Space Science/Astronomy

This new Hands-on Universe Program for middle and High school students will fulfill your child's astronomy/physical science requirements. Students will have access to hands-on instruction at Drake Planetarium as well as access to astronomy curriculum and independant activities developed by the National Science Foundation. Students will use image software to explore the universe. This gives students the opportunity to use a remote telescope for orbital observation.

Our Hands-on Universe Program allows students to take on the roles of scientists and engineers as they send spacecraft to the Moon, Mars, or a nearby asteroid. Students work in teams or as individuals to accomplish the specific goals of each mission. The missions are authentic experiences that give students a unique perspective on what goes into putting any craft into space.

This innovative interactive program provides your child with the latest astronomy information and experience using simulations and actual NASA data. Your child will visit our facility once a week, then perform followup online activities at home for approximately two hours before returning the following week.

The Hands-on Universe curriculum integrates mathematics, science, and technology in the context of exciting astronomical explorations. Through the investigation of the solar system, galaxies, variable stars, and supernovae, students develop problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills. Using beautiful images of stars, planets, and galaxies, the students are guided through the process of image manipulation and data analysis.

There will be three four-week sessions. Students can participate in all three sessions, or choose do only do one or two. But a student must attend all four weeks of the session they choose in order to really benefit from the material.

Session I: Mars Exploration

Students chose their Martian landing site, launch their rover, then simulate driving a Mars Exploration Rover on the surface of Mars. Students embark on this simulation individually as they analyze individual rocks scattered throughout the surface of Mars.

On the planet, students use spectrometers and rock abrasion tools on all of the rocks they examine. Students accumulate points as they complete a list of mission objectives, and their final score demonstrates the success of their mission. Through the experience, students gain an understanding of what scientists looked for as they drove the NASA rovers on the surface of Mars.

Session II: Moon Exploration

Students work together on computers to launch their spacecraft to the Moon simulating the Lunar Prospector mission that was sent to research the Moon. Students perform tasks that mimic the actions of scientists and engineers in mission control.

Students take the spacecraft through pre-launch, launch, cruise, and orbital insertion. During each of these phases, students gain an understanding of how their position contributes to the mission. At the end of the mission, students guide their spacecraft to impact the surface of the Moon. This was the last phase of the Lunar Prospector mission. It was done so that seismographs on the Moon and telescopes on Earth could be used to analyze the impact results.

Session III: Asteroid Exploration

Asteroid Exploration simulates the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous Shoemaker spacecraft that observed two different asteroids, Eros and Mathilde. Students assume roles like “mission manager” and “public affairs officer” to work together as mission control, using 12 computers to launch the spacecraft over the Internet. The spacecraft performs a flyby of Mathilde. Students must then make advanced calculations to adjust the spacecraft’s course and align it with Eros, where it will make observations until the end of its mission. The simulation is the perfect resource for physical science classes, and the calculations required to track the orbits of the asteroids also make it an excellent addition to physics curriculum.

Physical/General Science

Our Simple Machines & Robotics Lego program is a terrific physical and general science program for kids in Grades 3 through 6. Students will learn about gears, pulleys, inclined planes and other simple machines through the creation of their own Lego inventions. More advanced students will create their own Lego robots using sensors, motors, and gears, to gain hands-on experience in engineering and computer programming.

Session I: Simple Machines - October 4 - 25, 2005.
Students will be able to use and build five simple machines (lever, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane and screw). Each student will be able to demonstrate how simple machines can reduce effort and force. Students will be able to identify tools and gadgets which are actually simple machines.
Program will be held every Tuesday from 1:00 - 3:00pm

Session II: Robotics - November 8 - December 6, 2005.
This session provides students with meaningful activities that introduce and reinforce concepts like ratios, diameter, radius, and circumference; friction; measurement of distance, time, angles and speed. Simultaneously, students are challenged to design their own original solution to each problem presented, developing "out-of-the box" thinking skills.
Program will be held every Tuesday from 1:00 - 3:00pm (No program Nov. 24)

Session III: Architecture - January 10 - 31, 2006.
Enjoy learning the principles of architecture using modeling and engineering techniques. Design and build a tall ancient and earthquake proof structures, daVinci machines, and other original ancient achitecture.
Program will be held every Tuesday from 1:00 - 3:00pm