23 May 2015
Youth Education Programs Bring Space Exploration to Life in a Universe of Inspiration

NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers numerous youth educational programs, where the next generation of scientists and space explorers can learn the story of NASA's space missions, experience history first-hand and discover the importance of science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities. Students have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of NASA's launch headquarters at Kennedy Space Center, meet a real astronaut, see inspiring 3D space films, and explore the future of space exploration. Programs aimed at inspiring students of different grades and interest levels all meet Florida Sunshine State Standards, Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® (FCAT) requirements and national science standards. A trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will enrich each student's knowledge and understanding of space and science as they are immersed into a world of exploration and discovery.

 

EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex field trips are designed to inspire student and youth groups to reach for the stars. The Educational Field Trip Program provides groups with special discounted admission rates, allowing students to tour Kennedy Space Center (KSC) areas, see larger-than-life 3D space films, launch into space aboard Shuttle Launch Experience, discover Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, view all exhibits and shows and visit the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®.

 

Kennedy Space Center Educator Activity Guides are available at no charge for educators who

book a field trip. The guides contain dynamic classroom pre-trip, onsite and post-trip materials designed to promote cooperative learning, problem solving and guided research. Activities can also be accessed and downloaded online at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. A minimum group

of 15 people and advance reservations are required for youth rates. Field trip tuition rates vary according to state.

 

SCOUT, HOMESCHOOL AND SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Salute to Scouts: This special annual event honors the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Scouts attend a private, interactive briefing about NASA's latest missions, meet a veteran astronaut and participate in a variety of teamwork and space exploration activities to earn a commemorative KennedySpaceCenter patch. This admission ticket includes special activities, lunch, 3D space films, the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, all shows and exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tuition is $45 plus tax per person. Salute to Boy Scouts and Salute to Girl Scouts are held annually each fall and spring.

 

Salute to Homeschoolers: Homeschool students, families and teachers may tour Kennedy Space Center, participate in special hands-on activities, learn about the latest NASA accomplishments and come face-to-face with a veteran NASA astronaut. This admission ticket includes lunch, 3D space films, the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, all shows and exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. NASA education materials are available for homeschool teachers. Tuition is $45 plus tax per person. Salute to Homeschoolers take place each fall and spring.

 

Salute to Science: Sciencestudents have the opportunity to attend a private, interactive briefing to learn about the important science concepts relating to space exploration, meet a veteran NASA

astronaut and participate in special, hands-on engineering activities. Program includes lunch,

3D space films, the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted all shows and exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tuition is $45 plus tax per person. A minimum group of 100 is required. Salute to Science programs can be scheduled throughout the year.

 

PERFORMANCE GROUPS

Band and choir groups have the opportunity to showcase their talent to visitors from all over the world with NASA Central as the dramatic backdrop. Performance groups are eligible for

discounted admission rates and student lunch programs. Meal discounts, souvenir options, and banquet and reception packages are available year-round.

 

LUNCH

Lunch With An Astronaut: Experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of having lunch with an actual astronaut and hearing inspiring space exploration stories while enjoying a delicious meal.

This program is offered daily and also includes a memorable photo opportunity for students with the veteran NASA astronaut.

 

Student Lunches: Special student lunches are available to groups. Groups may select from chicken strips, hamburgers, hot dogs or pizza. Assorted soft drinks, potato chips and a special treat accompany each meal. Student meal vouchers are also available.

 

Reservations must be made in advance for Lunch With An Astronaut, student lunches and student meal vouchers.

 

OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE

Students can spend the night camping-out beneath the world's largest rocket – the Saturn V moon rocket – during an Overnight Adventure. Participants can meet a veteran astronaut,

perform hands-on, teambuilding activities, watch a private screening of a 3D space film and learn the details of NASA's future missions – all led by education instructors. This program is designed for school, scout and youth groups entering 2nd through 9th grades with a minimum group size of 10. The program includes dinner, midnight snack and continental breakfast. Tuition is $99 plus tax per student. Discounted chaperone rates are available. Tuition includes admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex the following day.

 

SPACE ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

Space Science Academy: The Space Science Academy provides participants with a guided tour through the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame featuring the world's largest collection of Astronauts' personal memorabilia and a Science on a Sphere presentation. Science on a Sphere provides a scientific presentation on a 68” suspended globe which was created by NOAA. The group participates in an interactive demonstration show and a guided tour of a full scale model of the Space Shuttle orbiter. Participants also enjoy a hands-on engineering build activity. The 3.5 hour program is designed for students in 4th through 9th grade and is $45 per person plus tax. Group size is from 30 to 100.

 

Space Explorers Adventure: Space Explorers Training invites participants to train as a space explorer by experiencing simulators such as the Multi-Axis Trainer, T-Chair and the Micro Gravity Wall. Participants also perform a Space Shuttle mission simulation*, witness science demonstrations and take part in a Science on a Sphere demonstration. Science on a Sphere provides a scientific presentation on a 68” suspended globe which was created by NOAA. The five hour program is available for students in 4th through 9th grade and is $75 per person plus tax. Group size is 35 to 100.

*For non-English speaking groups, the Space Shuttle mission simulation will be substituted with a guided tour of the Orbiter and Mission Control.

 

CAMP KENNEDY SPACE CENTER® (KSC)

At Camp KSC, young people experience, imagine and interact through space shuttle mission simulations, tours of Kennedy Space Center and the chance to witness first-hand the everyday challenges faced by astronauts. Spring and summer day camps are designed for children entering 2nd through 11th grades (8 to 17 years old) and includes lunches, snacks, Camp KSC T-shirt and a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Annual Pass. CampKSC is based at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tuition is $295 + tax per child per session.

 

EDUCATOR STUDY PASS

Florida and Georgia educators receive a complimentary limited AnnualPass to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including access to KennedySpaceCenter's Educator Resource Center (ERC). To be eligible for an EducatorStudyPass, educators must possess a valid Florida or Georgia teaching certificate and be currently employed at an accredited school as a full-time K-12 classroom educator. To receive an EducatorStudyPass, educators must present a teaching

certificate and photo I.D. at the VisitorComplexTicketPlaza.

 

NASA EDUCATOR RESOURCE CENTER (ERC)

Professional educators can visit the NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) to discover interesting facts to integrate into their science, math and space exploration curriculum. Teachers can also receive helpful information and other teaching materials. For details on available materials or to make an appointment, call the ERC at 321-867-4090.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information on youth programs and special group rates, please call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

 

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter,Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

 

Media Contacts:

Andrea Farmer, 321-449-4318, afarmer@delawarenorth.com

Nancy Glasgow, 407-375-2433, nancy@bitner.com

 

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