Category Archives: Education

“I Want to be an Astronaut” – a film documentary

Filmmaker David Ruck has created a documentary titled, I Want To Be An Astronaut – “The dream of one boy. The fate of one nation. A documentary about our future in space

“I Want To Be An Astronaut” is a documentary about a young man who has aspired to be an astronaut since he was 3 and the path he now faces to become one. Aside from being a film, we hope to carry a message of inspiration to young people across America by igniting imaginations and fostering the next generation of explorers. While we are not affiliated with NASA or any other organization, we believe in the power of the space program to inspire and engage students. It is by focusing on the raw power of space exploration that we aim to educate young people and give em a little kick in the butt to move ahead with their dreams and work hard to be our next generation of heroes – whatever avenue they pursue. “I Want To Be An Astronaut asks–and attempts to answer– imperative issues through interviews with leading space experts as well as exclusive footage of the country’s space centers. Above all, though, the compelling film generates a dialogue not simply about science, but the future of our nation.

According to this update on their Indiegogo site, they are finishing up the documentary and it is being submitted to film festivals for this year.

Here is a trailer:

Space Pioneer – A game created by real world astronauts, scientists & architects.

A Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign opened today for the game Space Pioneer, which was created by a team that includes three cosmonauts:  Space Pioneer by Space Enigma Studios — Kickstarter

Our team consists of world famous astronauts, engineers, designers, programmers, artists and architects who allow us to construct a game that will be the most accurate virtual representation of our universe to date. Space Pioneer aims to be a game that is uncompromisingly entertaining and educational. Our game chiefly focuses on interstellar exploration; it is based on images and resources from the Hubble telescope, ESA/NASA, and numerous well known observatories. The player will be able to pilot a fully customizable spaceship into the vast regions of our universe and can colonize other planets beyond our solar system. In addition, he or she can research different scientifically accurate theories to upgrade their spaceship, build vast space stations and terra-form inhospitable planets.

The project is described in this video:

ISS paper model from NASA

NASA offers a paper card model plan for the International Space Station: Build the Station Simulation – NASA Educator’s Guide

Audience: Educators
Grades: 5-8

With just a few materials, building a paper model of the International Space Station (ISS) can become an excellent group, troop, or class project. This publication contains a brief overview of the ISS, its parts, the science that occurs on board, instructions, and extensions for an interdisciplinary technology experience Discover more about the Station Explore fun facts, simulate building the Station, and learn about the international partners.

Build the Station Simulation Educator’s Guide [3.61MB PDF file]

Build the Station Simulation

Find more paper spacecraft models in the HobbySpace Modeling section.

“Microlaunchers: Technology for a New Space Age” by C. Pooley & Ed LeBouthillier

Charles Pooley and Ed LeBouthillier  have released a new book: Microlaunchers: Technology for a New Space Age (A Microlaunchers Series Book) (Volume 1)

A vision for a new space age based on small launch vehicles. An introduction to microlaunchers and microlaunchers technology with a general overview of rocket design and engineering but at a popular and student level. Written for those who have a basic understanding of high school algebra and physics.

See also Charles’s site www.microlaunchers.com,

Update: Ed says, “There’s currently a problem with the Kindle edition which I’m working with Amazon to resolve.” However, the ” The paperback looks perfect to me”.

Update 2: Ed now says the issue  with the Kindle edition has been fixed.