Space captivates students of any age: from children first learning about the universe to teenagers who follow all things astronautical. Space Center Houston’s educational programs harness this natural fascination to foster a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—STEM subjects—inspiring young minds at every age to create real-world innovations that benefit our planet.
Space Center Houston’s Innovation Challenge Pathway is a series of programs that immerse k-12 students in practicing the scientific process while empowering them to solve practical problems facing the world today. With experiences that progress along with age and ability, we are cultivating a new generation of innovators equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Beginning with our STEM Innovations in Schools program presented by Chevron, we introduce K-12 students to environmental issues through the Carbon Capture Challenge. Students learn how carbon can be reduced before and after it enters an atmosphere, then create visual representations of this process. We help them design prototypes of their own carbon capture innovations, applying their technical knowledge and creativity into practice.
Students’ prototype designs can be submitted for the chance to earn Center memberships and scholarships for further educational programs. The overall experience is designed to deepen understanding of how STEM principles can create sustainable solutions and instill students with a sense of agency and purpose as stewards of the planet.
Sonia Cedillo’s class at Griggs School in North Houston exemplifies the benefits of early introduction to STEM and real-world issues. Before participating in the Carbon Capture Challenge, her class of 3- and 5-year-olds had a limited exposure to science and engineering. After completing the program and visiting with a real astronaut, kids began proudly wearing NASA shirts and even astronaut PJs on pajama day.
“That’s the biggest thing—providing opportunities for kids who might not know what’s even possible out there,” says Cedillo. “And maybe they create a love or a passion for something they didn’t even know existed. That’s why I would definitely want to do more challenges like this.”
Running throughout the Science Challenge Pathway is our commitment to bring supportive and authentic experiences to under-resourced and under-represented students.
An intermediate part of the Pathway is dedicated to engaging students with 21st-century skills that inspire confidence and continuous motivation. With specially designed bridging programs from elementary to middle and high school, the program’s progressive phases and learning experiences offer support to compete in the many science challenges NASA runs and support for science fairs throughout the year while also providing mentorship and internships with industry experts.
The Science Challenge Pathway culminates with the Conrad Challenge, a global competition created in memory of NASA astronaut, moonwalker, and entrepreneur Pete Conrad. For 16 years, this premier innovation challenge has engaged students from over 1,000 schools across the U.S. and 72 countries, encouraging them to solve real-world issues spanning topics in aerospace and aviation, cybertechnology and security, energy and environment, and health and nutrition.
The Challenge engages teams of 2-5 students who often collaborate across schools, between cities and states and even across countries. With the support and feedback from a coach, the teams brainstorm on the different challenges and explore numerous solutions, ultimately creating an outline for their most innovative idea. Teams develop their concept into an extensive brief detailing their proposal’s impact, marketing and funding considerations, and an initial business model.
Along with a video presentation and website, the teams’ briefs are evaluated by industry experts who offer constructive feedback in the arenas of engineering, law, business and entrepreneurship. Finalist teams are invited to a global stage at Space Center Houston to present their innovations before a panel of esteemed judges, who ultimately award each category’s top team with the distinction of Pete Conrad Scholar, and confer them with scholarships, pro-bono legal and consulting services, and equipment to bring their plans to life.
Whether it’s the first exposure to STEM in grade school or advanced mentorship for problem-solvers of the future, Space Center Houston’s Science Challenge Pathway inspires all students to dream big and supports them at every point in the development of their ideas. With its combination of hands-on learning, personal development and access to authentic space experiences, Space Center Houston is the ideal way to make a lasting educational impact on students at every age.
If you are interested in supporting the Science Challenge Pathway through a donation, visit: https://spacecenter.org/support
If you would like to serve as a judge in one of the competitions or are inspired to be a mentor to one of our students visit: Innovation Gateway – Space Center Houston
With your support and participation, Space Center Houston is able to provide impactful and revealing experiences to nearly 300,000 students and educators each year.
HOURS TODAY
The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!
Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.
