Friday, May 22, 2009
We Have Returned!- From the 5th Grade Teaching Team
All the campers are back with their families, all the luggage has been unloaded, and the buses have pulled away. The kids were super on the ride back. Everyone slept pretty well due to our busy week. Thanks for all your support and hard work. Only T- 361 days until next blast off to Space Camp!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Finale-From the 5th Grade Teaching Team
Our last day at Space Camp was wonderful. Campers were able to get in one last ride on Space Shot, G-Force, and the Mars simulator. Team Aldrin (Royal Blue) enjoyed watching Dr. M., Mrs. Haddas, and Ms. Harris shoot into the sky as they rode Space Shot.
Everyone also saw Story Musgrave, one of the main engineers for the Hubble Telescope and a Space Shuttle Commander, as a guest speaker today. He shared many unbelievably beautiful photographs that he has taken over the years. It was an inspirational afternoon.
All the robo teams spent time today preparing for and competing in their final robot competition. The event is off limits for adults so we are all looking forward to congratulating all teams on a job well done.
Space Bowl, which is a quiz game like Jeopardy, takes place this evening before graduation. All teams will get to test themselves to see how much knowledge they have retained from the week.
Graduation is our final activity this evening. Students will get a certificate and pin. Awards for the robo competitions as well as other team awards will be given out at this time.
A very busy end to our very busy and most excellent week! Our expected departure time from Space Camp will be around 10 PM this evening. See you all soon!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Working Hard on Wednesday-From the 5th Grade Teaching Team
Teams had another action packed day here at Space Camp. Robo teams spent a lot of time in the lab today perfecting their team robots. Kids shared with excitement how successful their creations were being achieving their missions. They can't wait to face off in tomorrow's competition. They are taking a lot of pride in their accomplishments. Both Space groups completed another mission and enjoyed sharing what role they played. Whether they were in Mission Control, on the shuttle, or space station they had an important part in a successful mission.
All through out the day, teams were climbing the rock wall, and riding Space Shot and G-Force. Teams also continued having experiences on simulators and learning about space history.
It was really special to be able to observe the positive attitudes displayed by all the King students. They were laughing and fully engaged. King students have received lots of complements from counselors, team leaders, and support staff. Way to go!
All through out the day, teams were climbing the rock wall, and riding Space Shot and G-Force. Teams also continued having experiences on simulators and learning about space history.
It was really special to be able to observe the positive attitudes displayed by all the King students. They were laughing and fully engaged. King students have received lots of complements from counselors, team leaders, and support staff. Way to go!
Day Three- A Parent's Perspective by Stephen Modell
Robotics kids started the day by viewing U.S. Space program's venture to the moon. Campers also did the Ares Moon Activity, gearing them towards future moon shots. While kids were having fun, parents hiked through the nearby hills. There is quite a bit of natural beauty in this heavily forested area occupied by the Marshall Space Center. Both parents and kids constructed Estes model rockets ("but will it fly?"). We are set to blast off! Kids at this point only momentarily notice their parents as they carry on with their own missions and groups.
- Marrisa Modell's Dad Stephen
- Marrisa Modell's Dad Stephen
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 2 from Stephen Modell - A Parent's Perspective
Hi to 5th Grade Parents,
Today the kids got into full swing. Those in the Space Group did various space simulation piloting activities (I saw three campers in the Space Shuttle control room looking like they knew what they were doing); those in Robotics had their first crash course in robot construction plus did one Space activity -the Space Shot (a Cedar Point-style ballistic ride). A few parents caught their youngsters rock wall climbing in the museum; this evening several of us saw them spinning at a fairly fast clip in a Leonardo DaVinci type series of concentric circles (somehow their food seems to stay down O.K.!). They also watched a moon trip animation in the I-Max with Armstrong, Aldrin, and Dean characters and three stow-away bugs dressed in space suits for the flight!
Parents had a delightful fish fry for dinner; the kids enjoyed beef stroganoff in the cafeteria. We noticed small band-aids on two of our youngsters - one on a finger; the other a knee. These scratches seemed adequately and swiftly taken care of, all kids in full action mode at present. The youngsters seem to be mingling more than they would in a standard classroom setting, with more conversation between boys and girls since they are sharing activities in common / in close proximity / at the same time. Some of the kids are voicing pride in getting on the space rides.
