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MISSION STEAM
The latest happenings from the Aldrin Family Foundation
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Remember story time as a kid? I do. Seemed like every evening was a new mission with my dad. It was a moment when I could immerse myself in a pretend world with dynamic characters and have a glorious adventure. But, stories also serve a greater purpose – they are excellent learning tools. In fact, studies show that when teachers engage in story-based learning, versus simply giving their students a problem to solve, the students’ understanding of the subject at hand skyrockets.
At AFF, we also believe story-based learning is a valuable and engaging method for enhancing academic performance and nurturing personal development. Stories captivate and make learning more memorable. Complex concepts can be explained in a simpler manner that resonates with young minds. As children analyze characters’ actions and motivations, it boosts their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Stories that incorporate real-world scenarios give students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Creativity, imagination and effective communication skills soar. Simply put … a story always wins!
As our team continues to innovate, we are aiming to elevate our story-based learning initiatives by introducing a cutting-edge digital program that complements our physical Giant Moon and Mars Maps. This integrated approach will unlock an immersive educational experience and offer fun narratives where complex concepts can be simplified to boost students' chances for lifelong retention. We look forward to rolling this transformative learning tool out to educators in the near future.
Sincerely,
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Aldrin is returning to the Moon onboard Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander
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Our Chief Innovation Officer, Jim Christensen, started a project back in 2020 called “Home on the Moon” to connect families during the COVID pandemic and create a shelter for their families on the lunar surface. The project was added to the Arch Mission Foundation’s Lunar Library II to launch aboard Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41(LC-41).
“We’re thrilled to bring the Home on the Moon projects to the lunar surface, marking a momentous return to the Moon since the Apollo era,” said Christensen. “I imagine that in the future, someone will find these files and read about how families pondered what it would be like to live on the Moon in 2020.”
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University of Sunderland distributes 20 Giant Moon Maps™ to primary schools in northeast England
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The Foundation collaborated with the University of Sunderland and its project funders, Sunderland City Council and the Reece Foundation, to distribute 20 Giant Moon Maps™ to primary schools across northeast England at the start of the UK academic school year. The large, floor-sized maps will introduce around 3,600 UK students to the power of space education and help cultivate critical skills in STEAM.
“We’re honored to be working with the University of Sunderland to add to the excitement of space in northeast England classrooms,” said AFF president Dr. Andy Aldrin. “This will be the first collaborative center for space education in the UK that involves a leading educational university, many local primary schools, and the Aldrin Family Foundation. This generation of students is growing up during the most exciting time in the history of space, and we’re thrilled to be part of their development.”
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Our AFF team recently made special appearances at multiple educational events throughout the U.S. and Australia, introducing many educators and industry professionals to our STEAM programs and resources to inspire the next generation of space explorers. |
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Economist Impact’s Space Economy Summit (Oct. 11-12, 2023, in Los Angeles, Calif.)
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As humanity explores space, how can we update our regulations to ensure that our exploration prioritizes responsibility over reckless expansion? During the Economist Impact’s first-ever Space Economy Summit, Dr. Andy Aldrin participated in a fascinating panel that discussed the balance between innovation and accountability to have sustainable and safe space operations. The panel was moderated by Mike French (Aerospace Industries Association), and fellow panelists included Sian “Leo” Proctor at Space2Inspire, Chris Boshuizen at Planet Labs, and Elizabeth Reynolds at Starburst Aerospace. |
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ARES Learning’s Space Education Summit (Nov. 10, 2023, virtual)
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This year’s ARES Learning’s Space Education Summit brought together educators, space enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore ways humanity can prepare for the growing space economy and multi-planet future. Jim Christensen shared the importance of our Giant Moon and Mars Maps to connect students with the excitement of space exploration. Dr. Kristina Otero, our Director of Education and Development, dove into social cognitive theory and the importance of student and teacher self-efficacy in space education.
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EarthLight Foundation’s New Worlds Conference (Nov. 17-18, 2023, in Austin, Texas)
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Dr. Andy Aldrin joined in an opening discussion with several space industry professionals to discuss the future of space exploration. AFF also hosted a Space Education Think Tank where 30 space organization leaders came together to discuss ways to work together to further space education around the world. During the discussion, the group established the “Space Education Alliance” to prepare students and educators for a future in space.
Our Director of Education Partnerships, Mark Wagner, was also presented with the Permission to Dream Award during the closing Space Cowboy Ball for his dedication to developing the field of space education and supporting STEAM educators.
