NASA Space Expedition
SCEGGS Space Camp Adventure Unveils the Wonders of Science and Nature
Over the span of 10 action-packed days, a group of 41 students and seven dedicated staff embarked on an unforgettable journey to Florida, USA, to partake in the SCEGGS STEM-based Space Camp expedition.
The first stop on our expedition was Cocoa Beach, which holds significant historical importance to the NASA space program. Its proximity to the Kennedy Space Centre, which includes launch sites for numerous iconic space missions, made Cocoa Beach a hub for NASA astronauts, engineers, and personnel during the pioneering era of space exploration, including the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs.
During our stay at Cocoa Beach, we spent three days at Kennedy Space Centre, where students undertook the immersive International Astronaut Training Experience Program. This included several STEM-related activities and simulations, giving them a glimpse into the challenging work done by astronauts and the unique training they receive to help them live and work in space.
Our days at the Space Centre also included a tour of major NASA facilities, including various launch sites for historic Apollo and Space Shuttle missions, and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building. This building, the tallest one-storey building in the world, is where rockets, including those that will soon send humans back to the Moon, are assembled prior to their launch. Other highlights of our tour included the inspiring Saturn V and Space Shuttle exhibitions, which beautifully showcased the historical significance and incredible space technology involved in the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, as well as an engaging talk by Astronaut Mike Lee, who conducted four Space Shuttle missions over the span of his career with NASA.
The next stop on our expedition was Orlando, which began with our visit to Universal Studios. Here, physics came to life as students experienced a behind-the-scenes tour of attractions such as the iconic ‘Spiderman’ and ‘Hulk’ rides. Both rides included cutting-edge technology at the time of their construction. This provided us with a fascinating glimpse into the science of sensory manipulation through lighting and special effects and enriched our understanding of the physics and artistry behind theme park attractions. Of course, the students (and thrill-seeking staff) loved experiencing first-hand the principles of gravity, inertia, and centripetal forces whilst riding many of the park’s other thrilling attractions.
Continuing our adventure, now with a focus on biology, we ventured into the heart of the Florida Everglades. Snorkelling with majestic manatees on the Crystal River offered our group a privileged insight into the world of these gentle giants and made for yet another unforgettable experience. This day also included an airboat ride through the Central Florida Everglades, where students experienced the thriving and diverse flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem.
A visit to iFLY on our final day allowed students and staff to test their physical skills whilst gaining a practical understanding of air resistance and terminal velocity through an ‘indoor’ skydiving experience.
Over the course of the trip, our students demonstrated resilience, maturity, and a genuine thirst for knowledge. Their boundless enthusiasm and curiosity made sharing the various experiences with the group an absolute pleasure. We hope each student will regularly look back at the expedition and be reminded that the pursuit of scientific knowledge knows no bounds.
NASA Staff Crew
