Overview of Space Camp!

by Jim Allan, TSBVI Technology Services
Return to SCI-VIS- FAQs

Space Camp is a week long camp that takes place at the US Space and Rocket Center in Hunstville, Alabama. The word "camp" truly understates the EXPERIENCE of Space Camp. Students live in a simulated space station called Habitat 1. They have the opportunity to practice their leadership and teamwork abilities as they prepare for two Space Shuttle missions.

While preparing for a "role" (Shuttle Pilot, Communications Officer in Mission Control, Space Station Scientist, and many others), students learn about the history of manned space flight, shuttle and space station basics, and water survival. Simultaneously, they experience lunar gravity (1/6 Earth gravity), the 5DF (degrees of freedom) chair, and the Multi-Axis Trainer. The students participate in building a lunar colony. They also build and fly their own rocket! They will tour Rocket Park, the world's most comprehensive collection of rocketry. At night the Spacedome Theater features space and science films, such as "Blue Planet" and "The Dream is Alive" which were filmed in space by astronauts, projected on a 67-foot dome screen. And more, and more, and more...

Space Camp is actually 4 separate programs. Space Camp, Space Academy, and Advanced Academy focus on space travel. Another exciting part of Space Camp is the Aviation Challenge Program. Aviation Challenge (AC) introduces students to the total experience of military jet pilot training. Students learn the basics of flying, propulsion systems, navigation, high performance maneuvering, and more. Students fly simulators, practice taking off and landing on aircraft carriers, and participate in search and rescue missions. They also learn and practice the basics of land and water survival. WOW! There is a lot to do in Aviation Challenge.

History

A pilot project was started in 1990 with 20 students from the West Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney, W. Va. The program grew steadily until 1994 when all of the programs became accessible to children with visual impairments. The 1996 program contained 121 students from twenty two states, Puerto Rico, Russia, Ukraine, and Australia.

Students may attend the programs at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center at any time during the year, but this special week is set aside due to the number of adaptations made for the students so they may fully enjoy the experience. During this week, materials and equipment used during missions are available in braille and large print. Computers used by students in the Advanced Academy Program have been adapted for speech and large print output. With these accommodations, students with visual impairments can fully participate in nearly all activities. Each student is screened based on their eye medical condition. Limitations may be placed on some, but for the most part, students participate fully.

These exciting programs and activities are designed to educate young people about aviation and the space program. Sessions are designed around simulated space missions conducted in Space Shuttle orbiter mock-ups. Trainees learn the basics of shuttle operation, the science and history of the space program, leadership skills and teamwork. They also use authentic simulators to experience the sensations of astronaut training.

All it takes is the involvement of an interested teacher and a student interested in space science, math or related areas.

Costs

Programs are as follows (cost does not include travel):

Space Camp for grades 4-6 - Cost: $600.00
Space Academy, Level I for grades 7-12 - Cost: $600.00
Advanced Academy for college bound students grades 10-12 - Cost: $600.00
Aviation Challenge Basic (Mach I) for grades 4-6 - Cost: $600.00
Aviation Challenge Intermediate (Mach II) for grades 7-12, - Cost: $600.00.
Aviation Challenge Advanced (Mach III) for grades 10-12, - Cost: $600.00.

For a Space Camp brochure call 800-63-SPACE. This will give you an overview of the Space Camp Experience or visit the Space Camp website. Once you are sure you want to give Space Camp a try, ...

Contact the International Space Camp Coordinator:scivis@atlanticbb.net

Dan Oates - W. Va. School for the Blind
P.O. Box 1034(304) 822-4883 (work) or (304) 822-4410 (home)
PREFERRED METHOD: email: scivis@atlanticbb.net

Return to SCI-VIS FAQs read the rest of information and get the SCI-VIS: Forms you will need to register.

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Last Revision: October 28, 2004