Mission Control
To support Storybook Engineering ! and all of its other extensive educational programming , the Museum is restoring a STEM education bus – appropriately titled “ Mission Control ” – designed to bring programming to additional schools , childcare centers , Boys & Girls clubs , and summer camps to increase its geographical outreach , quality and quantity of equipment used , and most importantly , the number of children served .
The bus serves as a mobile classroom traveling to
Mission Control arriving at the Gillespie Field Annex for its makeover
remote and underserved populations , bringing STEM education to where local youth live and learn . Museum educators provide instruction using advanced technology , supplies , and learning processes to engage children ’ s imagination . At the conclusion of each program , students take home a new storybook and supplies for simple activities to extend learning at home .
The Museum ’ s current classroom at its location in Balboa Park accommodates 30 students as well as storage for educational materials and equipment . Unfortunately , the space does not provide a way to engage populations
who are unable to visit the Museum due to distance or resources . The Mission Control mobile classroom will allow the Museum to inspire the next generation of learners to be innovative critical thinkers , problem solvers , and focused on careers in STEM related fields .
The handson portions of the Museum ’ s education programs include building and art projects , which connect back to the meaning of the stories the students read , using materials such as blocks and arts and crafts supplies . As children engage their imagination , they learn to solve problems and develop critical thinking skills , use references from the story , and collaborate with their peers and caregivers .
The Mission Control mobile classroom will allow the San Diego Air & Space Museum to continue its mission to provide underserved and underfunded San Diego area children access to youth development programs that prompt academic and future career-workforce readiness success in the fields of science , technology , engineering and math . www . sandiegoairandspace . org
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