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Space Week

October 6-10, 2025

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

Commander John B. Herrington is a retired Naval Aviator, test pilot, aquanaut and astronaut. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a PhD in Education from the University of Idaho.
 
As an aviator, he has flown over 5000 hours in more than 30 different types of aircraft. As an aquanaut, he commanded the sixth NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission, spending nearly 264 hours underwater.
 
As an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, NASA considers CDR Herrington to be the first citizen of a Federally recognized tribe to fly in space. As an astronaut, CDR Herrington flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on the 16th assembly mission to the International Space Station. During his mission he traveled over 5.6 million miles, accumulating over 330 hours in space, including performing three spacewalks totaling nearly 21 hours.
 

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

Commander John B. Herrington is a retired Naval Aviator, test pilot, aquanaut and astronaut. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a PhD in Education from the University of Idaho.
 
As an aviator, he has flown over 5000 hours in more than 30 different types of aircraft. As an aquanaut, he commanded the sixth NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission, spending nearly 264 hours underwater.
 
As an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, NASA considers CDR Herrington to be the first citizen of a Federally recognized tribe to fly in space. As an astronaut, CDR Herrington flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on the 16th assembly mission to the International Space Station. During his mission he traveled over 5.6 million miles, accumulating over 330 hours in space, including performing three spacewalks totaling nearly 21 hours.
 

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.

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
  •  

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

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.

Workshop Highlights:
  • Explore Nine STEM Station Activities: Experience a variety of engaging activities that you can implement in your events.
  • Learn Inclusive Strategies: Discover techniques for creating an atmosphere of belonging.

This workshop is open to all educators and youth-serving organizations. If you’re seeking fresh ideas for captivating family events, this workshop is for you. Join us to learn, innovate, and have fun!

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. 

Attend

Join us for an evening of space exploration at our Space Week Community Night! Experience exciting hands-on activities led by local experts, explore the wonders of aerospace at the Discovery Lab, and hear from a real astronaut! Don't miss this inspiring opportunity - space is limited, so pre-registration is highly recommended.

Volunteer

Help us make this event a success by getting involved as a volunteer! We're looking for support volunteers to play a crucial role in making community night a success! Their support will ensure smooth set-up, a welcoming check-in experience for familes. We'll provide all the necessary training and materials!

Collaborate

Are you a community organization, company, or industry professional passionate about STEM and space exploration? Share your expertise by hosting an engaging activity! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the next generation of innovators and showcase your organization's commitment to education and community involvement.

Are you passionate about investing in students?

Support the future of STEM! Become a sponsor and help us nurture young minds and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Not ready to launch into event sponsorship? You can still make a difference by donating!

2025 Space Week Supporters:

Presenting Sponsor
Mentoring Hero Sponsor

2025 Space Week

Be the first to Know!

Get a head start on your 2025-2026 school year with the cosmic possibilities of Space Week!

 
Fill out our form and we’ll be sure to notify you the moment all the exciting details are finalized – think FREE immersive field trips, inspiring professional development, and out-of-this-world student experiences!