February 21
Middle School Program
for individual participants
REGISTRATION FULL
A one-day program for individual participants to engage in a space mission simulation in the newly-renovated Challenger Learning Center!
These hands-on STEM experiences take place in a fully-immersive Briefing Room, Space Station, and Mission Control led by trained program facilitators.
Surrounded by technology, each participant plays a unique role in the mission as the team completes assignments, manipulates hands-on labs, and copes with simulated emergencies. Teamwork is crucial! If one member fails to complete a job, the entire mission can be put at risk.
The mission is complemented by themed programming in the FSU Planetarium, including a full-dome film, and hands-on STEAM activities.
February 21 PROGRAM
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 2:30pm
Age Group: Children in grades 6-8
Cost: $50 per participant
Cost: $50 per participant
First, click on the “Registration” button on this page. Next, locate the date/time and name of this program from the list and click on its corresponding button.
Participants are encouraged to sign up for more than one program!
Each program will feature a unique full-dome film and hands-on STEAM activities complementing that film’s topics. No two missions are identical, and participants can assume the role of different stations with entirely new tasks and lab experiments to complete each time!
PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Expedition Mars
Simulated Space Mission
The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars: a greenhouse, a mobile geological survey base, and a centralized research habitat. The primary human habitat is not on Mars, but on one of its moons, Phobos. A Spacecraft regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the surface of Mars. The Spacecraft also carries parts to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to continue the search for evidence of life and water. However, when crew members discover an imminent threat to their Spacecraft and the Martian surface facilities, they must act quickly to save their stations, their research, and their lives.
Undiscovered Worlds
Full-Dome Planetarium Film
Do Earth-like planets exist elsewhere in the universe? Travel to distant stars and fly up close to exotic planets. Experience the science shifting our perspective on humanity’s place in the cosmos.
Humans have long imagined exotic and intriguing worlds beyond our solar system. However, in recent years, science fiction has become science reality. Undiscovered Worlds reveals the methods used by astronomers to identify these alien wanderers, and explores the idea of what it means to be in a habitable zone around a star.
Undiscovered Worlds will be complemented by hands-on STEAM activities that are themed around exoplanets, the search for life on other planets, and extremophiles.
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
Drop off: 9:00am
Activities: 9:30am - 2:30pm with a break for lunch at 11:30am
Pick up: 2:30pm
[NOTE: if pick up will be later than 2:30pm, call: 508-626-4050]
The McAuliffe Center is located at the rear of O’Connor Hall on the campus of Framingham State University. Entering 7 Maynard Road, Framingham MA, 01702 into most GPS apps will bring you directly to the entrance into the O’Connor Hall parking lot. You may drop off and pick up participants directly in front of the McAuliffe Center entrance.
Parents/guardians, if you intend to stay on campus after drop-off and while your participant is doing the program, please get a parking pass from Campus Police.
WHAT TO EXPECT
To guarantee full enjoyment of the program, participants are encouraged to arrive by 9:15am at the latest. [NOTE: should you need to drop off ahead of time, call: 508-626-4050]
This program, though highly entertaining, is designed to deliver a STEM learning experience that requires participants to actively engage in a wide range of tasks in a timely fashion.
The program includes a break for lunch, but food will not be provided by the McAuliffe Center. Please, make sure the participant brings lunch. Access to a fridge and microwave is available.
Please refrain from bringing foods that contain peanuts.
Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle. Water can be filled/refilled at the Center.
Questions? Contact: Suzanne Wright at swright4@framingham.edu
Cost: $50 per participanT
First, click on the “Registration” button on this page. Next, locate the date/time and name of this program from the list and click on its corresponding button.