The SpaceXpress Project is a mobile, state-of-the-art classroom that brings space demonstrations, simulations and educational activities to Universities and schools around the world to excite students about science and math through space exploration. Through 8 unique "racks," similar to those used on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, and staff led hands on activities and demonstrations, visitors can explore different aspects of real-world challenges in space exploration. Each group or participant will design their own virtual reality mission based on the choices they make at each rack, i.e. mode of propulsion, length of mission, destination etc. Once all choices have been made the participant or group will watch as their mission profile is created dynamically by the onboard computers and they can then "fly" their virtual mission and see if they are successful. SpaceXpress allows SISC to reach students, teachers, and the public in areas which generally do not have access to the resources the SpaceXpress van bring. - Translating the excitement of space: An adventure!
- Distribution: The "Road Show" Model: Get your hands dirty
- Integration with Curriculum: Resources for existing curriculum
- Long term impact: Involvement of society in Space Plans --- Foundation for future projects
- To make the teaching and learning of science more exciting and interesting through the use of space related examples and demonstrations.
To promote intercultural and international exchange among teachers and students - To create a "Virtual" Community of teachers and students around the world
- To provide curriculum, curriculum enhancements, and activities for long term use by teachers and students.
- To promote international relations, cultural understanding, and to increase scientific literacy through the topic of space exploration.
To leave a community and its residents with an expanded understanding of international relations, other cultures, science, and space exploration.
Project Components: Response --- Reinforcement --- Retention |
Response  The most visible part of the SpaceXpress Program is the SpaceXpress Vehicle which is a mobile, state-of-the-art classroom that brings space demonstrations, simulations and educational activities to K-12 schools to excite students about science and math through space exploration.
At each school the SpaceXpress stops at, the response from students and teachers will generate immense excitement. In cooperation with the Society's partners, the demonstrations and "hands on" materials are of the highest quality. By creating a major event at the school the Society hopes to create an enthusiasm that can then be reinforced through the educational materials it will provide to educators.
    
The Rack System
Through 8 unique "racks," similar to those used on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, and staff led hands on activities and demonstrations, visitors can explore different aspects of real-world challenges in space exploration. Each rack consists of a separate scientific subject, i.e. life sciences, remote sensing, planetary exploration, etc. Each group or participant will design their own virtual reality mission based on the choices they make at each rack, i.e. mode of propulsion, length of mission, destination etc. Once all choices have been made the participant or group will watch as their mission profile is created dynamically by the onboard computers and they can then "fly" their virtual mission and see if they are successful.
Racks include: Spaceflight: Looks at the major challenges of spaceflight including technical, political, and financial issues. Planetary Exploration: An overview of our Solar System and what are the prime areas of interest for future robotic and human space missions. Hydroponics: Examines one of the key challenges to long term human space exploration and one possible solution. Life Sciences: Examines the effects of long space missions on human physiology and some proposed solutions. - Materials Processing: Involve participants in learning about the unique process and benefits of materials processing in space.
Remote Sensing: Examines the everyday life benefits of space based remote sensing for the environment, archaeology, navigation, etc. Telemedicine: Provide participants an experience in telemedicine which will be used on any long term human space mission. Virtual Reality: Permits participants to experience a Virtual Reality spaceflight in a flight simulation cockpit or wearing a head-mounted display unit. Participants fill out an electronic check list at each rack and then have their unique mission instantly created by the VR computers.
The On-line Community : http://www.spacexpress.org Knowledge Database : A large database containing data about scientists, classrooms and groups worldwide to ease the exchange of knowledge, share projects, and promote international partnerships. Free Web space : to help space working groups to put their projects on-line, SISC offers free web space. Chats and Forums : The members of a joint project can meet at SISC's chat and on-line forums to exchange experience and strengthen partnership. Other Resources : On the fly translation software to turn off language barriers, Videoconference session, Newsletters, etc.
The SpaceXpress Experience |
Before Vehicle arrival... Weeks before, classrooms receive a kit of educational materials regarding the scientific subjects seen inside the SpaceXpress (Books, CD-ROMS, Videos, etc...) During the "SpaceXpress Visit" ... Teachers would deploy field experiments of their choice from the SpaceXpress Virtual Library. The students can interact with experiments in the racks and communicate with other classrooms around the World via the Internet. After the Vehicle leaves... Reinforcement of what they have seen in SpaceXpress with further activities. After SpaceXpress experience the students work in a Virtual Community environment, creating lasting links between groups worldwide. |
