Launched in the 2009-10 academic year, Astronaut Academy is a seventh grade program that integrates math, physics and astronomy. Just as astronauts do, students study data analysis, probability, number theory as they develop algebra readiness , in a program that combines many STEM components.

The science portion of the curriculum focuses on forces and motion along with planetary and stellar science. Whether you want to be a doctor or a journalist, a scientist or a senator, science and math applies to YOU. The exploration of the universe has only just begun and new findings could change our lives. Students in Astronaut Academy discover how much we all use physics and math everyday in everything we do, whether we take a car to school, use a computer, or play sports.

Over the year students examine such questions as: What is the relationship between energy, space and time? What do we know about the universe? How do math, physics, and astronomy influence your life?

The math skills and science knowledge are gained in part through traditional classroom study, but also through involvement in a variety of activities that require creativity and problem solving. Some highlights from past years include:

• Participation as part of the GAVRT (Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope) team, working with NASA. In a link-up with mission control staff, students entered commands via computer to move a football field-sized radio antennae on the mainland while tracking their data on the classroom smart board.
• Travel to a private observatory to observe the final stage of the LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) mission crash a satellite into the surface of the moon in October 2009, in hopes of revealing evidence of water in the expected dust plumes.
• Using GAVRT to study Jupiter and a Quasar.
• A presentation by Brian Hawkins of NASA to the 7th grade that included hands-on activities with aerodynamics, and a simulation of remotely controlling equipment like the Mars Rover.
• Designing and launching water bottle rockets that reached heights of over 30 feet.

Links to related stories:

Read about Astronaut Academy Teachers attending NASA conference.
Astronaut Academy students are even eager to have class at night. Read more about it.
NASA Educator shares amazing information. Read more about Brian Hawkins' visit to campus.
Teacher Jennifer Higa witnesses JUNO Launch.