Space Week

October 6-10, 2025

Presenting Sponsor: Google

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.

Orbiting Opportunity:

2025 Field Trips & Professional Development

For Grades 4-5, Tulsa-metro

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’s STEM Engagement Center.
Special Presentations:
- Thursday, Oct. 9—Hear from former NASA astronaut CDR Herrington as he shares his experiences and insights into the world of space flight and exploration.
- Friday, Oct. 10—Hear from former D1 college athlete and astrophysicist Dr. Dakotah Tyler as he shares his experiences and insights going from the gridiron to studying galaxies.
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 9 & 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 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 4-12, Mayes County

Area Outreach Days

Join us for an inspiring and educational experience featuring Dr. Dakotah Tyler, former Division 1 athlete and current astrophysicist. This event is designed for students in grades 4-12 and will provide a unique opportunity to explore STEM identity, belonging, and alternative pathways into aerospace careers.

Event Schedule:

October 7, 2025: Middle & High School
October 8, 2025: Elementary School

Session Times:

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Afternoon Session: 12:30 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 Presentations:
- Tuesday, October 7—Dr. Dakotah Tyler will discuss STEM identity, the importance of belonging in STEM fields, and non-traditional paths into aerospace careers.
- Wednesday, October 8—Hear from former NASA astronaut CDR Herrington as he shares his experiences and insights into the world of space flight and exploration.
Hands-On Activities: Students will break into small groups to explore aerospace concepts and careers through engaging, hands-on activities.

For K-12 Educators

Model Rocketry 101

Friday, October 3, 2025 | 9AM-3PM | NASA OKSG STEM Engagement Center, Stillwater

Are you ready to ignite curiosity and fuel STEM learning with model rocketry? Join us for a high-energy, six-hour hands-on workshop where you’ll build, launch, and explore rockets while learning how to bring these exciting experiences into your classroom. Hosted by the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant STEM Engagement Center at the OSU campus in Stillwater, this session will take you step-by-step from rocket assembly to liftoff.

What to Expect:

Build Two Estes Model Rockets: Learn the process from start to finish with guided, step-by-step instruction.
Launch at OSU’s Unmanned Airfield: Experience the thrill of seeing your creations soar into the sky.
Explore Classroom Applications: Gain ready-to-use activities to connect rocketry with core STEM concepts and spark student engagement.
Discover High-Powered Rocketry: Get a glimpse into advanced rocketry to inspire your future innovators.

This workshop is perfect for educators and youth program leaders looking to combine excitement, creativity, and STEM skill-building. Come ready to build, launch, and learn!

$100 Substitute Reimbursement Available

For Early Childhood Educators

Bringing Aerospace to the Early Childhood Classroom

Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 9AM-3PM | NASA OKSG STEM Engagement Center, Stillwater

Are you an early childhood educator looking to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of explorers? Want to bring the wonder of aerospace into your classroom in ways that are hands-on, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate? Join this fast-paced, six-hour workshop packed with over 13 interactive STEM and aerospace activities designed especially for young learners! Hosted by the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant STEM Engagement Center at the OSU campus in Stillwater, this session will have you ready to launch new ideas in your classroom right away.

Workshop Highlights:

Experience 13+ Ready-to-Use Activities: From lunar landings to galaxy sounds, gain engaging tools to connect aerospace concepts to early learning.
Integrate Culture into STEM: Learn how Native American culture can enrich aerospace exploration in “Culture Meets STEM.”
Inspire Through Sound: Harness music and sound as gateways to space exploration with “Sounds of the Galaxies.”

If you’re ready to infuse your classroom with the excitement of space exploration, this workshop will help you make it happen—launchpad included.

Siegfried Community Night

Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 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!

Apply

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 STEM.

2025 Space Week Supporters:

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!