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.
1. Operation of the FSUS space flight
simulator Enterprise in normal flight and
emergency situations.
2. Engineering challenge focused on
emergency condition management
3. 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.
1. Run off - a complete launch from takeoff
to landing for all participating teams
2. Semifinal – top six teams will perform a
complete launch and will encounter an
emergency situation.
3. Top three teams will perform a complete
launch and will encounter a
comprehensive emergency situation.
Second Challenge
Engineering challenge focused on
emergency condition management
1. Based on the Technical information
provided by the Technical Resource book
and/or Student Reference Manual.
2. 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.
1. Development of an original lab
experiment proposal.
2. The experiment is to be performed on
the international space station.
3. The experiment must be designed
around specific guidelines provided.
Fourth Challenge (new)
Team Examination
1. Each team member will take a written
examination, their team score will be
determined by the average grade
obtained.
2. 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