Space Station Academy is an online and blended learning program developed by VHS Learning in collaboration with the Association of Space Explorers, TERC and the Center for Advancement of Science in Space. The program offers two options, Mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and Science from Space. These learning experiences, conducted entirely online, immerse students in a virtual mission to the ISS while they learn science and engineering concepts. Science from Space, a full-semester course, and Mission to the ISS, a 4-week course, inspire students to explore an interest in a variety of STEM concepts, preparing them for college and future careers.
VHS Learning is a nonprofit leader providing world-class online programs to schools and students everywhere. For 24 years, the VHS Learning mission has been to provide middle and high school students with a wide range of core, elective, credit recovery and AP® courses that inspire, ignite and deepen learning. VHS Learning helps students develop independent learning skills, prepare for college and careers, earn high school and college credit, and engage with their peers in global classrooms.
What formats/platforms are used?
Space Station Academy is an online and blended learning program offering two instructional options —Mission to the International Space Station and Science From Space—through VHS Learning’s online platform. Only internet access is needed to access program offerings.
Primary website URL:
http://spacestationacademy.org
Problem solved:
Space Station Academy offers two exciting programs to spark student interest in learning, and help them consider future careers in science and engineering. The program teaches students integral STEM skills through an immersive and engaging format that helps keep them interested in the subject matter and wanting to know more. Students learn about multiple science disciplines and get excited about potential future careers in STEM. They learn more about our world from the vantage point of space, and have a better understanding of their place in it.
Grade/age ranges
Mission to the ISS is suitable for students in grades 7-12 (online version). A blended option is available for younger students (grades 4-6), while Science from Space is designed for students in grades 7-10.
Core or supplemental
Space Station Academy addresses the growing need for students to be prepared for STEM majors in college and future STEM professions. Through this immersive and interactive experience, students explore STEM concepts through a real-world perspective. This can help to spark an interest in future STEM careers. Students discover science and engineering through space; the skills they learn (critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and communication) can be used in high school and beyond. This program provides an innovative way for students to develop skills, both during the summer / after school, and during the school year.
Topic/subject:
Space Station Academy teaches several different STEM disciplines, including life science, earth science, physical science, and engineering.
Lesson time needed:
Mission to the International Space Station is a 4-week online mini-course that can be taken during the summer or as a supplemental enrichment course after school or during the school year. Science from Space is a 15-week full-semester course which grants students 0.5 credits (high school science) as an integrated STEM course.
Pricing models:
Science from Space is a 15-week full-semester course. Standard pricing for this 15-week course is $450/individual student enrollment.
Discounts are available for group enrollments.
Additional services needed:
Only Internet access is needed to access the program.
What makes Space Station Academy unique?
Space Station Academy offers an innovative and engaging look at our world from space.
Science from Space gives students a real look at science on the International Space Station, with interactives, videos, interviews with astronauts, and updates from the real ISS. Students learn and explore important STEM concepts through an immersive, virtual experience.
Mission to the ISS is an informal enrichment course that takes students through an exciting storyline of traveling to the International Space Station as space cadets. The three modules of the course are “pre-flight training,” “on-orbit explorations,” and “post-flight,” giving students a fun, virtual learning experience where they get to discover what it is like to be an astronaut.
Characteristics:
View the video here to get more information on the program and user experience: http://go.thevhs.org/spacestationacademy
