Homeschool Days: Careers in Space Science
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 10am-2pm
Homeschool Day heads to the final frontier with Careers in Space Science on Wednesday, March 23. Train like an astronaut by completing tasks that simulate the challenges of returning from zero gravity and maneuvering in bulky gear, join Mission Control to drive a Mars rover, and think like a rocket scientist to engineer a launch that will reach a distant planet. Plus, DIY constellation crafts and Learning Labs for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-12!
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
Defying Gravity:
Living in zero gravity is tricky, but did you know astronauts have to re-adjust to life on Earth, too? Complete activities on the astronauts’ Functional Task Test, then try them again with distortion goggles that simulate what it’s like first returning from space. Try your hand at more astronaut training: grab a pair of bulky rubber gloves that imitate a space suit and adapt your fine motor skills to cut, stack and do other (usually!) simple tasks.
On-Target Rocketry:
Blast off is exciting, but reaching the final destination is the real nail-biter! Engineer a paper rocket with a straw launcher, check for “fuel leaks” and improve the aerodynamics, then see if you can reach one of four different floating targets.
Drive A Mars Rover:
Step behind the controls of our mBot rover and guide it through the Martian landscape. See how fast you can make it to Jezero Crater—just look out for hazards!
Living Mural:
Constellations are stories in the stars; capture your favorite with needle and thread. Learn the science behind what we see in the night sky as you stitch a mini constellation with beads for stars.
Career Corner
Astronauts are awesome, but there are so many more ways to be involved in space exploration, including careers in robotics, mathematics, engineering and even “galactic archaeology.” Find out more with the space science resource links on the back of your Homeschool Day schedule.
LEARNING LABS
Kinder-2nd
Tangram Rockets – 10:30-11:15am
Powering a rocket takes a lot of fuel and a lot of math. Explore how rockets work, discover their different parts and categorize them by size and type. Then build your problem-solving math skills to recreate their designs using tangrams—special geometric puzzle pieces.
Grades 3rd-5th
Surviving in Space – 11:30am-12:30pm
Welcome aboard the International Space Station! Take a “tour” of the Station as we explore its different sections and discuss what it takes to survive in space. Then pick a human need—such as food, sleep or exercise—and design a prototype for new equipment or a section of the Station to help astronauts meet that need.
Grades 6th-12th
Time-Traveling Telescopes – 1-2pm
OK, we’re not really traveling back in time, but the James Webb Telescope comes close: its mission is to gather views of early stars and galaxy formation to help us better understand the origins of the universe. Light plays a key role in this quest. Experiment with light to see why and build your own telescope with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit.