Our key learning today includes diving deeper into the Scientific Method and the concept of gravity. Because astronaut training includes flight training, we learned about the four forces of flight – thrust, lift, drag, and gravity. We analyzed these forces at work in airplanes, discussed how opposing forces work, studied cross-sections of wings, and replicated the forces in a mini-experiment with newspaper paper wings. Cadets highlighted their expertise by creating a one-pager showing how another form of air travel works and what flight forces play in the aircraft’s movements.

Upon their commission, cadets designed some crucial elements of a space expedition: their space suits and space shuttles! First, we read rich texts from NASA about the evolution of space suits over time. We studied components and elements of space suits to learn from the experts. Then, cadets designed their space helmets and created a model. You can ask your cadet to explain their design and the helmet’s three best features tonight. Next, we watched a space shuttle launch and made observations. We connected its movements to our knowledge of flight forces. Then, we brainstormed our shuttle designs using a creativity strategy called SCAMPER. Cadets collaborated to form new ideas and drew diagrams of their “Scampered Shuttles”.

Tomorrow, the exploration continues with new learning related to these topics: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter; mission control; the Hubble telescope; and asteroids and comets.