Join the NERD Astronaut Training Program! In this class learn about our solar system: what’s in it, how it formed, and how we are exploring it! We will experiment with the forces that shape our universe, build, test, and launch rockets, make a comet, and land a Mars rover as we explore and discover space.
S.T.E.M. Class
Space Explorers
Grades: 1-3*
5/5
I need my SPACE!
Join the NERD Astronaut Training Program! Explore the solar system, experiment with cosmic forces, and launch rockets. Land Mars rovers, create comets, and build your own space station. Discover, imagine, and learn in this out-of-this-world adventure for star-gazers and adventurers alike!
Share this class
Q. What is an astronaut’s favorite key on the keyboard? A. The space bar!
Description
Good fit for...
Are you a star-gazer? An adventurer? Hop in the ship and let’s BOLDLY GO! In this class, nerds learn a ton about space exploration, but they also get to build, imagine, and create! Sometimes we are learning together and discussing what difficulties we might have living in space, and other times we are working in interactive stations throughout the room sending “planets” (marbles) around a “star” (weight) in our gravity well demonstration (its like a trampoline)! There is lots of science in this class, but it isn’t about memorizing facts. This class is about wondering, discovering, and building!
Nerds make...
- construct scale models of our Solar System
- build straw rockets and launchers
- create your own Space Station
- build your own planet and observe it with the “telescope” you design
- assemble a Mars Rover
Nerds learn...
- Moon and the Apollo missions
- Life on the International Space Station
- What’s in our Solar System
- How gravity works
- Rocket Science!
Class Structure
Our Little Nerd classes for grades 1-3, are engaging and exciting and vary greatly in content and structure, but in some form there is always direct instruction from the teacher, guided practice, and independent or small group work with help and support from peers and staff. We usually begin the day with a team building activity and move into our first lesson. Next is a hands-on activity or project. Halfway through the class, kids will take a brief recess and snack break. A second lesson follows break and the kids will do another project/activity or continue one they were working on. Bottom line: It’s hands-on, interactive, fun learning.
What to Bring to Class
SUMMER & BREAK CLASSES ONLY: Class is 3hrs each day, so bring a snack for break time. Also, bring your own refillable water bottle. Don’t have one? Add our Nerding water bottle to your order and pick up on first day of class!
Gallery
Your nerd will build and discover like these nerds have.
One day on Venus is longer than one year on Earth!
Saturn isn't the only planet to have rings- Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune also have them!
When you are on Mars, the sunset looks like it’s BLUE.
COVID-19 Safety
Read about the measures we are taking to provide safe in-person summer STEM classes.
Reviews
Register
$159 - $195
Locations, dates, and times vary by time of year.
Summer
Opens March 4, 2023 @ 10am
School Year
View our After School page to see if this class is offered. Not all classes are offered after school.