- Marrisa Modell's Dad Stephen
Robotics 2 Chaperone
Today the kids got into full swing. Those in the Space Group did various space simulation piloting activities (I saw three campers in the Space Shuttle control room looking like they knew what they were doing); those in Robotics had their first crash course in robot construction plus did one Space activity -the Space Shot (a Cedar Point-style ballistic ride). A few parents caught their youngsters rock wall climbing in the museum; this evening several of us saw them spinning at a fairly fast clip in a Leonardo DaVinci type series of concentric circles (somehow their food seems to stay down O.K.!). They also watched a moon trip animation in the I-Max with Armstrong, Aldrin, and Dean characters and three stow-away bugs dressed in space suits for the flight!
Parents had a delightful fish fry for dinner; the kids enjoyed beef stroganoff in the cafeteria. We noticed small band-aids on two of our youngsters - one on a finger; the other a knee. These scratches seemed adequately and swiftly taken care of, all kids in full action mode at present. The youngsters seem to be mingling more than they would in a standard classroom setting, with more conversation between boys and girls since they are sharing activities in common / in close proximity / at the same time. Some of the kids are voicing pride in getting on the space rides.
- Marrisa Modell's Dad Stephen
Robotics 2 Chaperone
Terrific Tuesday - From the 5th Grade Teaching Team
Another action packed day at Space Camp! Groups were running in all different directions enjoying all the great experiences Space Camp has to offer. The day started early for all campers. They woke at 7 and were eating breakfast by 7:30. Students were enthusiastic about how tasty the food is at Space Camp. They had eggs, sausage, and pancakes for breakfast. Milk, juice, and fresh fruit are always available as well. Meal times are an excellent time for all chaperones to touch base with campers and hear about the great time they are having. Space Shot is mentioned over and over as being, "Totally Awesome!"
All groups also saw the IMAX movie, "Magnificent Desolation" today. It is a great film narrated by Tom Hanks.
Aldrin (Space Group 1 Royal Blue) had their Intrepid Mission today. Campers really enjoyed using the 1/6th Chair. They learned what it feels like to walk on the moon. They bunny hopped, side walked, and jumped. Their smiles said it all!
Armstrong (Space Group 2 Lime Green) spent some time in the museum today learning about early space missions. Touring Rocket Park, learning about crew systems, and shuttle history was also part of their day. Their space notebooks are quickly filling up with all information they are learning.
Differential (Robo 1 Navy) worked on their robots today. They also had fun constructing their rockets. Dr. M and Mrs. Haddas peeked in on them during this time and were impressed with how focused the group was while constructing their rockets. They also enjoyed learning about how astronauts go to the bathroom and deal with vomit in space. How interesting! They were also able to visit the gift shop.
Pulley (Robo 2 Black) were also busy working on their robots. Along with constructing rockets this group spent much of their day using simulators. They used the MMU and the 1/6th chair. They were anxious to take their turn and earned the privilege by answering trivia questions. The amount of knowledge they have collected already is very impressive.
Gear (Robo 1 Red) are confident that their robots are the best and will prevail in the upcoming competition. Big words with such hard work happening in all groups. Gear also had their Discovery mission. They did a great job working together as a team. Way to go! Another fine example of students doing their personal best.
All groups also saw the IMAX movie, "Magnificent Desolation" today. It is a great film narrated by Tom Hanks.
Aldrin (Space Group 1 Royal Blue) had their Intrepid Mission today. Campers really enjoyed using the 1/6th Chair. They learned what it feels like to walk on the moon. They bunny hopped, side walked, and jumped. Their smiles said it all!
Armstrong (Space Group 2 Lime Green) spent some time in the museum today learning about early space missions. Touring Rocket Park, learning about crew systems, and shuttle history was also part of their day. Their space notebooks are quickly filling up with all information they are learning.
Differential (Robo 1 Navy) worked on their robots today. They also had fun constructing their rockets. Dr. M and Mrs. Haddas peeked in on them during this time and were impressed with how focused the group was while constructing their rockets. They also enjoyed learning about how astronauts go to the bathroom and deal with vomit in space. How interesting! They were also able to visit the gift shop.
Pulley (Robo 2 Black) were also busy working on their robots. Along with constructing rockets this group spent much of their day using simulators. They used the MMU and the 1/6th chair. They were anxious to take their turn and earned the privilege by answering trivia questions. The amount of knowledge they have collected already is very impressive.
