It’s Party Time!

Coffee brewed. Snacks nearby. Computer at the ready. Now it is time to start telling you about Yuri’s Night and how I have implemented in at my school. I think you can take some of this and apply it to your school or even classroom. Note, I am assuming you know what Yuri’s Night is about in this post. Check the link to the official page below.

Background

I had never heard of Yuri’s Night until last September, actually very near the last day of September. It all goes back to my Weightless Flight of Discovery. Our flight director (for lack of a better term) Tim, was donning a Yuri’s Night patch on his flight suit. Being curious I asked him what the patch was for. He told me and within a few seconds, the conversation was over and I put it behind me. After a few weeks of trying to wrap my mind around my being weightless, I started looking into Yuri’s Night (check the official page for information). I got some information and pitched my idea to the principal. Considering it’s timing just after our state standardized test period, he said I could give it a go. Well let’s talk about what we did the first year.

WMS Blasts Off! Poster from 2010

Blast Off! (The First Year)

Since it was just myself planning the Yuri’s Night celebration I had a lot of work to get done. I put my brainstorming cap on and came up with a bunch of ideas. First, I decided it would be best to have the celebration take place over the whole school day and get as many students as possible involved. My school encompasses grades 5 through 8 and there are around 1,000 students and staff. Talk about reaching a great deal of people. Here is the run-down for the rest of the ideas.

Space-themed Lessons:

My main idea was to have every teacher in the school teach a space-themed lesson that day. Hopefully, it would tie into their content area. I offered to help and sent some resources along for them to formulate their lessons. A number of teachers took the initiative and created something for their students to do. Many of them sought advice and approval from me, but I think it was because it may have been out of their comfort zone.

Corrective Parties:

Each grade at our school has a 30 minute block during the lunch waves, where students are in homeroom (either for extra-help, silent reading or band/chorus). I encouraged students in their homerooms to plan and bring in food and drink for a small party in their homeroom. Again, not every homeroom participated, but I didn’t want to swamp my colleagues anymore than I already had.

Space-themed Costumes:

I made an announcement that anyone wearing a space-themed costume would be in the running for some prizes. A few students and even staff adorned some spacey costumes. There was some aliens and astronauts! This made for some fun times. I gave away a few Yuri’s Night logo shirts (which I made with iron-on transfers).

Space Prize Giveaway:

This is where I had the most fun. I searched the internet for all sorts of small prizes I could giveaway. I bought some “Failure is not an option” bracelets (picture the Livestrong bracelet, but in red/white/blue), astronaut ice cream (various flavors), t-shirts (which I made Yuri’s Night shirts with iron-on transfers), and 1200 circular stickers (Avery rounds, on which I printed the Yuri’s Night logo). I gave the stickers to each student and staff member in the school. One of the veteran science teachers had a bunch of freebies from some Hubble folks, etc. and gave them to the cause. I ended up passing out lots of prizes all around the school and nearly tired myself out. I paid for most of the prizes, but it was well worth it. Everyone seemed to leave quite excited about the day and human space flight.

Lessons Learned

First, I learned it is a whole lot of FUN to be part of a worldwide celebration, made up of over 250 parties, including the International Space Station. It is a great way to promote the accomplishments of human space flight and exploration. Many individuals know very little about the past, present and future of this adventure we humans have embarked. It was a pleasure to open up so many eyes to this.

Second, you can organize a Yuri’s Night party with little time or help. The best part about throwing a Yuri’s Night party is you are in control. There are no requirements, standards, etc. Do what fits you and your school. Don’t feel the crunch of time either. I think I really got serious and planned my first party in two weeks. Remember, if you only enlighten a small group of people, you are still wildly successful. Students were so excited they posted ideas on my blog of what to do next year. You will be amazed.

Third, Yuri’s Night is not limited to any one content area. Human space flight can transcend any perceived barriers. From Physical Education or Health to Music or Literacy. You can fit any of these into whatever is going on in your classroom. If you need help doing so, feel free to contact me and I will help you out.

