We host various STEM challenges throughout the year where children and youth in grades K-12 devise solutions to issues that will advance a positive future for the world.
Children and youth in grades K-12 are invited to make a contribution to research, increase their scientific understanding and immerse themselves in science, technology, engineering and math with our Innovation Gateway community science initiative.
Space Center Houston is excited to team up with Chevron to create a unique opportunity for Houston-area classrooms to join the team of engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals solving space exploration’s greatest challenges.
The STEM Innovations in Schools program, presented by Chevron, has launched the “Carbon Capture Challenge.” Space Center Houston is spearheading this challenge with expert panelists from Chevron, NASA Johnson Space Center, and Greentown Labs.
DEADLINE: OCT. 31, 2023
A primary goal of human exploration is the health and safety of the crew. Among the many methods NASA has developed to keep our crews safe are analog studies including the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Participants of this challenge will learn about these studies and develop a mission patch representing the next HERA suite of studies, Campaign 7.
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In a microgravity environment of space, changes to the human body can affect muscles, bones and balance. To test how gravitational environments may affect balance and stability, astronauts go through a variety of tests before and after space travel. Through observing the impact on the human body in space, scientists are finding solutions that can help people on Earth. Space Center Houston and Baylor College of Medicine are investigating how balance changes with age.
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Students of Space Center Houston’s Space Center University designed an experiment for astronauts to perform on the International Space Station, scheduled to launch on the SpaceX resupply mission in November. The experiment will determine if a specific, targeted enzyme can successfully sever a circular DNA strand into a linear one in the weightlessness of spaceflight.
PRESENTED BY BHP
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The second phase of the Space Robotics Challenge will focus on advancing the autonomous capabilities of dexterous mobile robots to accomplish long-term in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) tasks, with 100% autonomy.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, you will design and build a rocket.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, you will design and create your own distortion goggles.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, you will design and build your very own terrarium.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, you will design design and build a water filtration system.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, you will design, build, and test a functional rover. This rover needs to be able to move under its own power.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, design a solar oven and use your design to warm a previously cooked or unperishable food item. Challenge winners can select from two general admission tickets to Space Center Houston or a virtual chat with a NASA astronaut.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, design an end effector, which is something that can grab or manipulate objects, for the end of a robotic arm. This challenge has three levels and two prize options!
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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In this challenge, design astronaut meals for the International Space Station. This challenge has two levels! Make a meal addressing the ISS food system in level 1. Develop a complete food system for one astronaut on the Space Station for one week in level 2.
PRESENTED BY BHP WITH SUPPORT FROM REPSOL
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Design your own spacecraft and mission. Submissions should include diagrams of your spacecraft and mission. These can be drawings, schematics, renderings, etc. The mission should chart where the flight path and any potential landing sites.
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We exist in an exciting moment for space exploration as the first crewed mission to Mars draws closer. With this excitement comes a need to create stimulating environments that can increase and/or maintain fine motor control for astronauts. What’s your solution?
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High concentrations of carbon dioxide can lead to a variety of problems in long duration spaceflight. This presents a difficult issue for spaceflight as the station or vehicles are a relatively closed system, relying on filters, or scrubbers to remove carbon dioxide (CO2). Show us your design for a personal CO2 monitor for use in long-duration spaceflight.
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NASA’s R5 Valkyrie robot is leading the way in the advancement of humanoid robots with cutting-edge, human-like dexterity in order to provide support with mission operations. Programmers from around the world competed to help NASA develop Valkyrie’s abilities in phase one of the Space Robotics Challenge.
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Space exploration has moved from lifting satellites into orbit and placing men on the moon to sending probes to the edges of our solar system and the eventuality of manned missions to Mars. The only reason these advances have been possible is because of the incredible new technologies dreamed up by dedicated scientists, technicians and engineers.
HOURS TODAY
Have them apply to Rise! Rise is a program that offers students access to scholarships, mentorship, networking and career development opportunities, fostering their ability to address pressing global challenges.
Rise Initiative is a partner of the Conrad Challenge at Space Center Houston.
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.
