Study Unit: SpaceTravel

Grade K through 3 - Micronauts: Learn what it takes to be a “micronaut.” Students will learn about the space shuttle, the International Space Station, and different rockets.

Grade 4 through 8 – Rendezvous with a comet: Students will learn the skills to work as a team to search out and send a probe into a comet.

Mission date: Friday, October 9, 2009

     Location: Chabot Space and Science Museum

Pre-mission classes:*

     September 17, 24, October, 1 and 8

     Grade K through 3: 9:30-10:30

     Grade 4 through 8: 10:30-11:30

*Attendance in the classes is mandatory to attend the field trip!

Post-mission class:

     October 15. same times as above

Micronauts will attend a class at the museum where they will complete experiments aboard a simulated International Space Station (ISS), make a model of the Space Transportation System (STS) and learn about living in space. (90 minutes)

Comet mission specialists will be in the Challenger Learning Center where they will work in two teams; one in mission control, and one in a simulated space ship. They will work together to plot a course and launch a probe into a comet to collect scientific data on the comet. Teams will switch locations half way through the mission so everyone will have exposure to both areas. (2 1/2 hours)

Both groups will also attend a planetarium show and have time to explore the exhibits.

Student numbers: each group needs a minimum of 16 students. It will be difficult to complete a successful mission with fewer than 16 students.

Chaperones: We will need at least 2 parent chaperones for each group. Let me know as soon as possible if you want to be a chaperone. Extra chaperones are welcome, but will have to pay their own way.

The bus and tour schedule will be available at a later date.

Only students enrolled in Delta Charter may attend the field trip. All students and chaperones must ride a school bus to the trip.