Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 3, “Space Academy: Exploring the Work of Astronauts” (3rd-4th)
Today was all about discovering where each student shines within the Cosmic Cadet program! We began with the Space Crew Task, where students learned about the science of flight, an essential skill for astronauts, who must complete at least 1,000 hours of jet flying. Students explored the four forces of flight: lift, thrust, drag, and gravity. A video from the National Air and Space Museum helped bring these concepts to life through real-world experiments and demonstrations. This task helped students understand the physics behind space travel and how flight training prepares astronauts for launch.
Next, students tackled the Mission Control Task, which tested their communication and problem-solving skills. Working in pairs, one student created a design using pattern blocks while the other had to recreate it using only verbal instructions – no peeking allowed! This activity highlighted the importance of clear, precise communication, especially in high-stakes environments like space missions. Then came the Media Ambassador Task, where students designed logos and developed marketing plans to promote the Cosmic Cadet program. Their creativity and persuasive thinking were on full display as they crafted campaigns to appeal to both young cadets and adult supporters.
After completing all three tasks, students learned that they had officially been selected to join the space crew! While some students were especially excited about the mission control or media ambassador roles, we discussed how all of these skills are essential for a successful space mission. With their roles assigned, students began a series of training simulations to prepare for launch, life in space, and landing. They created their own space helmets, watched a video of the 2010 Hubble Shuttle launch, and even designed their own original space shuttles.
Students then imagined themselves as the first kids in space, living aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They took a virtual tour of the ISS and learned how astronauts adapt to life in zero gravity, including how they sleep while floating! One of the most exciting moments was seeing the view of Earth from space, where students noticed that clouds are one of the most visible features. This led to a discussion about the water cycle and how clouds form, connecting Earth science to space exploration in a meaningful way.
Day 3 was filled with hands-on learning, teamwork, and imagination. Students are now fully immersed in their roles as Cosmic Cadets and are beginning to understand the many skills and areas of knowledge astronauts need. We can’t wait to hit the ground running tomorrow morning with our next experiment about the water cycle!
Questions to Ask Your Cosmic Cadet Tonight:
- What are the four forces of flight, and how do they help a plane (or shuttle) fly?
- How did you and your partner do in the Mission Control communication challenge?
- What did your Cosmic Cadet logo look like, and what was your marketing idea?
- What surprised you most about life on the International Space Station?
- Why are clouds so visible from space, and how are they formed?
