Space Grant Consortium - University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

� Incorporated the technology resources of NASA, EAA and Space Explorers, Inc., to
maximize the renewed level of interest among youth for space travel and exploration.
� Provided a multi-faceted experience in which youth participated in events and learning
experiences with their classmates at an off-campus school field trip, and where both
students and educators experienced the internet-based Mars Explorer Simulation during
Space Discovery Week, as well as at home and in the classroom.
Students and teachers took part in a variety of workshops as part of EAA’s Space Week. Space
Explorers involvement included leading activities centered on comparing similarities and
differences between Earth, Mars, and our Moon. At the conclusion of the session, teachers and
students received membership cards to continue learning through the Mars Explorer Simulation.
This program engaged students in problem-solving activities in that participants encountered the
same issues NASA experiences in its exploration of Mars, e.g., dust storms, solar energy lapses
and navigating rocky terrain. Students were exposed to many fundamentals of space science
including Newton’s Laws, Kepler’s Laws, gravity and orbits, and they examined the possibility
of sustaining life on Mars by completing tasks such as taking panoramic spectral images,
analyzing the magnetic field, and taking measurements of rocks and soil samples using a variety
of scientific instruments.
The project additionally met state and national science content standards for space/science
content, hands-on science activities, demonstration of space/science principles, and application
of space/science principles. EAA has demonstrated success in the development of activities and
programs that are aligned with state and national standards. Pre- and post-learning materials,
along with planned teacher’s guides helped educators plan for and maximize the experience.
Results:
EAA Space Discovery Week served approximately 1,700 school youth, educators and
chaperones from local and regional schools, as well as a public audience of 1,000 adults and
youth together for the featured weekend activities. Space Week was be held at the EAA
AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Evaluation:
Follow-up evaluation with parents and teachers, who accompanied the students, resulted in
positive comments and appreciation for bringing space to their children and students. Follow
through by teachers with their students involving Space Explorers was excellent. EAA has
experienced many return visits by students and family members.
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