National Aerospace Initiative

Space Explorers programs include missions to the Moon, Mars and the asteroid Eros. They also include Orbital Laboratory®, where students replicate plant growth experiments done by NASA on the International Space Station, and the K-3 Space® program, which encourages young students to learn about space exploration.

Space Explorers provides teachers with all the resources necessary to bring space education into the classroom by providing prepared curricula, including a simulated launch of a space vehicle. During the simulation, the students must interact to gather information as a team in order to complete the mission simulation. The lessons and programs are at appropriate reading levels (kindergarten through 12th grade) and allow students to be exposed to science vocabulary and experiments based on age and grade.

By utilizing the Space Explorers programming, the Chicago Aerospace Initiative (CAI) seeks to prepare students for jobs in the 21st century that will require technical skill sets in math, science and engineering. By integrating technology into the classroom, CAI enables students to develop technical skills that will be highly valuable in tomorrow's job market.

Program Features

• Available for grades K – 12
• Curriculum aligned with Illinois State Standards and Program Descriptors
• Prepared interdisciplinary curriculum for teachers
• Educational training and support from WorldView, Inc.
• Personnel visits/assistance from a WorldView Regional Aerospace Coordinator
   

Program Benefits

• Opportunity for Space Camp scholarships – Available for most improved students
• CPDUs & CEUs available through professional development training