Welcome to Camp!

Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is a rocket simulation program used by rocket scientists and gamers alike. Not only is it loads of fun, but it teaches many things about rocketry & space that are hard to learn outside of a real-time simulation like this.

Class Outline will be as follows, though with some flexibility to meet learner needs.
Day 1: Overview of the program, it's features, and how to start building a rocket.
Day 2: Building & launching rockets that actually make it to space, and maybe even stay there.
Day 3: How to use maneuver nodes to plan your orbit & launching your rockets into a proper orbit.
Day4: Using Maneuver nodes to travel to a moon, and land there!

It started as just a video game, but parts of it were built by NASA & ESA, and many very successful rocket & space professionals still play it, while designing and flying real rockets. 

"In KSP, you must build space-worthy craft, capable of flying your crew out into space, without killing them. At your disposal is a collection of parts, which must be assembled to create a functional ship. Each part has its own function and will affect the way a ship flies (or doesn't). So strap yourself in, and get ready to try some Rocket Science! The game has different game modes, you can play the Career Mode if you want to expand and manage your own Space Center, taking on missions and researching new technologies. Or you can play Sandbox mode if you're only interested in flying and discovering the Kerbal universe without restrictions. There is even a mid point between these two, Science mode."

Here are some examples of people who regularly play KSP:
-Elon Musk [Founder & Chief Engineer of SpaceX, Tesla, & more] -Claimed it is his favorite game, by far.
-Tory Bruno [CEO of United Launch Alliance] -Regularly mentions it on Twitter, and sometimes shares pictures of his creations.
-Peter Beck [CEO & Chief Engineer of Rocket Lab]
-Scott Kelly [NASA Astronaut who spent 520 days in space] -Used KSP to teach people about Orbital Mechanics.

(See below under "learner supply list" for where to purchase KSP at a discounted price)

During this camp, we will discuss what KSP is, how it teaches us Rocket Science, where to go for the best tutorials, and who in the space industry plays KSP regularly. 
The learners, using their own copy of the game, will follow along with Teacher Tom's instructions as he teaches them the in's and out's of this fun and educational Spaceflight Simulator.
Learners will practice achieving a stable orbit by using maneuver nodes, which is the pre-requisite for joining Teacher Tom's popular weekly KSP classes.
Learners will do best if they spend time practicing what they have learned in class, after class ends each day.

The class will be a combination of slides, demo's, and Q&A. 

Learners who use the provided tutorials and successfully achieve orbit are welcome to join with friends in Teacher Tom's weekly KSP challenge classes which are available for 8-10yr, 10-14yr and 14-18yr. 

Learners who would like some extra 1:1 assistance once camp is complete can request this and take Teacher Tom's 1:1 STEM mentoring classes. Rocket science is not learned in one day, or one camp, and everyone learns at their own pace. Kerbal Space Program will be a great resource for your Space loving learner! Learners who attend Teacher Tom's KSP classes and Current Events in Space Technology and Rocket Launches classes simultaneously tend to excel faster and understand what they are learning better as they are getting both hands on experience and seeing real life applications of the science they are learning each week. 

Join us to begin your journey to understanding Rocket Science with Teacher Tom!