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The Stars & STEM evening experience is developed to match each grade level’s standards so students are challenged, inspired and eager to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts when they return to school.
Offered by request only. Contact Stars&STEM@spacecenter.org for dates and availability. 35 participant minimum required.
Note: Ages 18 & younger must have chaperone. The agenda is subject to change without notice. NASA Tram Tour length and the locations visited vary depending on the season.
Registration questions can be answered by our reservations team at reservations@spacecenter.org or by phone at +1 281-283-4755.
Take your first steps back to the Moon with us on September 3rd! Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Artemis program. Middle schoolers will design rockets and solve lunar mysteries, while high school students will engineer delivery systems for lunar missions and build and launch their own model rockets. Join us to learn about NASA’s plans for lunar return and hear firsthand from an astronaut who has experienced the wonders of space travel. Get ready to be part of humanity’s next giant leap!
Houston, We Are Go For Launch: Students will design a model rocket out of foam insulation then compete to see who can land on the Moon and Mars first.
Artemis Rescue Quest: Students will act as Astronauts aboard Gateway and solve a series of lockbox challenges that include escape-room style puzzles to determine why contact was lost with their fellow Artemis VIII astronauts on the surface of the Moon.
On Target Engineering Challenge: Develop a zipline delivery system with a high rate of success using various recyclable materials to design and build the system. Students will be paired up and pitted against the other groups similar to how NASA encourages competition amongst private companies.
Estes Model Rocket Build: Each student will build a Model Estes Rocket.
Explore the intricacies of Living and Working in Space at our October event! High school students will tackle the human challenges of spaceflight by designing orbital habitats and investigating space-based agriculture with Space Sprouts. Middle schoolers will experience astronaut testing with Functional Task Tests and take on an End Effector Challenge using VEX Rovers. Join us to discover the cutting-edge science and engineering that makes long-duration space missions possible, and hear firsthand from an astronaut about their experiences in this extraordinary environment!
Functional Task Test: Middle school students will participate in a series of tests that simulate the physiological assessments astronauts undergo before and after spaceflight. These tests may include measuring cardiovascular and respiratory functions using sensors, assessing grip strength, and evaluating balance and coordination. This activity provides a hands-on understanding of how spaceflight affects the human body.
End Effector Challenge with VEX Rovers: Students will use VEX Rovers to complete a challenge that simulates the use of robotic arms (like the Canadarm) in space. They will design and utilize an “end effector” (a tool at the end of a robotic arm) to perform specific tasks, developing skills in robotics, problem-solving, and an understanding of how robots assist astronauts in space construction and maintenance.
Human Aspects Challenge (with Orbital Habitat Design):
High school students will delve into the physiological effects of spaceflight on the human body, drawing upon knowledge of cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and vestibular systems. Using this knowledge, they will then design an orbital habitat that incorporates countermeasures and technologies to mitigate these effects. This activity combines an understanding of human physiology in microgravity with the practical application of designing a livable space environment.
Space Sprouts: Students will investigate the challenges of growing crops in space, focusing on systems like VEGGIE and PONDs on the International Space Station. They will explore how microgravity affects plant growth and learn about the innovative technologies developed to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, they will discover how this research has led to terrestrial applications that extend the shelf life of produce. During this session, they will get a chance to make a analog POND and take home a chilli pepper seed that NASA sent to ISS allowing them to be a part of future scientific discoveries.
Discover the incredible hurdles of venturing beyond Earth on November 19th! This event delves into the demanding world of space exploration. Middle school students will engineer payload transport systems and design protection against the frigid vacuum of space, while high schoolers will tackle the extreme heat of reentry by designing thermal protection and learn to remotely operate robots in challenging environments. Come explore the innovative solutions required for space travel and living in extreme conditions, and be inspired by the insights of our astronaut guest. Prepare to be amazed by the ingenuity that makes space exploration possible!
Sphero Engineering Challenge: Students will engineer a Payload transportation system using recycled materials and a Sphero Bolt Robot to collect samples and transport them across a course.
Space Suit Cryogenic Engineering Challenge: Students will need to design a space suit using various insulators and conductors to protect a “Marsh-monaut” from the cold temperatures of space. The “Marsh-monaut” will then be dunked in liquid nitrogen (-320 degrees F) for a 2 min suit integrity test.
Thermal Protection System (TPS) Design Challenge: Design a Thermal tile to withstand 2500 degrees Fahrenheit in order to protect an “Eggstronaut” (an egg) for 2 minutes by using various conductors and insulators.
Lunar Coding Challenge: Code a Sphero RVR robot across an obstacle course representing the Moon in order to scan various hydrogen sources on the Lunar surface.
Journey through Our Amazing Solar System with us on December 11th! Discover the wonders of the planets and moons that make up our cosmic neighborhood. Middle schoolers will navigate a Martian holiday with Percy the rover and design tasty Lunar Gingerbread Habitats. High school students will get creative crafting Planetary Ornaments and command a VEX Rover on a VIPER’s Lunar Excursion. Plus, enjoy a captivating Planetary Show and explore the spectacular Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, all while warming up with S’mores!
Percy’s Martian Holiday: Introduces students to Mars, another fascinating body in our solar system. Control a Sphero Bolt through a challenging maze while learning about the Perseverance on Mars
Gingerbread Habitats: Design a habitat out of tasty supplies while learning about the future Artemis missions and their goal to put things on the moon
Planetary Ornaments: Students will design ornaments representing their favorite planet, encouraging learning about different planetary characteristics.
VIPER’s Lunar Excursion: Exploring the Moon with a rover connects to understanding a specific celestial body in detail.
You can substitute a tour for any activity for any of the STEM Workshops.
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Have them apply to Rise! Rise is a program that offers students access to scholarships, mentorship, networking and career development opportunities, fostering their ability to address pressing global challenges.
Rise Initiative is a partner of the Conrad Challenge at Space Center Houston.
The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!
Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.
Space Center Houston will close at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 29. Understand how this will impact your visit.
WEATHER ALERT
For the safety of our guests and staff, Space Center Houston is closed on Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22 due to forecasted inclement weather.
We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you soon! For questions or concerns, contact our Reservations team with your order number at 281.283.4755 or via email.