3…2…1… Blast-off! NASA Salute to Homeschoolers at the Kennedy Space Center!

If you’ve ever wondered about the marvels of space or the possibilities of space travel, then you’d probably love to spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Astronomy isn’t my thing, but my husband loves it. When I found out that the Kennedy Space Center was offering a Salute to Homeschooling full day NASA experience, I knew we had to sign up. We decided that just Hubby and Alex would go because the others are a bit young for such a detailed and lengthy program. Also, it is expensive! I shipped my husband and science-loving daughter off in the car this morning, 2 1/2 hours south to the Space Coast. They had the time of their lives!

: Alex in front of the Kennedy Space Center

The day began with Shuttle Astronaut Roger Crouch telling the group all about his adventures in space. He was a payload specialist, a civilian brought in to do science experiments on the Space Shuttle. Alex thought it was pretty cool to meet a real live astronaut! Daddy bought her a colorful Space Encyclopedia, which Mr. Crouch signed and wrote Alex a personal message: “Follow your dreams.” How cool is that? She got her picture taken with him and Daddy bought her a patch with his name on it to keep with her encyclopedia as a keepsake.

Alex and Astronaut Roger Crouch

Next, the group explored Rocket Garden. They checked out lots of full-scale models of spacecraft and had a worksheet of questions to find answers for. They were a bit advanced for Miss Alexandria, though. She had much more fun looking at all the spacecraft. They loved the Space Shuttle! She escaped to the Children’s Play Dome playground while they were outside and loved the big, twisty slide! There were about 15 other children in her group (there were 2 groups), so she had lots of playmates!

Alex poses in front of the Orion Crew Capsule

Alex and Daddy teamed up to build an “Egg-stronaut” from about 11:00 to 11:30. They had to design a multi-purpose crew vehicle capable of delivering an egg safely from a high scaffold. Their available supplies included a cup, plastic bag parachutes, sandwich bags, string, foil, napkins, tape, and other common supplies. Each supply cost a certain amount and they were allotted a total of $1 billion dollars to complete their vehicle. Alex was so excited when her “Egg-stronaut” won, landing on the ground below completely unscathed. Good teamwork, daddy and Alex!

Alex's "Egg-stronaut"

Lunch was a burger, chips, cookies, and soda. Alex thought it was pretty special to get her own soda, which she isn’t allowed to have at home (they tested their “Egg-straunauts” immediately following lunch). Following the “Egg-stronaut” drop, the group went back to the classroom and learned about NASA inventions that have been transferred to civilian life. Cordless drills, disposable diapers, and insulation are all things invented for use in space that have since become very popular for everyday usage.

From 12:30-1:00, my space nerds got to tour a full-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Explorer and learn about astronauts living and working in space. They went on an amazing simulator ride—The Shuttle Launch Simulator. Alex could hear all the noise of the shuttle lunch, feel the vibrations, and see it all on a screen. Alex and daddy both thought it was great!

Class let out around 2 pm, and my scientists spent many more hours touring the Space Center. They had a great time at the gift shop and listened to lectures. Alex was so cute.. she sat completely enthralled and listened to lectures about the most detailed things! She was completely into the experience. She shook hands with an astronaut in his space suit and learned lots of new things. My two nerds had the time of their lives!

My kids are very fortunate in all that they are able to see and do. They’ve seen more in their short lives than many adults have in theirs. I’m thankful for that and hope we’re able to give them many more adventures. The Kennedy Space Center’s homeschool program was expensive, at around $45 per person. However, my husband and daughter both gave it a big thumbs up. It was an amazing one-time experience and another great adventure to cross off our Jacksonville to-do list. Less than 12 months left in the First Coast and we’re going to make the most of it. The countdown is on.