Astronaut Training Microgravity  In order to prepare for the sensation of weightlessness in space, astronauts first practice their missions in a giant tank of water known as the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. In this activity students will experience this feeling of near-weightlessness as they undergo their own mission in our indoor pool. To prepare, students will learn about what gravity is, how it works, and what “weightlessness” really is. They will be briefed on their “mission” and will discuss various ways of communicating with one another in the vacuum of space. Once in the pool, students will be divided into small groups and will construct a “communication satellite” while floating in the water. Once all teams have finished their portion of the satellite all the parts will be put together to form one large satellite that the team will then “launch” into space. After the “mission” has been completed the students will discuss how this activity might compare to a real space mission. Topics of conversation may include the difficulties of a frictionless environment, teamwork, and astronaut life. Note: Students will need bathing suits and towels.
Expedition Valles Marineris  Valles Marineris on Mars is the largest canyon in the solar system – five times wider and deeper than the Grand Canyon. In this class your students will be transported to our research station on Mars and will have the opportunity to scale the walls of Valles Marineris. When preparing to climb, students will learn facts about Mars by using MIRA our Mars Interactive Research Assistant, which incorporates touch screen computers and our custom designed software. This class is more than just a rock wall, it is an expedition to an amazing experience!
California Science Standards
5th Grade: 5b
8th Grade: 4e
Standards (PDF)
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