Gear (Robo 1 Red) are confident that their robots are the best and will prevail in the upcoming competition. Big words with such hard work happening in all groups. Gear also had their Discovery mission. They did a great job working together as a team. Way to go! Another fine example of students doing their personal best.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Marvelous Monday
Campers enjoyed their first full day of activities at Space Camp. Groups sped from one event to the next full of energy and excitement. Every where you went at Space Camp you saw King students sporting their brand new red Space Camp shirts grinning ear to ear. All groups designed their custom mission patch today.
Space Group 2 (Lime Green) received their Space Camp group name of Armstrong. They climbed the rock wall, went on Space Shot, and also performed their first space mission to Mars. Some pictures of their group conquering the rock wall are included in an earlier post. We were all impressed with how quickly the kids scaled the rock wall. Everyone did a great job!
Space Group 1 (Royal Blue) received their Space Camp group name of Aldrin. They also had a mission to Mars, went on the MMU simulator, and started constructing their rockets. Everyone worked hard today!
Robo Group 1 (Black) received their Space Camp name of Gear. They began working on their robotics and lego teamwork today. Rocket construction was on their top of the fun list today as well as starting training for a space mission tomorrow. They can't wait for tomorrow.
Robo Group 2 (Navy) received their Space Camp name of Differential. Today they trained for and went on their space mission. They did a great job working together as a team. Working on their robotics and lego teamwork was a highlight for this group. We were proud of how everyone worked to do their personal best.
Robo Group 3 (Red) received their Space Camp name of Pulley. They couldn't get enough of Space Shot. This group also learned about crew systems and spent time working on their robotics as well. We were impressed by the positive attitude and energy of the whole group.
We are all looking forward to more fun tonight and tomorrow.
Space Group 2 (Lime Green) received their Space Camp group name of Armstrong. They climbed the rock wall, went on Space Shot, and also performed their first space mission to Mars. Some pictures of their group conquering the rock wall are included in an earlier post. We were all impressed with how quickly the kids scaled the rock wall. Everyone did a great job!
Space Group 1 (Royal Blue) received their Space Camp group name of Aldrin. They also had a mission to Mars, went on the MMU simulator, and started constructing their rockets. Everyone worked hard today!
Robo Group 1 (Black) received their Space Camp name of Gear. They began working on their robotics and lego teamwork today. Rocket construction was on their top of the fun list today as well as starting training for a space mission tomorrow. They can't wait for tomorrow.
Robo Group 2 (Navy) received their Space Camp name of Differential. Today they trained for and went on their space mission. They did a great job working together as a team. Working on their robotics and lego teamwork was a highlight for this group. We were proud of how everyone worked to do their personal best.
Robo Group 3 (Red) received their Space Camp name of Pulley. They couldn't get enough of Space Shot. This group also learned about crew systems and spent time working on their robotics as well. We were impressed by the positive attitude and energy of the whole group.
We are all looking forward to more fun tonight and tomorrow.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
We Have Arrrived!
Our trip went smoothly. All the kids did great and arrived at Space Camp ready to begin their adventure. We started by having lunch in the cafeteria and then spent some time getting settled in to the Habitats. Students who had medications sent to Space Camp met with the nursing staff during this time as well. Counselors met with their groups and began working on team bonding activities right away. We were able to wave at many smiling faces and check in with the students as they ate their dinner.
Short but sweet because we are all VERY tired. Look for more information tomorrow as well as some pictures.
Short but sweet because we are all VERY tired. Look for more information tomorrow as well as some pictures.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Blast Off!
Space Camp buses left King School at about 12:10 AM! It was a smooth blast off into the Michigan darkness. They hope to land in Alabama tomorrow in the early afternoon.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Schedule for Saturday Departure
All students and parents arrive through the parking lot entrance and exit through the center doors. (Refer to map that was sent home in student packet)
11:15 PM - Students with medications arrive and go to the teacher's lounge to check-in medications. After medications are checked in students may proceed to their Space Camp group check-in table.
11:30 PM - Students without medication arrive and go directly to their Space Camp group check-in table. Students will put on t-shirt, luggage tags -on one big bag that goes under the bus and one on the backpack they are taking on the bus. Parents then help student load their big bag under the bus. Wait in front of King School.
11:40 PM- Busses will begin boarding and parents say good-bye. Chaperones will take attendance on the bus.
12:00 AM - Departure
Phone chain will begin once we arrive at Space Camp late Sunday morning/early Sunday afternoon.
Monday, May 11, 2009
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