Space Foundation To Present In-Person and Virtual ‘Small Steps, Giant Leap’ Educational Program Episode

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

Includes Reading of Mark Kelly’s ‘Mousetronaut’ Book, Plus Related Activities

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 22, 2021 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit advocate organization founded in 1983, offering a gateway to information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced the latest episode in its Small Steps, Giant Leap: STEM Adventures for Little Space Explorers education series.

In-person event date: Oct. 5, 9:30–10:30 a.m. MDT

Where:
Space Foundation Discovery Center
4425 Arrowswest Drive
Colorado Springs

Virtual broadcast date: Oct. 19, 9:30–10:30 a.m. MDT

Virtual broadcast registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8882456779894946319

Suggested ages: Pre-K and kindergarten

Theme: “Train Like an Astronaut”

Activity: Interactive exercises that real astronauts do to train for space missions, with SFDC Educator Aaron Bailey

Details: https://discoverspace.org/event/small-steps-giant-leap-train-like-an-astronaut/

Pre-K and kindergarten students will have both in-person and virtual opportunities to “Train Like an Astronaut.” Developed in partnership with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), the lessons and activities have been designed in alignment with Colorado’s Early Childhood Care and Education Science and Reading/Writing Standards, with a specific emphasis on space-inspired science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Admission is free to both events thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Space Foundation Discovery Center Educator Aaron Bailey will do a live reading of former NASA astronaut (now Arizona senator) Mark Kelly’s book, “Mousetronaut,” a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. Kelly flew with “mice-tronauts” on his first spaceflight aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2001, and inspired by that, “Mousetronaut” tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show its readiness for the mission — and is ultimately chosen for the flight. While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes,  and only the smallest member of the crew can save the day. With lively illustrations by award-winning artist C. F. Payne, “Mousetronaut” is a charming tale of perseverance, courage and the importance of the small.

Immediately following the book reading, Bailey will lead the audience in interactive exercises just like the mousetronauts in the book — and also cover what real astronauts do to train for space missions.

To learn more about the Small Steps, Giant Leap program, visit https://discoverspace.org/events/small-steps-giant-leap/.

About Small Steps, Giant Leap: STEM Adventures for Little Explorers

Small Steps, Giant Leap: STEM Adventures for Little Space Explorers is a monthly program of Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education. It is designed to engage pre-K and kindergarten early learners and their teachers, parents and caregivers from all backgrounds with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through interactive storytelling and hands-on activities. The lessons align with early childhood care and education science as well as state reading and writing standards. For more information, please visit www.discoverspace.org/events/small-steps-giant-leap.

About Center for Innovation and Education 

Center for Innovation and Education, a division of Space Foundation, is a lifelong learning platform for the global space ecosystem that offers workforce development and economic opportunity for students, teachers, entrepreneurs and professionals via digital programming or live at Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Through its Workforce Development Roadmap, sponsored programs, and global collaborations, Center for Innovation and Education enhances the outlook and opportunities for new jobs, careers and new business ventures through its Space Commerce Entrepreneurship Programs, New Generation Young Professional Program, Professional Teacher Training, and Space-Inspired Curriculum. To learn more about Center for Innovation and Education, please visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie, and visit www.discoverspace.org to learn more about Space Foundation Discovery Center.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation is a nonprofit advocate organization founded in 1983, offering a gateway to information, education and collaboration for space exploration and space-inspired industries that define the global space ecosystem. Driven by a partnership model, Space Foundation operates three divisions that unite the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through corporate membership, sponsorship, fundraising and grants. Symposium 365 is the premier source for media and events, including the world-renowned Space Symposium and The Space Report. Center for Innovation and Education is a lifelong learning platform. Global Alliance facilitates collaboration around the world. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Center for Innovation and Education, space education, Small Steps Giant Leap, Space Foundation Discovery Center, Mousetronaut, STEM education, virtual lessons, preK, pre-K, kindergarten

Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]

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