Students will learn that Saturn's moon Enceladus is completely covered with a frozen ocean with cracks in its surface and liquid water underneath. They will observe photos of plumes exiting those cracks and made of ice grains and water vapor. Also, they will learn what scientists speculate about what the ice plumes tell us and what might be in the water under the ice. The students will learn about the moon's surface temperatures, atmosphere, location relative to the planet Saturn, and history of exploration. They will learn the names and functions of several scientific instruments typically found on robotic spacecraft, as well as possible instruments astronauts can bring and use on the surface of another world. In addition, they will acquire a basic understanding of Newton's Third Law and how rockets work. They will also learn about various landing systems and under which conditions each one works well. Plus, they will learn about crucial aspects of survival on a space world, such as making sure that food, water, electricity, and oxygen are available and why spacesuits are necessary; and they will become familiar with methods astronauts can use to communicate with Earth and between each other during the mission.

For decades, I have enthusiastically taught elementary school-aged children about space, whether as a science teacher at school or in summer programs. Collaboration with NASA and university scientists has helped refine my expertise.

I enjoy inspiring and motivating students to learn unfamiliar material in ways that are relevant to their everyday lives and to engage in critical thinking and problem solving. This involves a combination of inquiry, discovery, discussion, and storytelling with an age-appropriate sense of humor. Establishing a low-risk atmosphere and a comfortable rapport, I enjoy connecting with each individual learner, valuing the unique interests, strengths, and eager curiosity the students bring to class.