2015 State of Florida 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 three 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.

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. 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 high school level.

Third Challenge Lab experiment proposal presentation related to outer space flight. 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 (new) Team Examination Each team member will take a written examination, their team score will be determined by the average grade obtained. The testing material will include all textbook and reference material supplied by the competition.

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. Overall State Winner Competition Superlatives (non-scored)

Finalists Only five students may participate in any one event. The five students may be chosen from the pool of six students including the alternate.

Alternate Teams Alternate teams may only compete in the Engineering and Lab presentation Challenges. Only five students may participate in any one event. The five students may be chosen from the pool of six students including the alternate. If a team drops out of the competition an alternate team will replace them as a finalist.

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. Saturday afternoon awards ceremony. All meals will be the responsibility of the teams. Student Astronaut Challenge team shirt will be provided up to eight members. Based on sponsorship, we may have two luncheons, one on Thursday and/or Friday

Coach Training Goals: 1. To learn the flight simulation instruction methodology. 2. Orientation to engineering challenge strategy and instructional plan 3. Orientation to science lab challenge strategy and instructional plan.

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