Space Exploration
Cosmic Lander
The history of space exploration has been an exciting roller coaster of ups and downs! From the first successful manned mission to space to the recent journeys, students will get a brief overview of where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Next students will design and build their own “cosmic landers” out of a variety of materials. Students can take cues from previous NASA and JPL sponsored missions or branch out and try their own unique designs. Just like NASA and JPL students will be working on a budget and will have to keep an eye on costs as they plan their construction.
Finally students will crash test their landers on one of our three exploration sites. Will they survive a landing on Mars, Titan or another harsh planetary landscape?
How will their success rates compared to those of NASA scientists?
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Remote Sensing
Since the earliest days of space exploration, scientists have been using remote sensing devices to learn about our universe. Whether it is telescopes, probes, or rovers, remote sensing continues to be the key that is helping us unlock the mysteries of the cosmos.
In this class students will learn what remote sensing is, discover how scientists are using it, and test out some of the benefits and difficulties involved in remote sensing explorations. Students will have the opportunity to practice different sensing methods in the classroom and then venture outside to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to guide them on a scavenger hunt around camp.
