Course Examines Space Technology

In July, 26 teachers spent a week at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute studying the numerous ways space technologies in our society have benefitted humankind. "Space Technologies in the Classroom: Nanotechnology and Space Spin-Offs" is a Space Across the Curriculum teacher professional development course that examines the practical applications of orbital mechanics and, through field trips and hands-on demonstrations, provides an introduction to space transportation and design, robotics, communications, space power and space structures. The class was among the first to have access to the new Mars Yard at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute.

Space Across the Curriculum courses are held every summer at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute in Colorado Springs and offer continuing education credits and/or coursework applicable to masters degrees in curriculum and instruction with a space studies emphasis. The courses provide lessons that are experiential, hands-on, adaptable for various grade levels and immediately transferable to the classroom.

See more about Space Foundation education programs here.

Pictured: A Mars Yard class exercise in the Space Foundation Space Across the Curriculum course, "Space Technologies in the Classroom: Nanotechnology and Space Spin-Offs."

This article is part of Space Watch: August 2011 (Volume: 10, Issue: 8).