Educational

SPI and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) sign engagement letter to launch high altitude balloons at all 61 schools  

SPI & IPS have inked a deal to engage all of its 61 schools in STEM and PBL programs that include a high altitude balloon launch at each school. The program will include collaboration with educators and involve students in real experiments that expand their knowledge of earth science, chemistry, physics, RF technology and a host of other topics. The program is designed to include two academic years to cover all the schools in the IPS system.

2012 Race to Space Rocket Challenge to be bigger and better. 2011 a Great Success!

The 2011 R2S Challenge was a great success and 2012 is already being planned! We want to thank all the students and parents that turned out for the Challenge this year and we appreciate the very positive comments in the surveys. A special thanks to IUPUC and SE Indiana I-STEM for your support. We were very happy that Irv Wait, Indiana rocket pioneer, could be our keynote this year, his experience and knowledge has driven the model rocket community to what it is today! Information about 2012 will be posted here shortly and you will be able to register early. The event will grow to a larger crowd with more teams for 2012. Here are a few things we already know. First, the entry fee will be $50.00 per student, and will include materials and rocket for assembly. Second, the date is September 8th (Saturday) 2012 from 9am-5:00 pm. Third, we are already putting together a great list of speakers and specialists that will make your experience amazing. Fourth, the rockets are bigger! If you have questions, please email at ContactUs@spaceportindiana.com or call 765 606 1512.

 Teachers & Students Will Now Have A Vehicle to Send Experiments to Near Space From the Classroom

Spaceport Indiana™ will now offer Teachers and Students a chance to build experiments in the class room and then fly them on upcoming near space missions, saving money and providing remarkable experiences. SPI will schedule several high altitude launches throughout 2011/20012, including at least one launch per quarter. Teachers, who work with students in the class room and develop payloads with unique experiments, can schedule their project to fly along with payloads from other schools. These unique "Ride Share" opportunities give school the opportunity to conduct experiments without absorbing the entire cost of a launch. SPI will offer guidance on payload design, selection, and construction and help schedule the launch. Schools can host a launch if desired, but it is anticipated that most launches will take place at the SPI facility in Columbus. Through Distance Learning technology, classes can witness the launches and schools without payloads being launched can also watch and learn in real time. For more information, teachers can contact SPI at ContactUs@spaceportindiana.com or call 765 606 1512

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FIELD TRIPS? EMAIL US AT ContactUs@SpaceportIndiana.com AND WE'LL CUSTOMIZE YOUR FIELD TRIP TO SPI  OR A VISIT TO YOUR SCHOOL BASED ON YOUR CURRENT CURRICULUM AND INCLUDE STATE SCIENCE STANDARDS FOR YOU!

Our classroom experiments, workshops and activities for the classroom can help educators meet state science standards and focus on project based learning. We can offer a wide variety or experiments, lectures and activities that will keep the stundents attention and relay valuable subject matter at the same time. We're here to help our Nation's youth gain access and achieve more. We understand that transportation costs can be a deciding factor for special projects. That's why we will come to you and help defray that cost. The cost per student ranges from $5.00-$7.00/student depending on activity.

"The programs at SpacePort are about so much more than the stars.  They provide a teaching environment that is fun, safe and encompasses a host of lessons about scientific balloons, rockets, and all things space.  I was pleasantly surprised how complete their programs really are and will continue to involve my students in their programs throughout the school year. I'm confident the knowledge my students gained by participating in their activities will help them excel in future space lessons and programs. Thanks for the wonderful experience!"~~Michelle Nelson, Quest Science, Central Middle School, Columbus Indiana.

Boy Scout Troops can earn badges at Space Port Indiana™

If your Boy Scout Troop would like to earn a badge through programs at Space Port Indiana­™, please let us know. In many cases we already have the programming in place to satisfy the badge requirements. Just contact us and let us know what badge your Scouts are earning and we'll create the program you need if we don't have it already. Rocket Launches, Environment, Astronomy are all possible. Costs range from $5.00-$10.00 per student for the activity.

"Life is a race between education and catastrophe"...H.G. Wells

Space Port Indiana, Inc. continues to build on the number of students that interact with advanced learning modules and unique science, technology engineering and math (STEM) classes. As part of our mission, we're building a competitive workforce that can meet the needs of high tech employers. While we know that not all students will pick a career in aerospace or space exploration, we know that many Hoosier employers need the skills that are used in our industry. With this in mind,  SPI™ will reach over 12,000 students in 2010. Our workshops and classroom experiences build on topics covering a broad range of disciplines. So bring your advanced physics students or your newbies in earth sciences and we'll imerse them in fun, challenging and unique curriculum. SPI™ follows the State of Indiana's science standards, as well as those of our neighboring states.