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Educational Program

The educational program was designed based on materials developed by the National Space and Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Small Business Administration, and the United States Geological Service.  In addition, the Federation has combined efforts with the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers youth educational program.  Galaxy Explorers is also producing videos to train volunteers.  Many other updates are ongoing to enhance and expand our educational materials.  

Matrices for presenting the Galaxy Explorers program by grade are used as annual schedules for Mission Teams.

Materials are designed for the following grades:

- Galaxy Explorer 3rd  class, school grades 3,4,5

- Galaxy Explorer 2nd class, school grades 6,7,8

- Galaxy Explorer 1st class, school grades 9,10,11

The Galaxy Explorers educational program is administered through three mediums:

-  Monthly meetings at local (Mission Team) levels

-  Workbooks

-  Interactive web sites

The educational program consists of material divided into five primary themes:

-  Space science (e.g. astronomy, physics)

-  Earth science (e.g. remote sensing, geology, meteorology)

-  Engineering (e.g. space stations, nanotechnologies, bioengineering, robots)

-  Rocketry (e.g. aeronautics, launch, space propulsion)

-  Space Citizenship (space in society expressed in art, writing, history, and business; organization and roles of government, power of citizens in a democracy)

The five primary themes are taught through instruction and "hands-on" activities designed for each age group.  Secondary themes are taught while presenting the primary course of instruction and include the following:

-  Leadership skills (innovation, responsibility, inspiring people, communication)

-  Organizational skills (task organizing, goal setting, teamwork, leveraging technology)

One workbook will be developed for each of the three classes.  The workbooks contain the material covered at meetings and additional information and suggestions for activities for Federation members interested in a specific area.  The next generation Galaxy Explorers web site will reflect the material in the workbooks and additional links to other information sources.  In addition, a future web site will offer opportunities for member-to-member communication (chat rooms, bulletin boards) where Explorers can exchange information on the topics.  Exercises completed in either the workbook or web site are used to gain various achievement levels.

A Second Class Galaxy Explorer may conduct additional projects to earn an officer designation.  Officer designations include Earth Science, Space Science, Engineering, Launch, and Space Citizenship.

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