Science for Middle Schoolers: SPACE EXPLORERS

space explorers is launching in summer 2023!

DATES: June 19-30, 2023 — M-F mornings (8:30am – 12:00pm) for students entering Grade 6-8 in Fall 2023.

We are re-inventing our summer science camp program (A Celebration of Life) for middle school students to align with our exciting new role as the manager and developer of educational programs for the Bell Burnell Observatory. We will be able to include even more space-focused content with the assistance of new partners and expanded access to equipment and facilities for space exploration. This will include a series of activities related to (1) student questions and current research about space and the universe (2) NASA exploration (missions and research) (3) related STEM careers and training and (4) historic and contemporary STEM professionals of color.

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A longtime partnership with the African American Ethnic Academy (see below for details), A Celebration of Life XXVII: Planetary Explorers! was offered in 2022 as an in-person summer program for students entering grades 6-8.

Hands-on activities, in outdoor, classroom and laboratory settings, were utilized to engage students’ interest in science and STEM careers. This included a series of activities related to (1) the planets in our solar system (2) NASA planetary exploration (missions and research) (3) related STEM careers and training and (4) historic and contemporary STEM professionals of color.

Read about our field trip to the Bell Burnell Observatory!

Many thanks to the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, a member institution of the national network of Space Grant Consortia funded by NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, for Special Initiatives Program funding to support these efforts!

For more information, please contact AIDAN HOLMES — thank you!

ARCHIVE

2020 ON-line: To the Moon and Beyond!

A Celebration of Life XXV: To the Moon and Beyond! was held from June 15th until July 31st. During this time frame, students were challenged to complete at least three activities from our growing list or from the mission pack we sent out. Student’s work was shared via e-mail with program staff. Those who completed the mission received a Moon magazine, a button, a certificate, and were entered into a raffle to win an additional prize.

New activities were added each week, as related to (1) the moon; (2) the NASA Artemis Program; (3) living in space; (4) STEM careers and training in related areas; and, historic and contemporary STEM professionals of color, including those affiliated with NASA. Students were free to do any of these activities at any time throughout the program.

even though the program has concluded, please feel free to access related details via the links below. we hope you’ll find something of value for your efforts to share science with kids!

schedule

MISSION ACTIVITIES

MISSION PACK DETAILS

Additional Space Activities

Activity Book

A NASA activity book that you can color while also learning about the Space Launch System!

Coding Game

Create a video game that lets players explore Mars with a helicopter like the one attached to NASA's Perseverance rover!

Cosmic Art

Use the elements of art to make sense of space and planetary features - dive into the potential of science and art to inspire and empower each other!

Docking Simulation

Pilot the SpaceX Dragon 2 vehicle to the International Space Station using this simulator and familiarize yourself with the actual interface used by NASA Astronauts.

Parachute Design

Design and build a parachute to successfully land an “egg-stronaut” using the Engineering Design Process from NASA.

Space Musical

This "hip-hopera" uses song and dance to introduce space objects. Watch videos - learn lyrics! Plus: academic, art, fitness and life skills activities exist for each song.

more activity ideas for elementary and middle school students: SCIENCE-AT-HOME

A Celebration of Life backgrounD information

The African American Ethnic Academy and the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTC Institute), both 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organizations, have collaborated for 25 years to offer A Celebration of Life, a summer science program for upper elementary and middle school students. Open to all students, an important goal of this partnership is to support underrepresented students’ interest in the life sciences and provide them with the tools for success in school.

In addition to developing knowledge and abilities associated with scientific investigations in field and laboratory settings (e.g. formulating and testing hypotheses, utilizing problem-solving skills, learning and demonstrating correct techniques), students are challenged to develop their communication skills (e.g. through teamwork, journals, presentations to parents and family members). They are also encouraged to express and develop their creativity in numerous ways. Information regarding STEM professionals of color throughout history is shared, and role models of color are key players in program activities.