COSMIC Academy
COSMIC (Collaborative Outer Space Missions & Interactive Challenges) was created for Grades 5th-12th. Students explore 21st century occupations & science standards through hands on space themed, STEAM based activities while developing their communications & team work skills.
COSMIC Academy Missions
Comet Halley
Expedition Mars
Expedition Mars
It is 2061 & Comet Halley, is once again passing through the inner part of our solar system. As it passes near the planets Earth & Mars, we have the opportunity to study the comet from the International Space Station (ISS).
Our mission begins with the transport of the astronaut crew to our spacecraft that is in low Earth orbit, about 250 miles above the surface of the Earth. As we search for Comet Halley, the crew will construct a space probe that can be launched through the gaseous tails of the comet to take close-up photos of the comet and collect materials for further analysis.
This mission is geared towards 5th & 6th grades.
Expedition Mars
Expedition Mars
Expedition Mars
The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars: a greenhouse, a mobile geological survey base and a centralized research habitat. The primary human habitat is not on Mars, but on one of its moons, Phobos. A Spacecraft regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the surface of Mars. The Spacecraft also carries parts to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to continue the search for evidence of life and water. However, when crew members discover an imminent threat to their Spacecraft and the Martian surface facilities, they must act quickly to save their stations, their research and their lives.
This mission is geared towards 7th-12th grades.
COSMIC Academy EVAs
Great Rocket Design Challenge
Great Rocket Design Challenge
Great Rocket Design Challenge
The Great Rocket Design Challenge applies rocketry principles to design, construct, test and launch an air-powered rocket using real-world problem-solving simulation. Teams will form rocket companies and compete in a commercial endeavor to construct a rocket. Through a strong interdisciplinary approach balancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the teams will develop a budget, purchase construction materials and track expenditures while designing and constructing their rockets.
This EVA is recommended to be paired with our Comet Halley Mission & is geared towards 5th-6th grade.
Roaming Mars Rovers
Great Rocket Design Challenge
Great Rocket Design Challenge
NASA has received 2 prototype Mars rovers. Students will work in pairs to program one of the two rovers to go to 3 sites on the surface of Mars and return safely to base. After testing their rover on a giant map of Mars, the entire group decides which rover to recommend to NASA based on a discussion of advantages and disadvantages.
This EVA is recommended to be paired with our Expedition Mars Mission & is geared towards 7th-12th grade.
CSI
Engine Works
Engine Works
BREAKING NEWS! The Challenger Learning Center has experienced a crime & the staff is anxious to solve the mystery.
Students will be trained as CSI forensic scientists. Areas of expertise will include: Fingerprint Analysis, Footprint Analysis, Trace Evidence, Chromatography, Splatter Patterns, Cyber Technician, Profiling, Crime Scene Documentation, Re-Creation of Crime Time Line & Hair Analysis.
Once each trainee has achieved mastery of their forensic area, they will work together to test the evidence from 6 suspects and determine who the "persons of interest" are that might be connected to the crime.
This EVA is available on a limited basis & is dependent on staff availability. It is geared towards 5th-6th grades.
Engine Works
Engine Works
Engine Works
How does an engine work? What is inside a lawnmower engine? In this exercise, participants will fully dismantle an engine to find out! This “hands on” program requires teamwork and promotes inquisitiveness. Each 3-member team has access to an engine and the required tools. Problem solving and communication skills are in play when reassembling the engine. The horsepower of this engine is compared with that of a family car, a race car and a human being during a lively interactive discussion. Participants will complete “Engine Works” with a better understanding of what makes an internal combustion engine work and it’s presence everywhere in our world.
This EVA is available on a limited basis & is dependent on staff availability. It is geared towards 7th-12th grade.