Space & Science Field Trips

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Space Foundation Discovery Center is undergoing a transformative remodel, renovation, and expansion with a grand reopening in the Spring of 2024.

During the renovation we are excited to bring our STEM inspired field trips to your schools location! Please find information on our Space2School and Outreach Expedition visits below!

We are still booking field trips TO Space Foundation Discovery Center for April and May 2024.

Field Trips & Classes

field trips and classes Space Foundation supports PreK through 20 students with standards-based curriculum that uses space principles to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) 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 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, and 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.

Do you have questions?

Space2School Visit

SFDC Educator Led
Grades K-12
$375/2 classrooms (max of 30 students per class)
Up to 60 minutes (dependent on grade level)
Additional classrooms $50 each (max of 30 students per class)
NGSS standards-based lesson and hands on activity.
Grade level topics available upon request

Questions or additional information [email protected]

Outreach Expedition Visit

SFDC Educator Led
Grades 5-12
$12 per student
Min 1 classroom (15 students) /Max 3 classrooms (30 students per class)
Two -2 hour visits, 4 hours in total
3 Themes: Exploring our Universe, Topics in STEM or Next Decade in Space.
- Under each theme, there are 5 related topics, schools will pick one topic to complete.
NGSS standards-based lesson and hands on activities.

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

Space Exploration

Artemis

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

Venue: Science on a Sphere

Packages: Voyage 1, Voyage 2, Voyage 3,

Artemis is the new phase of space exploration. Learn about the Artemis mission and how we will bring people back to the moon and potentially Mars! NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1, MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

Astrobiology: Life Beyond Earth

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,

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, the Red Planet

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.

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. NOTE-Students will NOT be printing their design at the Discovery Center. 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.

Coding and Robotics

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,

Students learn about coding robots to perform tasks. 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.

Engineering Design

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 to complete a specific challenge. NGSS standards: 3-5-ETS1, MS-ETS1, HS-ETS1. Addresses 21st century essential skills.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

EXPEDITIONS: 5-week track program

Expedition #1: Exploring Our Universe

The Exploring Our Universe Expedition offers a variety of science topics--including space science, earth science, and physical science. Students will learn about the many systems and spheres of Earth and Earth’s place in the solar system. They will learn ways scientists gain knowledge about the world around them using technology and engineering and what it means for the future of exploring our universe.

Each week of the Expedition, during their approximately 4-hour field trip, students learn a topic and complete between 3-6 activities based on that week’s theme.

#1 Exploring Our Universe - Week 1

Earth - History of the Earth

$25 per Student

Earth - History of the Earth - Week 1

Students Will:

Learn about the geologic time scale and how scientists use different methods to date the Earth

Learn about plate tectonics and how they shape our planet

Extrapolate the future of the Earth based on information from the geologic past

Utilize teamwork to complete a geology "escape room" challenge

Minimum 10 students per session.

#1 Exploring Our Universe - Week 2

Weather & Human Impact

$25 per Student

Weather & Human Impact - Week 2

Students Will:

Learn how heat, humidity, and pressure create weather

Understand patterns of weather around the globe

Simulate major weather events in a controlled environment

Learn about climate and climate change, energy usage, and ways humans can impact the planet and its inhabitants

Compete in a 4-dimensional, weather-themed design challenge

Minimum 10 students per session.

#1 Exploring Our Universe - Week 3

Solar System

$25 per Student

Solar System - Week 3

Students Will:

Learn about each planet and our solar system as a whole

Learn about the other celestial objects (moons, comets, asteroids, dwarf planets, etc.) which make up the three zones of our solar system

Explore humanity’s missions, past, present, and future, in our solar system

Use robotic technology to run a solar system exploration simulation

Learn about different aspects of the solar system in station-based activities

Minimum 10 students per session.

#1 Exploring Our Universe - Week 4

Mars

$25 per Student

Mars - Week 4

Students Will:

Learn about the red planet and what makes it humanity’s next target

Learn about the geological features on Mars, how they are mapped, how they compare to Earth's features, and why we land where we do

Learn details about Mars rover exploration of the past, present, and future

Program and code robotic rovers to explore a simulated Martian surface

Design a mission to Mars

Engineer and perform multi-phasic tests of a Mars lander

Minimum 10 students per session.

#1 Exploring Our Universe - Week 5

Exploring Beyond

$25 per Student

Exploring Beyond - Week 5

Students Will:

Learn the edge of our solar system to define what is 'beyond'

Learn about telescopes and the history of exoplanet discovery

Simulate how astronomers detect exoplanets

Create and analyze a classification system for the stars in our galaxy

Learn about gravity and its effects in space

Simulate black holes to perform gravitational experiments

Minimum 10 students per session.

Expedition #2: Topics in STEM

The Topics in STEM Expedition teaches students the nature of science, how it works, and its relationship to engineering, technology, and math. This Expedition is filled with engaging lessons on the engineering design process, coding, robotics, 3D design, 3D printing, and emerging technologies.

