Education


Explore Space Experience Launches at Discovery Center

Written by: developer

A goal of the Space Foundation’s education programs is to help young students develop an interest in STEM subjects, to spark life-long passion for science, technology, engineering and math. It is part of our education mission to partner with communities and with parents on organic workforce development, so that children can put down roots in their community and eventually join the local workforce with the job skills needed for the future.

The Space Foundation has created a summer program at its Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, specifically for youngsters ages nine through 12 years. Explore Space Experience is designed and led by certified master teachers to offer a variety of hands-on, immersive activities and experiences based on space and science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). The program is based in an integrated approach to problem solving and teamwork.

Some of the educational activities in Explore Space Experience teach students how to use actual software and training equipment used by astronauts and aerospace professionals, including AGI’s Systems Tool Kit® and a Barany Chair. Students get to experience the challenges and training involved with sending astronauts to space by studying and participating in Human Adaptation to Space Flight, Astronaut Olympics, Astronaut Nutrition, Space Suit Design Challenge, Water Filtration Design Challenge and Preparing for an EVA. The activities are fun, and also teach basic engineering principles, such as designing and launching Straw Rockets and Alka-Seltzer® Pop Rockets, and competing in a Paper Airplane Design Challenge and a Mars Lander Design Challenge.

The students are also using Kerbal Space Program to learn the basics of aerodynamics, rocket science and about the scientific method guides that engineers use to create rockets and airplanes.

See more about the new Explore Space Experience here, and learn more about the Space Foundation’s community approach to education and workforce development through its Space in the Community program here.

About the Discovery Center
Located only five minutes from Garden of the Gods Park at 4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation Discovery Center is the region’s only space, science and technology attraction. The Discovery Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed on major holidays. Military discounts are available with I.D. For admission fees and other Discovery Center information, click here, or call the Space Foundation at 719.576.8000.

This article is part of Space Watch: July 2016 (Volume: 15, Issue: 7).


Posted in Education