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4th Australian Space Education Mixer and Aldrin Map Masterclass (Dec. 3 & 5, 2023, in Sydney, Australia)
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As AFF continues to widen its global reach, Jim Christensen presented at the Andy Thomas Space Foundation's 4th Australian Space Education Mixer with Kerrie Dougherty (Australian Space Agency), Ted Tagami (Magnitude.io), Yayoi Miyagawa (JAXA) and Francesca Gosling (UK Space Agency). He discussed strategies to improve education opportunities and experiences for tomorrow’s space workforce leaders.
Christensen facilitated an 'Aldrin Map Masterclass' for the New South Wales Department for Education and Andy Thomas Space Foundation to train local Australian educators on how they can implement the Giant Moon and Mars Maps into their classrooms. Christensen also led multiple sessions with the 2023 Young Space Explorers, where he fueled enthusiasm for young space enthusiasts to dream big and explore the possibilities of STEAM careers.
"I absolutely loved the entire experience. The people who taught us were passionate, and I especially enjoyed Jim Christensen because he explained things with heart," said Samantha, an eighth-grade student who attended the Young Space Explorers session.
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CONVERSATIONS WITH A TEACHER |
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Colleen Hinrichsen, an educator since 2004, has taught first through sixth grade, served as a technology coach, and now specializes as a STEAM teacher at Mars Area Elementary School (Grades 2-4) in Mars, Pennsylvania.
How have you worked with the Aldrin Family Foundation?
A few years ago, during our town’s annual Mars New Year celebration, our mayor collaborated with the Aldrin Family Foundation to incorporate their maps into our festivities. This sparked a partnership aimed at using maps more and allowing other schools to see their potential. We incorporated maps into lessons for second and third-grade students. They used pipe cleaners to creatively craft aliens and then animated them on maps representing the Moon or Mars. This brought a unique twist to stop-motion animation lessons. In fourth grade, we introduced robotics. Students were taught to construct robots using Legos, with designs inspired by the landscapes on the maps. The integration of maps into existing lessons proved to be beneficial and enhanced the learning experience without requiring a complete curriculum overhaul. The students even enjoyed a special holiday lesson called “Holiday Traditions Across the Universe” because of this integration.
What makes you passionate about working in STEAM education?
As a teacher, my passion for STEAM education is fueled by the curiosity and eagerness to learn that I see in my students. I find it incredibly rewarding to guide them as they explore the unknown and strive to understand more about their world, or rather, their universe. STEAM education provides a tangible connection between classroom learning and the real world, making learning more meaningful and exciting for students. It’s this process of discovery and the potential it has to shape a better future that ignites my passion for teaching in this field. Seeing students make connections, have those “Aha!” moments, and developing a love for learning is what makes it all worthwhile.
Why is it important to uplift the next generation of space explorers and STEAM leaders?
In today's rapidly evolving world, it is essential to equip the next generation with the necessary tools to keep up with the pace of innovation. The younger generation represents the future caretakers of our world who will be responsible for taking care of us someday. It's crucial to empower our students with the resources and skills they need to make the world a better place for everyone.
What advice would you give to other teachers who want to find new, fun ways to engage their students in STEAM subjects?
Learning and teaching are journeys that require embracing the process, and it's important to remember that you don't have to change your entire approach or become an expert in every subject. There will be moments of uncertainty and unpreparedness, which are natural aspects of the teaching process. It's beneficial to let students sometimes take the lead in their learning journey. Tools like Minecraft Education can offer a shared learning experience, even if you're unfamiliar with it. The key is not to be an expert in everything but to have enough knowledge to ignite excitement and curiosity in your students. This approach creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment where everyone can grow together.
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This issue explores “Holiday Traditions Across the Universe,” an activity created by Colleen Hinrichsen, a STEAM teacher at Mars Area Elementary School (Grades 2-4) in Mars, Pennsylvania. During the activity, educators can use Giant Moon and Mars Maps for students to explore holiday traditions in the context of space colonies on the Moon and Mars, design protective packaging for holiday souvenirs and launch the packages to Earth. This lesson combines creativity, engineering and science and engages students in problem-solving and critical thinking in a fun and imaginative way.
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SHOW US HOW YOU MAP!
Hayley Ford, a Communications Business Partner from the Sunderland City Council's Together for Children, shared how students from Grange Park Primary School in Sunderland, UK explore the lunar surface using our Giant Moon Map™.
Don’t forget to show us how you map! Send us photos of your students using one of our maps or use #GiantMarsMaps #GiantMoonMaps and your school could get featured next on our social media channels, website or right here in Mission STEAM!
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Aldrin Family Foundation
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