Space Foundation Conducts Xplore Space Programs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.(Nov. 19, 2007) — The Space Foundation, in conjunction with Air Force Space Command and with the support of Analytical Graphics, Inc., recently conducted four Xplore Space programs in the Colorado Springs area. The Xplore Space program brings military and aerospace professionals into the classroom to show students practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) principles through space-related subjects.

The first Xplore Space program took place at Douglass Valley Elementary in Colorado Springs on Sept. 25. Speakers included Space Foundation Senior Vice President of Policy & Public Affairs Steve Eisenhart; astronaut Capt. Jeff Ashby, USN; and United StatesAirForceAcademy astronautics department head Col. Martin France, USAF. The students then divided into groups and rotated through three stations where they learned about the history of satellites, the use of satellites and missiles, and built and launched paper rockets.

The second Xplore Space program took place at Odyssey Elementary in Colorado Springs on Oct. 23. Space Foundation Director of Education Enterprise Iain Probert spoke to the 5^th grade students about the importance of learning science and math, and the excited students then watched the live launch of STS 120, narrated by France. Following the launch, the group participated in breakout sessions where they learned about the history of satellites, space missions, and built and launched paper rockets.

The next two Xplore Space programs were conducted at PeytonMiddle School and AirAcademyHigh School on November 13 and 15.  These middle and high school students participated in four to five breakout sessions on the history of satellites, satellites and missiles, orbital mechanics, and rocketry.  Presenters again included Probert and France.

Overall the Xplore Space programs reached hundreds of area students, introducing them to the excitement of studying the STEM disciplines through the medium of space.

Pictured:  Students at AirAcademy participate in the rocketry breakout session.