STEM Outreach Program | Earth and Space Expedition Center
Outreach Programs
The Earth and Space Expedition Center’s Mobile STEM Outreach Program is a unique and exciting initiative that brings the wonders of Earth, space and science directly to schools. Our team of knowledgeable and enthusiastic Flight Directors travel to schools, bringing with them interactive learning activities that are designed to engage and inspire students of all ages. With a focus on hands-on learning and discovery, our mobile outreach programs offer a fun and educational experience that kids won’t forget.
Whether it’s a replication of space missions, a hands-on exploration of the solar system, or an interactive experiment on the principles of physics, our mobile outreach programs provide students with a dynamic and engaging learning experience. With the help of our Flight Directors, students will be able to see the wonders of Earth and space science come to life before their eyes, and they will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore their interests in a supportive and collaborative environment.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS
Artemis: Back to the Moon, Forward to Mars 3rd-6th
Learn about NASA’s Artemis Missions from the Gateway Spaceport, to the Moon and eventually Mars! Discover what types of skills the Artemis astronauts will need to know in order to live in space. This program will stress teamwork, problem solving skills, test new ideas and learn about the challenges of traveling in space. Students will work in teams to complete challenges while learning about the next missions to the Moon!
Mixed up Science! K- 8
Oh no! Our science professor has gotten all of her science experiments mixed up and can’t remember what unit she is supposed to be teaching! Help the professor by completing each science experiment so she doesn’t get flustered. This program is grade band specific (K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8) and includes different centers for each grade level based on standards. Each grade band program is aligned with Arizona and NGSS standards in physical sciences, Earth and space sciences and life sciences.
The Europa Clipper Mission Challenge 6th and up
The Clipper mission is an advanced probe that will travel to Jupiter’s moon, Europa, explore and look for signs of life in its salty ocean. This program focuses on engineering, teamwork and the study of Europa. In teams, students will design and build a model of their version of the probe using the parts available while also maintaining their budget. Once the Clipper probe is complete, the teams present it to “NASA” (our Flight Director) to sell their design concept.
Apollo 13 Challenge 5th and up
Today’s students are tomorrow’s space colonists. The path will not be easy, but with the proper training and education, these future astronauts will be prepared for the mental and physical challenges ahead.Your class will experience first-hand the challenges of an emergency situation by reenacting the near-disaster aboard the Apollo 13 mission. Students will work in teams to design, build and test a working air filter using reproductions of the equipment available to the crew aboard the capsule. Will your team survive?
Shuttle Heat Shield Challenge 6th and up
The upcoming Artemis missions using the new Orion spacecraft will take astronauts further out into space than ever before. Re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere will be a challenge and NASA is engineering the next generation of heat shields! Your class will learn about the new Artemis missions and will engineer a device to withstand the 3000℉ heat of a spacecraft reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. In teams, they will be provided with a budget and a list of supplies that they must use to build the lightest and most inexpensive heat shield model possible. We then test the models to determine which team was successful in their design.
Rock out with Earth Science! 3rd – 8th
How does water change and shape the Earth? What processes shaped the landforms we see today and what processes are still at work? Find out with our stream table demo and mini stream tables! Learn how the ancient people of Arizona used the resources in our own Phoenix valley and how we still use them today. What can the layers of the Earth tell us about the past? Put the rock cycle to work, examine earthquakes and study rocks using the Mohs hardness test. Must have access to water.
Drones, Drones, Drones! 5th and up
Drones are a very important and useful tool in many different fields such as the military, architecture, city planning and wildlife preservation. Your students will learn how to control drones and complete various tasks while learning a new skill in order to prepare for the jobs of the future!
PLANETARIUM SHOWS: All ages
Amazing Solar System
Take an expedition through our solar system as we journey through the planets stopping to explore their unique and interesting features such as icy moons and strange orbits! See the solar system like never before in our planetarium dome!
Patterns of the Sky
This program will explore the patterns of Earth, the stars, the planets and our own star, the Sun! Have you ever wondered why the constellations change throughout the year? Does the Sun have patterns? What is the relationship between the Moon, Earth and Sun? These questions will be answered in this amazing planetarium show. Grades 5-6 will also learn about and precession, equinoxes and solstices.
What is Up in the Night Sky?
This program changes seasonally throughout the year as it aligns with the constellations and planets that can be seen each season. Experience the night sky like never before as you explore the myths and legends behind the constellations. Learn how ancient people used the seasonal constellations to navigate, to plant and harvest crops, and to pass on stories to their children.
**We can also customize a planetarium show, email us for more information!
OTHER ADD-ONS
Light and Electricity Demonstration
In this demonstration, the students will learn about the physics of light and electricity and how it interacts with different elements and objects!
Liquid Nitrogen
In this “Cool” demonstration, the students will learn about the states of matter with Liquid Nitrogen, demonstrating the effect it has on various objects.
**Any outreach that exceeds 25 mile radius from our Center will require additional charges. For specific info – contact our education department below.
**All of our outreach programs align with grade level Arizona state science and/or engineering standards!
Outreach Programs Information Request Form”
Thank you for your interest in working with the Arizona Earth & Space Expedition Center!
We know your time is extremely valuable, so please assist us in providing you the best experience possible by filling out the form below as completely as you can.
