2016 Student Astronaut Challenge Coach Training

About the Challenge The program was initiated by the Department of Education and Florida State University Schools. Based on a research grant to evaluate the use of virtual immersion to develop student interest in STEM and teach problem solving at the group level. Participation has quadrupled since the first competition three years ago. Over 300 students competed state wide in the regional qualifier.

About the Challenge The competition consists of four different challenges. Operation of the FSUS space flight simulator Enterprise in normal flight and emergency situations. Engineering challenge focused on emergency condition management Lab experiment proposal presentation related to outer space flight. Shuttle landing simulation challenge

First Challenge Operation of the FSUS space flight simulator Enterprise in normal flight and emergency situations. Run-off - a complete launch from takeoff to landing for all participating teams Semifinal – top six teams will perform a complete launch and will encounter an emergency situation. Final - top three teams will perform a complete launch and will encounter a comprehensive emergency situation.

Second Challenge Engineering challenge focused on emergency condition management Based on the technical information provided by the Technical Resource book and/or Student Reference Manual. Involves the understanding and application of mathematics and physical science at the appropriate competition school level.

Third Challenge Lab experiment proposal presentation Development of an original lab experiment proposal. The experiment is to be performed on the international space station. The experiment must be designed around specific guidelines provided.

Fourth Challenge Shuttle Landing Challenge Two team members will perform a landing. One member will land the shuttle while the other performs the mission control and pilot functions. The two team members will then switch positions and land a second time. When selecting the participants the coach may not use anyone from the three members of the flight crew used in the space simulator challenge

Winners First, Second and Third place for the Space Flight Simulator Challenge First, Second and Third place for the Engineering Challenge First, Second and Third place for the Lab Proposal Presentation. First, Second and Third place for the Shuttle Landing Simulator Challenge Overall Competition Winner Competition Superlatives (non-scored)

Finalists Each team consists of six student members Only five students may participate in any one event. The five students may be chosen by the coach from among the six team members.

The Competition Three days at the Kennedy space center to include tours, access to the Activities center and Atlantis center Each Team will be provided with up to eight entry passes for the three days. Additional family passes will be available but limited, first come first serve basis. Wednesday afternoon awards ceremony for the middle school competition. Saturday afternoon awards ceremony for the high school competition. All meals will be the responsibility of the teams. Student Astronaut Challenge team shirt will be provided up to eight members. We will have one luncheon during the competition.

Coach Training Goals: To learn the flight simulation instruction methodology. Orientation to engineering challenge strategy and instructional plan. Orientation to science lab challenge strategy and instructional plan. Software installation instruction and practice. Hands-on experience in the operation of the FSUS space flight simulator Enterprise in normal flight and emergency situations.

Instructional Resources All instructional resources will be available on the Student Astronaut Challenge web site. http://www.astronautchallenge.com