StellarXplorers Overnight Experience for educators July 27-28
Mentors and other educators (both formal and informal) will learn how to teach and develop students with a space system design challenge during an overnight camp-in experience at Space Center Houston.
StellarXplorers is an Air Force Association-sponsored program that inspires and attracts high school students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This rigorous hands-on space system design challenge involves all aspects of system development and operation, focusing on spacecraft and payload.
The camp-in will teach the educators how to use the Systems Toolkit (STK) software and how to start or develop a team at their school. They will do this while making authentic connections to the wonders of space exploration at Space Center Houston.
StellarXplorers Camp-In includes
- Buffet dinner served at Space Center Houston
- Welcome briefing in preparation for the night’s activities
- Access to the Understanding Space textbook digitally, which teaches basic orbital mechanics and ground tracks
- Instruction on the use of STK, a professional space systems simulation software
- Working as teams to solve an orbit determination scenario based on the StellarXplorers National High School Space Challenge
- Sleeping overnight among historic flown spacecraft and national treasures
- Buffet breakfast served at Space Center Houston
- Private tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center, which includes Historic Mission Control, Space Vehicle Mock Up Facility and Rocket Park
Registration and pricing
- July 27-28
- $59.95 per participant
- Include participant name, school name and contact information when registering
What to bring
- Sleeping bag, pillow, change of clothes, basic toiletries. No showers are available.
- Computers will be provided with the STK software. Participants are welcome to bring their own computers as well.
Itinerary
3:30-4 p.m. StellarXplorers program overview
4-4:30 p.m. Team building activity
4:30-5:30p.m. Understanding Space textbook overview
5:30-6:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner in Zero-G Diner
6:30-9:30 p.m. STK software basics workshop
9:30 p.m. Prepare for bed
10:30 p.m. Lights out
7:30 a.m. Buffet breakfast served in Zero-G Diner
8 a.m. Tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center
9:30 a.m. Return to Space Center Houston
9:45-11 a.m. Introduction to StellarXplorers challenge scenario
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lunch; enjoy Zero-G Diner on your own
12:15 – 2:15 p.m. StellarXplorers team scenario competition
2:15 – 3 p.m. Scenario debriefing
3 – 3:30 p.m. Camp summary
3:30 Dismissal
Please note that the above schedule is subject to change without notice. Length of tram tour and the locations visited vary depending on the season.