Blast off with Space Week!
Inspired by the global enthusiasm of World Space Week, this immersive experience is a highlight of our Mentoring programming, crafted to ignite a passion for STEM in all youth, fostering belonging and connecting them to aerospace careers by linking them with relatable professionals.
Throughout this entirely FREE week, we’re thrilled to provide engaging space-themed outreach to neighboring rural communities, offer captivating field trip opportunities for students in grades 4-12, and deliver valuable professional development experiences for educators. Expect interactive fun that sparks curiosity about aviation and space exploration, a major field in Oklahoma. Plus, be inspired by a special astronaut guest and a diverse panel of aerospace pros showcasing a universe of career possibilities!
Reaching for the Stars:
2024 Space Week Impact
951
Students inspired through outreach & field trips
26
participating School Districts & Educational Organizations
32
Educators supported through professional development
Featuring
Commander
John B. Herrington
Following his retirement from the Navy and NASA, CDR Herrington worked in the commercial space sector before embarking on a 4,300 mile bicycle ride across the United States, from Cape Flattery, WA to Cape Canaveral FL, stopping at Indian reservations and NASA Explorer Schools to share his story of motivation and mentorship with Native American youth. At age 52, he entered the University of Idaho and earned a Doctorate in Education, investigating the factors that motivate and engage Native American students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
He authored a children’s book, “Mission to Space” and is currently working on his personal memoir. He is married and the proud father to two daughters and grandfather to four grandchildren. He resides in the mountains of Northwestern Montana with his wife Danielle, their sled dog Emme and calico cat Ladybug.
Featuring
Commander
John B. Herrington
Following his retirement from the Navy and NASA, CDR Herrington worked in the commercial space sector before embarking on a 4,300 mile bicycle ride across the United States, from Cape Flattery, WA to Cape Canaveral FL, stopping at Indian reservations and NASA Explorer Schools to share his story of motivation and mentorship with Native American youth. At age 52, he entered the University of Idaho and earned a Doctorate in Education, investigating the factors that motivate and engage Native American students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
He authored a children’s book, “Mission to Space” and is currently working on his personal memoir. He is married and the proud father to two daughters and grandfather to four grandchildren. He resides in the mountains of Northwestern Montana with his wife Danielle, their sled dog Emme and calico cat Ladybug.
Orbiting Opportunity:
2024 Field Trips & Professional Development
For Grades 4-5
Discovery Lab Field Trip
Bring your students to Discovery Lab for an out-of-this-world field trip experience. This event is designed for students in grades 4-5 and offers a day full of engaging, hands-on activities focused on space and aviation.
Event Highlights:
- Hands-On Activities: Explore space and aviation through hands-on activities provided by Discovery Lab and NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium.
- Special Presentation: Hear from former NASA astronaut Duane “Digger” Carey as he shares his experiences and insights into the world of space exploration.
- Museum Access: Participation includes access to the museum floor, where students can further their learning with Discovery Lab’s exhibits.
Field Trip Details:
- Dates: October 10 & 11, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day
- Location: Discovery Lab
Additional Information:
- Cost: Free entry for all students and schools.
- Lunch: Lunch is not provided, but schools are welcome to bring their own.
- Reimbursement Available: Up to $100 for substitute and/or transportation expenses.
For Grades 6-12
Area Outreach Days
Join us for an inspiring and educational experience featuring Dakotah Tyler, former Division 1 athlete and current astrophysicist. This event is designed for students in grades 6-12 and will provide a unique opportunity to explore STEM identity, belonging, and alternative pathways into aerospace careers.
Session Times:
- Morning Session (Grades 9-12): 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Afternoon Session (Grades 6-8): 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Additional Information:
- Cost: Free entry for all students and schools.
- Lunch: Lunch is not provided, but schools are welcome to bring their own.
- Reimbursement Available: Up to $100 for substitute and/or transportation expenses.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Presentation: Dakotah Tyler will discuss STEM identity, the importance of belonging in STEM fields, and non-traditional paths into aerospace careers.
- Hands-On Activities: Students will break into small groups to explore aerospace concepts and careers through engaging, hands-on activities.
Event Schedule:
- October 7, 2024: Northeastern State University | Tahlequah, OK
- October 8, 2024: College of Muscogee Nation | Okmulgee, OK
- October 9, 2024: Tulsa Tech – Peoria Campus | Tulsa, OK
For PK-8 Educators
Going Back to the Moon: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, How!
Friday, October 4, 2024 | 9AM-3PM | NASA OKSG STEM Engagement Center, Stillwater
Immerse yourself in a fast-paced, hands-on STEM Educator PD session where you’ll dive into three of NASA OKSG’s most engaging, standards-aligned curriculum sets. This workshop is designed specifically for elementary and middle school educators who are eager to bring NASA’s cutting-edge science and engineering into their classrooms. This workshop is hosted by the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant STEM Engagement Center at the OSU campus in Stillwater.
What to Expect:
- Telling the Story of NASA’s Artemis Missions: Explore three hands-on activities that highlight why we’re returning to the moon, how we’re getting there, how we’ll land, and how we’ll navigate on the lunar surface.
- Train Like an Astronaut: Participate in six dynamic activities that simulate astronaut training. You might even experience a virtual presentation from two flight controllers in Mission Control at Johnson Space Center.
- Robotics on a Dime: Dive into the fascinating world of robotics with five engaging activities that explore the engineering design of end effectors—the “hands” or tools at the end of a robotic arm that interact with the environment.
$100 Substitute Reimbursement Available
For All Educators & Instructional Leaders
Creating STEM Engagement Events with an Emphasis on Belonging
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 9AM-3PM
Are you responsible for planning community events at your school or organization? Looking for innovative ways to engage students and their families in hands-on STEM activities that cater to all learners? Join our dynamic, hands-on workshop designed to meet these needs and more! This workshop is hosted by the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant STEM Engagement Center at the OSU campus in Stillwater.
Community Night
Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 6-8PM | Discovery Lab
Explore the Wonders of space at Our FREE Community Night! In collaboration with Discovery Lab, we’re hosting a fun-filled evening, perfect for families and small groups.
For groups larger than 10, please contact us at info@TulsaSTEM.org.
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2025 Space Week Supporters:
