Our Virtual Space Missions transform students into astronauts, scientists, and engineers with a single common purpose–the success of the mission. Essential skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, will all be put to the test in these 60-minute simulation-based learning experiences. These missions are designed for students learning from home via videoconferencing, but can also be delivered to the classroom.
Destination Mars
Researchers are ready to explore Mars, but there’s one glaring problem–more than 40 million miles separate Earth from the Red Planet. This distance makes it impossible to travel back and forth between the two planets while completing our research. We need to build a base on one of the red planet’s moons, Deimos or Phobos, that will allow us to send a spacecraft to the surface of Mars and back in the fastest and safest way possible. Student teams will select which moon is best to build a base on by analyzing three sets of data collected by rovers on Deimos and Phobos. The team’s research efforts come to a halt when they encounter a critical emergency–a solar storm approaches, and all communication signals are lost. To successfully explore Mars’ moons and complete the mission, the students must work together to protect the rovers and restore communication, analyze the data from their experiments, and select a moon to build a base.
Grade Level:
3rd-5th grade
Program Length:
60 minutes (live)
Technical requirements:
Access to the internet (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser preferred), a device with a camera (preferred)
Price:
$150 per class/group (Max 40 participants)
Availability:
Programs are available Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time). Other possible times by request, please email us for more info.
*Request form works best from a computer, not a mobile device
For additional questions, please email education@museumofflight.org or call 206-764-0384
Destination Moon
The Mission: A team of researchers is ready to return to the Moon to explore its surface and establish a second habitat for astronauts to live and work! To get there, they’ll launch and fly Blue Origin’s reusable launch vehicle, New Glenn, and explore the Moon’s surface using Blue Origin's lunar lander, Blue Moon.
Student teams in Mission Control have a critical job: initiate the launch of New Glenn into orbit to land Blue Moon safely on the lunar surface. While in orbit, teams monitor for potentially dangerous space weather and space debris, conduct safety checks on the spacecraft systems, deploy and monitor satellites, and launch payloads.
Grade Level:
6th-8th grade
Program Length:
60 minutes
Technical Requirements:
Access to the internet (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser preferred). Please note: whether participating from home or in the classroom, every student needs their own computer for this program
Price:
$150 per class/group (min 5 participants, max 40 participants)
Availability:
Programs are available Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time). Other possible times by request, please email us for more info.
*Request form works best from a computer, not a mobile device
For additional questions, please email education@museumofflight.org or call 206-764-0384
What skills and standards does this support?
Destination Moon Skills Sheet
Destination Moon Standards Alignment
Destination Moon Flyer
Destination Mars Educator Guide
Destination Mars Skills Sheet
Destination Mars Standards Alignment
What platform is used to access/participate in this program?
All live programming at The Museum of Flight, including Virtual Space Missions, is delivered via Zoom—please let us know during registration if an alternative platform is required.
Do we need to be together in the classroom to do this program?
No! Groups can participate in these missions from their own homes or from classrooms, but regardless of location each participant needs their own laptop/computer in order to participate in their assigned tasks for the mission.
Are pre-recorded missions available?
Virtual Space Missions are live, real-time programs.
Does the teacher/group leader need to remain present during the program?
A minimum of two chaperones (Moon)/one chaperone (Mars) must remain online for the duration of the program. Chaperones can be teachers or other school/district/organization staff members. Monitoring of students’ behavior is the chaperones' responsibility.
When is my Crew Manifest due?
You will receive your Crew Manifest after payment is made for your program, and it is due back to us, completed, at least 2 days before your program.
How soon do I need to make a reservation?
Programs must be requested at least 2 weeks prior to the date(s) you would like to book, but sooner is better.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at least 2 weeks prior to your program date(s), but sooner is better. Payment can be made over the phone by credit card (preferred) or purchase order (PO).
When will I receive my program link?
You will receive your program link one week prior to your program date.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 7 days in advance of the scheduled program date are eligible for full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days, including no-shows, are eligible for a refund minus a $50 administrative fee.
Is financial assistance available?
Visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more.
For additional questions, please email education@museumofflight.org or call 206-764-0384.
