After-School Program

About

Calling all future space tourists, rocket scientists, sci-fi movie directors, robotics engineers, digital artists, astronauts, entrepreneurs, astronomers, planetary scientists, space politicians, and alien hunters:

Become a Galaxy Explorer today!

As a new recruit, you will join a Mission Team and begin your official training after school.

Your training will include star parties, museum trips, rocket launches, robotics, rock and meteorite analysis, radio telescope operations, galactic cosmic ray protection, planetary life analysis, suborbital space balloon launches, aircraft design, airfield tours, international video conferences, movie making, Moon Base simulations, and sci-fi art exhibits.

Join the adventure. Looking for a Mission Team in your area? Want to start your own Mission Team?

The Galaxy Explorers after-school program prepares children for the future. Kids learn with fun “hands-on” educational materials at monthly Mission Team meetings, on field trips, and at special events. Kids benefit from Galaxy Explorers by learning the science and technology that is shaping our future.

Standards Based Lessons

Most schools or organizations can easily implement the Galaxy Explorers program. FOGE provides complete lesson plans and most supporting materials free to program participants. Our lesson plans are designed to be taught by adult volunteers with no special experience in science. The lessons, activities, and materials support the National

Science Education Standards.

Galaxy Explorers focus on 5 primary themes: Space Science, Engineering, Earth Science, Rocketry, and Space Citizenship. Secondary themes include leadership and organizational skills.

Recognizing Achievement

Each Galaxy Explorer receives medals or awards for successful completion of the exercises in each of the five primary themes. More awards are given for completing additional projects. Awards are an integral part of the Galaxy Explorers educational program providing children self-esteem through achievement and recognition.

FAQ

Exactly what is the Federation of Galaxy Explorers?

The Federation of Galaxy Explorers is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization incorporated in the State of Maryland. The Federation of Galaxy Explorers is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
The purpose of the Galaxy Explorers is to educate and inspire America’s youth in space related science and engineering. The vision of the Galaxy Explorers organization is to expand the frontiers of science and technology to explore and develop space. The mission is to educate, guide, and prepare the next generation to accept the challenge of expanding humankind’s presence in space.

What do Galaxy Explorers do?

Galaxy Explorers are organized into local “Mission Teams”. These teams meet on a monthly basis, 10 meetings per year; September – June. Field trips and activities are also conducted. Adult volunteers teach Galaxy Explorers with easy to understand and fun-to-do educational material to provide a hands-on understanding of space science, earth science, engineering, and rocketry. Another primary theme – Space Citizenship – teaches the role of government, the power of citizens in a democracy, the promise of space expressed in art, writing, history, and business. Mission Team members wear uniform shirts and are rewarded for participation and achievements with ribbons, patches, medals, and certificates. Awards are an integral part of the program providing children self-esteem through achievement and recognition.

I have no science background. How can I as a parent or interested person, teach Galaxy Explorers?

The program is designed to be implemented and taught by parents – with no special background in science or technology. The major focus of our interaction with kids is conducting “hands on” activities that require no special training. The lesson plans are simple and scripted. Any adult or high school student with 30 minutes-to-one hour of preparation can teach these lessons. Our website, video training, e-mail support, and 1 (877) number provide expert responses to help parents to ensure no problems with lesson plans.

How much does Galaxy Explorers cost?

Individual membership in Galaxy Explorers costs $20 per year.

Hey, wait a minute. Why so cheap? What do I get for 20 dollars?

You get quite a lot. Galaxy Explorers is a non-profit organization. Our goal is not to make money; it is to inspire the next generation. Each member gets the following:
1. Participation in our Galaxy Explorers educational program.
2. An official Galaxy Explorers identification card.
3. On-line expert responses to your space questions.
4. Discounts for on-line stores (model rocketry and space products).
5. Invitations to Galaxy Explorers parties and Special Events.
6. Monthly electronic newsletter.

Are there any other hidden costs?

Yes, there are two hidden costs:
1. There is a uniform vest for $20. All medals and patches are included in this cost.
2. Occasionally, there are material costs for a lesson plan. For example, the model rocket lesson plan requires purchase of our model rocket at a cost of $4.50. These costs are less than once per year.

What if there is no Galaxy Explorers program in my area?

The Federation is quickly expanding. We are happy to start a program in an area provided there is an interested, engaged adult to start the effort.