Part of the Space Foundation’s mission is; enabling humanity by intellectually preparing the next generation for the challenges that lie ahead. Its education programs, which use space themes and principles to help educators explain complex topics and inspire students to learn, are applicable to grades preK-20, and address the entire curriculum with emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
The Space Foundation’s education programs are explained in detail at www.SpaceFoundation.org under the Education tab. The major components are:
• Space Foundation Discovery Institute (SFDI): The Space Foundation’s education headquarters in Colorado Springs house classrooms, a Mars Yard, a NASA Educator Resource Center and the AGI Space Missions Simulator, a laboratory comprising computers and software donated by Analytical Graphics, Inc.
• Space Across the Curriculum: week-long intensive graduate-level courses for PreK-12 educators that provide space-related STEM content that is instantly transferable to the classroom
• New Horizons: community-centered science enrichment programs that include student programs, teacher workshops, field trips, town-hall meetings and astronaut and space professional visits
• STARS (Science, Technology and Academic Readiness for Space): hands-on student science enrichment programs created for schools based on specific academic needs
• Teacher Liaisons: advocates for space-related education who receive Space Foundation training and resources to further integrate space into their classrooms
• Audience with an Astronaut Programs: presentations by astronauts that show students first-hand what it takes to become a space explorer
• Tours of Space Exhibits: tours of space exhibits for secondary students at conferences, museums and trade shows
• Career Awareness and Workforce Development Programs: education, outreach and networking activities for undergraduate students, college graduates and transitioning military who are looking for careers in the space industry
• National Science Standards Lesson Bank: free downloadable PreK-12 national science standards-based lessons
Space Across The Curriculum Courses
Each summer, the Space Foundation offers Space Across the Curriculum professional development courses for teachers at SFDI and, on a contract basis, to subscribing school districts. Course participants can earn continuing education credits, graduate credits or work toward master’s degrees in related disciplines at Colorado State University-Pueblo, Regis University or the College of Education at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Public, private and homeschool teachers from around the globe are welcome.
The modest fee charged for each course is often paid through school or school district professional development fees. In addition, general and targeted scholarships are available—and businesses can sponsor courses or scholarships.
2012 Space Across The Curriculum Schedule
Space Foundation Discovery Institute, Colorado Springs, Colorado
June 11-15
Biological + Physical Research: Long-Term Space Travel
Life science teaching concepts based on the effects of microgravity on the human body and the dangers of space exploration. Activities include experiencing astronaut disorientation in a Barany chair, an underwater pool simulation and a trip to the top of Pikes Peak.
June 11-15
Earth Systems Science: Our Earth Revealed
Lessons that cover the Earth’s complex geological history, including erosion, natural disasters and global climate, supplemented by a field trip to the Garden of the Gods and surrounding areas.
June 18-22
Meteorology and Space Weather
Instruction on how to incorporate meteorology into the classroom, including hands-on activities and a trip to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
July 9-13
Lunar/Mars Exploration and Base Construction
Project-based teaching concepts focused on establishing and maintaining a human presence on the Moon or Mars. Activities address growing food, creating oxygen and building an actual model of a Lunar or Mars base.
July 16-20
Astronomy Principles for the Classroom: Kinesthetic Astronomy
Exciting methods for bringing the universe into the classroom through kinesthetic astronomy, a hands-on approach to teaching astronomical concepts through kinesthetic movement.
Colorado State University - Pueblo
June 25-29
Rocketry
Instruction on how to build and launch a variety of rockets including how to use rocketry to teach a multitude of standards across various subjects.
For more information or to register, go to www.SpaceFoundation.org/education or contact the Space Foundation at Educational@SpaceFoundation.org +1.719.955.3241.
The Space Foundation has launched a new website at http://www.spacefoundation.org. This new site provides an easy-to-navigate, comprehensive view of how the Space Foundation advances space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity.
Features include:
• Comprehensive, easy-to-find information on Space Foundation programs and initiatives
• More than 2,400 pages of upcoming events, news briefs, press releases, the Space Watch e-newsletter, white papers, news from Space Foundation partners and more
• Colorful photo galleries and videos
• Lots of downloadable program overviews and fact sheets
• A wide array of free resources for teachers and students
• Enhanced Space Foundation Indexes that provide daily updates on space industry market performance
• Features that allow browsers to share, bookmark, connect to links, access social media sites and provide their feedback
• Stunning and colorful design that includes continually updated images of the sun from Images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
• Clear information on how to find and contact the Space Foundation
The new site was developed entirely in-house by the Space Foundation Marketing team. Web Developers/Designers Luciana Mendes and Christopher Stevens are the lead architects, supported by Marketing Director Nancy Reed and Marketing Project Manager Julie Howell. The website is powered by an open-source content management platform called - that supports millions of websites. The Space Foundation site will be continually updated with additional features and information.
Don’t forget—the 28th National Space Symposium is upcoming from April 16th through the 19th at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs Colorado. In fact, you can visit the Space Foundation’s NSS website to learn all about this amazing symposium...
http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org