Field Trips and Classes - Space Foundation Discovery Center

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field trips and classes

The Space Foundation supports PreK through 20 students with standards-based curriculum that uses space principles to integrate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) into all content areas. Programs are delivered directly to students in laboratory, classroom and after-school settings by our team of accredited educators.

Laboratories that feature "Immersive Education" experiences for students, are held in our various education facilities located in the Space Foundation Discovery Center, El Pomar Space Gallery, AGI Space Mission Simulation Laboratory, Lockheed Martin Space Education Center, and Northrop Grumman Science Center. Immersive Education programs that put students in real-world scenarios and that utilize the latest technology such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, take advantage of extraordinary teaching tools, including Science On a Sphere®, programmable robots used in a simulated Martian environment and sophisticated software programs used by professional aerospace engineers. We also offer customized programs that teach and reinforce standards-based classroom activities.

The classes we offer are available to individual classroom teachers; school districts and other educational institutions, including public and private schools, colleges and universities offering education curriculum; and homeschool organizations. Fees are based upon the complexity of the program, location and number of students involved.

Select a Class Category below to view Field Trips and Classes.

Space Exploration

Astrobiology: Life in Outer Space

Grade Level/s:
Grade 6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Will we ever find life elsewhere in our solar system? This is one of many questions which drive space exploration. Students will learn about life here on Earth and its connections to searching for life in our solar system. NGSS standards: MS-LS1-5, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS4-1, MS-LS4-2, MS-LS4-4, MS-PS1-2, MS-PS1-3, MS-ESS3-2, MS-PS1-2, MS-ESS2-4, MS-PS1-3, HS-LS1-2, HS-LS2-6, HS-ESS2-7. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Charting Mars

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2,

While it is not yet possible to visit Mars, this Mars based-field trip affords an opportunity to move around on the largest mapped surface of the red planet students may ever see. Exploring important concepts like latitude, longitude, elevation, and compass skills students will walk all over our 25’ x 25’ map to tangibly practice orienteering skills. This experience also includes a scavenger hunt in our museum. NGSS standards: K-ESS3-1, 2-ESS2-2, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, HS-ESS1-6, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Human Body in Space

Grade Level/s:
Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

The human body is composed of atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems that have specific functions and interactions. Students will learn how the human body adapts to long-term space travel and will participate in activities which simulate how the body changes in microgravity. NGSS standards: MS-LS4, MS-LS1, HS-LS1, HS-LS4. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Mars

Grade Level/s:
Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2,

Mars: the fourth terrestrial planet in our solar system and the next great adventure in space exploration. Students will learn about the red planet, its features, and exploration of the past, present, and future. NGSS standards: K-2-ETS1, 3-5 ETS1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Robotics Exploration Mission

Grade Level/s:
Grade 4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Mars Robotic Laboratory

Students engaging in this mission will work in teams to complete mission objectives programming and operating LEGO EV3^® robots on our simulated Martian terrain. These missions will improve students' teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills as well as enhance math, technology and engineering proficiency. NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5 ETS1-2, 3-5 ETS1-3, HS-ETS1-2. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

The Martian

Grade Level/s:
Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2,

Based on the book The Martian by Andy Weir, these lessons teach students about various space-related topics. Areas include Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Math. NGSS standards: 3-5ETS1-1, 305-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3, HS-PS4-5, HS-PS4-2. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Tour of the Solar System

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3, Voyage 5,

Students will learn about the Solar System and Earth's place within it, including the latest information on discoveries and the future of exploration. Ask about our new tour of the solar system programming for grades K-3. NGSS standards: K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-3, 1-ESS1, 2-ESS1, 2-PS1-3, 3-PS2-2, 3-5-ETS1-3, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Tour of the Solar System-Voyage IV

Grade Level/s:

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 4,

Take a tour through the Solar System led by one of the Space Foundation docents.

Engineering Design

3D Printing

Grade Level/s:
Grade 4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: AGI Space Mission Lab

Packages: Mission Bravo,

From replacements parts on the ISS to drones, 3D printing has become a popular method to create products. Students will use Tinkercad to create 3D models. This program will familiarize students with the basics of how 3D objects are designed before being sent to the printer. NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, HS-ETS1-3, HS-ETS1-4. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Aerospace:LCROSS

Grade Level/s:
Grade 4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2,

Students will learn about Moon exploration and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Through problem-solving techniques, students will design and engineer a spacecraft based on the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission to target craters of scientific interest. NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-3, HS-ETS1-2. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Engineering Design: Aerospace

Grade Level/s:
Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2,

Students will use engineering principles to design and construct an aerospace vehicle in order to complete a specific challenge. NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1, MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Engineering Design: Systems

Grade Level/s:
Grade 6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2,

Students will use engineering principles to design and construct a system to solve a problem or complete a needed task. NGSS standards: 4-ESS3, 5-PS2, 5-ESS3, MS-PS2, MS-ESS3, MS-ESS3-2, MS-PS1-2, MS-ESS2-4, MS-PS1-3, MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1, Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Mechanical Advantage

