a Lunar or Mars base as the culminating project.
July 16-20
Space Foundation Discovery Institute, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Astronomy Principles for the Classroom: Kinesthetic Astronomy
Learn exciting ways to bring the universe into your classroom. Focus on Kinesthetic Astronomy, a hands-on approach to teaching astronomical concepts to students through kinesthetic movement.
The Space Foundation reserves the right to alter the program, dates or speakers at any time.
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Order Space Foundation Discovery Institute brochures for your school or teacher group.
Contact the Space Foundation at +1.719.955.3241 or download the PDF above.