These fun and innovative lessons expose students to concepts and skills useful, and often critical, across a broad range of STEM career fields. Students’ teamwork skills will grow and be challenged throughout this interactive Expedition.

#2 Engineering Design & Technology - Week 1

The Nature of STEM

$25 per Student

The Nature of STEM - Week 1

Students Will:

Learn about the characteristics of science and how we use it to learn about the natural world

Learn how to use scientific argumentation to support a claim

Understand and use inquiry-based problem-solving methods

Utilize teamwork and project management skills to engineer, test, redesign and build a robotic prototype

Use mathematics to measure and calculate aspects of your engineering design

Minimum 10 students per session.

#2 Engineering Design & Technology - Week 2

Engineering Design

$25 per Student

Engineering Design - Week 2

Students Will:

Learn the Engineering Design Process and how it works

Use teamwork to identify a problem, imagine a solution, and begin a design

Learn how to move a design through planning to build and test a prototype

Use problem solving to revise a design to improve performance

Engage in engineering competitions

Use the Engineering Design Process to design and test a solution to a real-world problem – thermal protection

Minimum 10 students per session.

#2 Engineering Design & Technology - Week 3

Coding and Robotics

$25 per Student

Coding and Robotics - Week 3

Students Will:

Learn what a code is and how to read and design a simple code

Learn how codes are used

Code and program a robot to perform specific, sequenced tasks using Ozobots

Learn multiple ways to code Sphero robots, which will be used to have the robot complete tasks, as well as engage in friendly competition with other robots

Minimum 10 students per session.

#2 Engineering Design & Technology - Week 4

Technology

$25 per Student

Technology - Week 4

Students Will:

Learn about the history of 3D printing to its near ubiquity in present day life

Learn how to design in 3D and how to create 3D prints

Learn about electricity and circuits and use knowledge to complete a task

Explore augmented reality (A/R) to study objects and phenomena

Design a simple hologram

Minimum 10 students per session.

#2 Engineering Design & Technology - Week 5

Aerodynamics

$25 per Student

Aerodynamics - Week 5

Students Will:

Learn about the basics of aerodynamics and how airplanes fly

Create their own demonstration of Bernoulli’s Principle

Engineer and design gliders

Learn to fly drones for practical purposes

Minimum 10 students per session.

Expedition #3: The Next Decade in Space

The Next Decade in Space Expedition offers innovative, hands-on lessons based on exciting, upcoming endeavors in space exploration. It’s estimated that today’s $400+ billion space industry will grow into a $3 trillion industry by the year 2050, the time during which today’s students will be working and earning their living.

Students will learn the practical side of STEM concepts from various subject areas, including space science, physical science, and technology to help them understand just how science, technology, engineering and mathematics will shape the next decade in space - and right here on Earth.

#3 The Next Decade in Space - Week 1

Rocketry

$25 per Student

Rocketry - Week 1

Students Will:

Learn about the history of rockets and how Newton’s laws of physics apply to rocket science

Learn about the parts of a rocket and how each part functions during a launch and space travel

Engage with the rocket models in our El Pomar® Space Gallery, including a real RL-10 rocket engine

Design, build, and test multiple types of rockets

Learn about different types of rocket fuels

Minimum 10 students per session.

#3 The Next Decade in Space - Week 2

Back to the Moon

$25 per Student

Back to the Moon - Week 2

Students Will:

Learn about the history of explorations to the moon and what knowledge was gained through those endeavors

Learn about NASA’s Artemis missions and traveling back to the moon

Simulate extracting water and creating rocket fuel from lunar samples

Simulate mining natural resources on the moon

Engineer and test a lunar spacecraft on a simulated lunar surface

Minimum 10 students per session.

#3 The Next Decade in Space - Week 3

Mars Exploration

$25 per Student

Mars Exploration - Week 3

Students Will:

Learn how NASA and JPL program and code rovers to navigate the Martian landscape and perform scientific experiments

Become Martian Rover Engineer teams by using teamwork to code a robotic rover to complete tasks on a simulated Martian surface

Design, build, and test a Mars rover

Use developed rover to conduct geologic sample retrieval

Minimum 10 students per session.

#3 The Next Decade in Space - Week 4

Astronaut Training and the Human Body in Space

$25 per Student

Astronaut Training and the Human Body in Space - Week 4

Students Will:

Learn how astronauts are selected and see if they have what it takes to be an astronaut

Learn about the ways space travel can affect the human body, both short-term and long-term

Experience some of the impacts outer space has on the human body by training exactly as astronauts do

Learn how scientists work to protect astronauts from the effects of space travel

Learn what types of technologies still need to be developed

Minimum 10 students per session.

#3 The Next Decade in Space - Week 5

The Career You Want: Space Has It!

$25 per Student

The Career You Want: Space Has It! - Week 5

Students Will:

Learn how their talents, interests, and hobbies can have a place in the current and future $3 trillion global space ecosystem

Hear from, and talk to, professionals who work/worked in the space industry

Utilize teamwork and project management skills to complete a project within given guidelines and constraints

Minimum 10 students per session.

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