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Space Exploration and Aerospace Research! Afterschool, Homeschool, STEM

In this 12-week course, we'll explore space centers located across the U.S., learn about innovative space exploration technologies and investigate key science & aerospace engineering concepts! (STEM / STEAM, #academic)
Quantum Physics for Kids
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,353)
Popular
Rising Star
Class

What's included

12 live meetings
10 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. As optional homework, students will be provided with resources for further exploration after each class session.
Certificate of Completion
Students may request a Certificate of Completion from the instructor at the end of the course.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
This 12-session course provides an in-depth exploration of space research centers and the field of space exploration, focusing on NASA, with additional content about SpaceX and ESA (European Space Agency). 

NASA, headquartered in Washington DC, has 10 major centers and 8 additional research facilities located throughout the United States. NASA partnerships are also found in every U.S. state and many other countries. This course explores the major space centers, current missions, history highlights, space engineering concepts and internship opportunities, for kids who love space and for aspiring future space scientists.

Each class session will explore a different space center and discuss a variety of fascinating science research and space topics, as detailed below --

Session 1: Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Astronaut Training, Conducting Science Research in Microgravity
Mission Control
Orion Program

Session 2: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt City, Florida
Launch Control Center 
Swamp Works
Growing Crops in Space

Session 3: Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
CubeSat Development (Cube Satellites)
NASA Starling Mission
Moon Rover Prototype

Session 4: Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio & Neil Armstrong Test Facility, Sandusky, Ohio
Space Simulations and Spacecraft Testing
Space Propulsion and Cryogenic Fluids
Space Camp

Session 5: Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
James Webb and Hubble Telescopes
International Space Station

Session 6: Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California
Atmospheric Flight Research
Electric Aviation

Session 7: Langley Research Center and NASA Engineering and Safety Center, Hampton, Virginia
Quesst Mission Supersonic Flight
Sustainable Aircraft Manufacturing
NESC Academy

Session 8: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California
Mission to Psyche
Mars Rovers
Earth Science

Session 9: Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Chandra X-ray Telescope
Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket
Space Camp

Session 10: Stennis Space Center, Hancock County, Mississippi
Rocket Testing
Michoud Assembly Facility
Astro Camp

Session 11: NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC & European Space Agency (ESA)
Earth Information Center
ESA Missions: 
JUICE: Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer
Euclid Space Telescope
Monitoring Methane from Space

Session 12: NASA & Space X
NASA Space X Crew-6 Mission
Starship
Learning Goals
The goal of this course is to introduce learners to a wide variety of space research topics and space exploration technology.
learning goal

Syllabus

12 Lessons
over 12 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
 Our first session introduces the course and the map of NASA Centers. We begin our NASA adventures with the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. We'll explore the following programs at Johnson Space Center:
- Astronaut Training
- Conducting Science Research in Microgravity
- Mission Control
- Orion Program 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Kennedy Space Center, Merritt City, Florida
 Session 2 travels to the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt City, Florida. We'll explore the following programs at Kennedy Space Center:
- Launch Control Center 
- Swamp Works
- Growing Crops in Space 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
 In Class 3, we visit Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California. We'll explore the following programs at Ames:
- CubeSat Development (Cube Satellites)
- NASA Starling Mission
- Moon Rover Prototype 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio & Neil Armstrong Test Facility
 Session 4 travels to the Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio & Neil Armstrong Test Facility, Sandusky, Ohio. We will learn about the following programs:
- Space Simulations and Spacecraft Testing
- Space Propulsion and Cryogenic Fluids
- Space Camp 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
1353reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
We're excited to support your child in exploring quantum physics, science and inventions! Our classes are designed to get kids excited about physics and its impact on our lives, while supporting students in developing critical thinking skills. Our classes incorporate presentations, hands-on activities, guided discussion, physical demos, cartoon visuals & educational animations. Courses are carefully structured to scaffold complex topics in supported stages. 

About Our Teachers:
Valerie Mih (Education Director) 
Valerie has been teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) classes and creating educational materials for students of all ages for over 20 years. She holds an MFA in  Film, Video & Computer Animation from the University of Southern California, with a focus on 3D animation. After working in the entertainment industry (including animating on the films "A Bugs Life" and "Toy Story II"), she discovered a passion for educational media and curriculum development. Since the mid-2000's, she has served as a full-time educator and educational content developer. In the past 3 years, her focus has been on developing materials and curriculum to help teach physics and science to children and teens. Valerie is also a professor of animation technology at California College of the Arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Mark Baraket (Teacher)
Prof. Mark Baraket is a certified science & space ambassador with the National Space Society in Washington DC. He has been an astrophysicist for many years and worked on 2 NASA projects. Today he shares his knowledge of the universe and all areas of physics with students domestically & internationally. He holds a Masters in Astrophysics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Chloe Weisberg (Teacher)
Chloe studied Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago as an undergraduate and is completing her master’s degree research on inquiry-based science instruction. Her excitement about physics was sparked by Chad Orzel’s book "How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog." Chloe enjoys nurturing curiosity for science and technology in her students through engaging, creative lessons. In addition to teaching school-age children through Quantum Physics for Kids, Chloe has been involved with science education for over ten years as a teaching assistant, tutor, enrichment instructor, and museum volunteer. 

Alex Ky (Teacher)
Alex is a graduate from the University of Michigan where he studied Biochemistry and Applied Statistics. He is currently in medical school. Alex's passion for science started in 6th grade when he started competing in Science Olympiad. Learning about Anatomy and Forensics opened Alex's eyes to the vast world of science and he has been continually seeking out ways to help others develop a love for science as well. Alex has worked for O'Rourke Lab researching type II diabetes and is also a volunteer Science Olympiad coach teaching events such as Crime Busters and Food Science to middle schoolers.

Rachael Battaglia (Teacher)
Rachael studied Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and Elementary Education at Salisbury University as an undergraduate and taught ten years as a middle school science teacher. She contributed to writing her county’s NGSS curriculum and organized/ ran the Engineering Program for the middle school. Rachael loves her students’ curiosity for science and technology and helps grow that love with engaging discovery lessons.

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Live Group Course
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$18

weekly or $216 for 12 classes
1x per week, 12 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
5-12 learners per class

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