Hello, volunteers!
Thank you so much for volunteering and helping to make a positive impact on the next generation! We are looking forward to meeting you at our upcoming Space STEM Program.
Below are details about the program structure.
Part 1:
Presentation overview
Auditorium/cafeteria: A STEM Coalition facilitator and either one or two volunteers from the US Space Force will present a kinesthetic, interactive program that introduces the students to the following concepts:
• SPACE, ROCKETS AND SATELLITES
• The importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in our pursuit of knowledge in Space.
• Why it’s important to focus on academics, even when school/especially math is challenging.
• Discuss higher education and the pros of going to college and/or technical/vocational higher education.
• Discuss the jobs that our guardian volunteers have within the Space Force.
• Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate as fully as they wish in the program.
• Depending on group size, please repeat the question the student has asked, before answering.
Time: 40 - 45 minutes depending on grade level
Part 2:
Hands-on activity
Students build rockets out of heavy construction paper and tape with the assistance of our volunteers.
• Students decorate the rockets with markers, planets & stars stickers as well as name tag stickers.
• Once all students have completed the rocket build, we will head outdoors, led by the teacher.
Time: 30 - 40 minutes depending on the grade level
Part 3:
Rocket Launch
Kids Rocket Launcher:
Description: Each student will launch their own rocket in a simulated launch pattern as though the kids were actually in the Launch Control Center.
Outdoors (weather permitting): Led by the teacher, the class will move outside aided by the US Space Force volunteers and the STEM Coalition facilitators. Should we experience inclement weather, we have a backup plan that has been discussed with the principal.
• Volunteers assist in setting up the Pneumatic launcher.
• Volunteers assist students with pumping up the bicycle pump that fills the air chamber to the appropriate PSI - usually between 25-30 PSI)
• Volunteers assist the teachers and facilitators with bringing students to launcher in an orderly set of lines.
• Volunteers should always be aware and assist with SAFETY FIRST, making sure the launch area is clear of humans, before the countdown to launch.
Time: 30 - 40 minutes depending on # of students
Expectations: These rockets can fly up over 100 ft into the sky, before safely coming back down in the outdoor area/field.
Safety: Whilst each rocket is being launched, the students should remain with the teacher. When the teacher says it’s okay, the child who just launched their rocket can go and retrieve it. It is important that the students stay with the teacher behind the “Kids Launcher” when the rockets are launched. We do NOT want a rocket landing on anyone.
Volunteer expectations
We thank you for your time and the privilege of learning about your job and educational background. Should you wish, here are some ideas that might be great to share with the students.
• What made you interested in the STEM field?
• What challenges did you face as a kid academically and how did you overcome these obstacles?
• What most excites you about Space, STEM and these kids as the future?