Kennedy Space Center Overnight

This weekend I had the absolute pleasure of traveling with our Fourth and Fifth Graders and their incredible educator, Ms. Rachel Unger along with her daughter Ellie, our superstar chaperone, to Kennedy Space Center for an overnight field trip. 

We arrived on Friday afternoon and were given a private two-hour guided tour of the home of the space shuttle Atlantis. We also interacted with a variety of exhibits and space science demonstrations. After dinner, we worked together to solve an engineering design challenge inspired by the International Space Station’s truss assembly. When our guide said goodnight she let us (educators) know that she was so impressed with our group and that we asked incredible questions and were so engaged and knowledgeable. She told us we were her favorite group she ever toured because of the level of interest, respect and engagement of our learners. This is often the feedback our teachers receive when they take all of our learners out on field trips. Field trips are an extension of what we learn and therefore our learners are prepared and excited to learn more!

After our challenge, we slept under the space shuttle Atlantis! We had so much fun together as a group and I can’t help reflecting on the way the learners interacted with each other. They take care of each other, look out for one another, help each other, communicate their thoughts and feelings and seemed to me more like siblings than classmates. Even when things weren’t perfect, they were able to work their way through it. Many of these children have been together since they were two years old and know each other so well. They understand each other’s strengths and areas for growth and have figured out how to really appreciate this about one another. I am beyond moved and impressed by them. 

The next day we explored the rest of the park. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun doing so. Teshukah, a fifth grader, held my hand tightly on a simulation ride through the galaxy, knowing that I was apprehensive, and we all cheered each other on sliding down the big slide. We arrived back to school late in the day on Saturday. I know this will be an experience these learners will never forget.  

After seeing the way, they interacted and acted on this adventure, I am confident that when our learners graduate and move on to middle school and beyond, they have what it takes to be successful and ready to learn whatever comes their way!

Warmly,

Stacy