Elementary students explored the science and engineering behind space travel during Stefanie Tyler’s AIG Summer Seminar, moving from investigations of the solar system to building and launching rockets of their own.
Throughout the week, students took part in hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities designed to help them understand both the scale of space and the challenges involved in exploring it.
Students investigated the planets and participated in a scale walk to better understand the vast distances within the solar system. They also designed and tested paper rockets, studied how craters form on the moon and engineered moon landers intended to protect astronauts and equipment during landing.
Their work extended to Mars, where students researched whether the planet could someday support human life. The investigation introduced them to some of the challenges and possibilities involved in future exploration and habitation.
Students also had an opportunity to connect their classroom work with real-world space exploration through conversations with two retired NASA engineers who worked on the Artemis I mission.
Before the interviews, students prepared questions for the engineers. The conversations gave them firsthand insight into engineering careers, teamwork and the future of space exploration.
The seminar concluded with another engineering challenge as students built and launched their own rockets, putting into practice the creativity, problem-solving and scientific thinking they had used throughout the week.
The AIG Summer Seminar was made possible by the Polk County Community Foundation.