Grade Level/s:
Grade 4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2,

The world around us runs according to constant scientific principles. Those basic principles can be acted upon by mechanical advantage. Students will explore the concepts of force, pulleys, ratios, and the benefits of using simple machines. NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Rocketry

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2,

Students will learn about rocket design and the past, present, and future of rocket launches. Students will assemble rockets while thinking about how forces like direction and magnitude affect the motion of an object. NGSS standards: K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2ETS1-3, 3-PS2-2, MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Space Systems

Cosmic Connections

Grade Level/s:
Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Students will understand Atomic Theory by learning about their cosmic connection to the Universe. All matter is made of atoms, which are far too small to see directly through a light microscope. Elements are unique atoms and thus, have unique properties. NGSS standards: MS-PS1, MS-PS2, MS-LS1, MS-ESS1, HS-PS1, HS-PS2, HS-ESS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Exoplanet Art

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2, Voyage 5,

Students will learn about exoplanets and how they are detected, as well as the Kepler telescope and its success in seeking out habitable worlds in our galaxy. Students will explore this topic further through art. NGSS standards: 4-PS4, 5-ESS1, MS-ESS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Moon Phases

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

The relative positions and motions of Earth, Moon, and Sun can be used to explain observable effects such as seasons, eclipses, and moon phases. Students will learn about these motions to further understand the phases of the moon. NGSS standards: 1-ESS1, 2-ESS1, 3-PS2, 4-ESS1, 5-PS2, 5-ESS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Earth Systems

Electric Earth

Grade Level/s:
Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2,

Students will learn about the Earth's energy and its uses. Students will understand how electricity moves through wires to create circuits. NGSS standards: 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4, 4-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-3, MS-PS3-5, Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Geology and Earth’s Mixtures

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2,

Students will discover how geologists study the Earth and its mixtures. Students will participate in one or more activities which will help them understand how Earth's mixtures are grouped, identified, measured, and displaced over time. NGSS standards: 2-PS1-1, 2-PS1-2, 3-ESS2-1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Geology and the Rock Cycle

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Earth’s surface changes constantly through a variety of processes and forces. Students will learn about the rock cycle and how these processes and forces change rocks over time. NGSS standards: K-ESS2, 2-PS1, 4-PS3, 4-ESS1, 4-ESS2, 5-PS1, MS-PS1, MS-PS3. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Human Impact on Ecosystems

Grade Level/s:
Grade 4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Human survival depends on the health of Earth's ecosystems. Students will learn and understand their place and influence on the ecosystem. NGSS standards: MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-5, HS-LS4-6. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Mining Earth

Grade Level/s:
Grade 4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Students will learn about renewable and non-renewable resources within our planet, as well as possible space mining in the future. NGSS standards: 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS3-1, 5-ESS3-1, MS-PS1-3, MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-3. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Parent Offspring

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Students will explore characteristics of living organisms. Students will learn that offspring have characteristics that are similar to, but not exactly like their parents’ characteristics. NGSS standards: K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Plate Tectonics

Grade Level/s:
Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Students will explore how major geologic events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mid-ocean ridges, and mountain formations are associated with plate boundaries and how these attribute to plate motions. NGSS standards: 4-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Reason for the Seasons

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Students will learn about the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the sun, and how these cause the seasons year after year. NGSS standards: K-PS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-ESS1-1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Satellite Classification

Grade Level/s:
Grade 6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2,

Hundreds of thousands of rockets and satellites have been launched into space, most of which are still orbiting Earth, whether they work or not. A new take on the Linnaean classification system for plants and animals has students helping NASA with the real-life problem of deciding which of those objects to monitor. Students will gain new insights and critical thinking skills when they come up with their own classification system and find out if their system will withstand new entries or if they will they have to rethink everything. NGSS standards: MS-ESS1-3, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, HS-PS2-3, HS-LS2-7, HS-ESS1-4, HS-ESS3-4. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

States of Matter

Grade Level/s:
Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12, K

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

The Solar System yields an understanding of the physical characteristics and changes of solid, liquid, and gas states. Primary students will study the properties of each state of matter through understanding the physical characteristics of Terrestrial and Jovian planets. 3rd - 12th grade students will create a device that changes liquid water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. NGSS standards: 2- PS1-1, 2-ESS2-3. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Weather

Grade Level/s:
Grade 3-4, Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3, Voyage 5,

Weather conditions change because of the uneven heating of Earth’s surface by the Sun’s energy. Students will learn that weather changes are measured by differences in temperature, air pressure, wind, water vapor and changes in the atmosphere. NGSS standards: 3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS2-2, 4-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-6, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-5. Addressees 21st century essential skills.

Weather and GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement)

Grade Level/s:
Grade 5-6, Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Weather is a result of complex interactions of Earth's atmosphere, land and water, that are driven by energy from the sun, and can be predicted and described through complex models. NGSS standards: 5-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-6, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-5. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Weather: Research Through Technology

Grade Level/s:
Grade 7-8, Grade 9-12

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 2,

Students will learn about real-time weather data and will use technology to research a variety of weather phenomena. NGSS standards: MS-ESS2-5, MS-ESS2-6, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-ESS3-5, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-6, HS-ESS3-4. Adresses 21st century essential skills.

Programming

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