Finally, Promote it every single chance you get. Make flyers, send emails, make announcements, tell students what you’re planning. It will take off from there. Don’t forget to share with the local media. Nothing is better (especially in these budget months) than promoting how much you do and how your school is a producing well-rounded students. Also you will inform the general public about human space flight and pique their interest.

2nd Annual Yuri's Night Poster 2011

Year 2!

Having one Yuri’s Night party under my belt where do I go this year? First, I signed up early to force myself to make it happen. Shrink it? By no means! This year I am still throwing a school wide party and will do much of the same things. Here’s what’s on tap for this year:

Space-themed lessons, space costume contest, space prize giveaways, homeroom parties (all from last year, but encouraging more participation) and two all new ideas!

LEGO Spaceship Contest:

Students will use their LEGOs to create a spaceship. Hopefully, it will a new design for a spaceship, but I am not restricting it that way. The only restriction is they can’t bring in a LEGO set built as is. We will display them the during the lunch waves in the cafeteria for all students to vote on which one they like best. We will give out some prizes of course. I am planning on rewarding “Best Overall” and “Most Original.” This should be fun!

Astronomical Viewing:

I came up with this idea after being treated to amazing views of the sun through telescopes, by astronomy volunteers at the Smithsonian Air & Space museum earlier this month. I am working with the local observatory and astronomy clubs to get volunteers and equipments so students can see sunspots and solar prominences (weather permitting). It was an awesome experience for me and I can’t imagine it will be any different for students and staff. I may even expand it to an informal star party that night if there is enough interest.

“Eddie would go”

The above is a fabled quote from the world of surfing (another one of my interests) about the late Eddie Aikau. He would surf monstrous waves with little fear and would venture out on the roughest days to save others (as a lifeguard). What’s the point? Yuri went. John Young and Bob Crippen went. How about you? Will you host a Yuri’s Night party? It’s up to you to answer the call this year. After all it is the 50th anniversary of human space flight!

Your Face in Space!!!

Don’t worry this won’t cost you a whopping $20 million or even years of training!  That’s right, the only thing this will cost you is about 5 minutes of time!  I know, it sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t.

Mr. B. in space – Actually it won’t look like this, but I was having some fun.

NASA is building more interest (not that it needs a whole lot more, but hey in this uncertain space exploration time it can’t hurt!) in the last two shuttle flights.  They are going to fly your face on the shuttle.  Don’t worry if you feel like your mug shot

will crack mirrors and send children screaming.  Only kidding, but seriously upload a digital picture of yourself to the site (linked below) and your photo will fly on a disc on

one of the two remaining shuttle flights.  Best part is you get a certificate you can download with the mission commander’s “John Hancock” on it.  Pretty sweet, right!  So what are you waiting for?

**GET STARTED – NASA’s Face in Space page **

STS-131 Pre-Launch Tour

As part of the invite to attend the STS-131 launch we received a special tour of the Kennedy Space Center on Friday, 2 April 2010. It wasn’t your normal tour to say the least.

All Aboard…
It started out by riding our bus from the hotel to KSC. We drove straight to the International Space Station Center. This is an interesting stop on the normal bus tour. Here you can view the “factory floor” and see the scientists, engineers, and other contractors prepare experiments, modules and other components destined for the ISS. These days the work is limited since the Shuttle is soon to retire and the ISS is nearly completely constructed. Actually STS-130 delivered and installed the last part, the “Cupola,” on the previous mission. After viewing the floor we proceeded back downstairs and walked around in some of the replica or test modules. It was very nice to see just how the astronauts live in space. You might think they would be cramped, but there is quite a bit of room for them, including some personal space.  This is where they prepared the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo with over 17,000 pounds of supplies and equipment that STS-131 delivered to the ISS.

Here is the ISSC floor. In the distance you can see a part (under plastic) destined for the ISS on a future mission.

Launch Complex 39…
Back on the bus headin towards Launch Complex 39!  On the way to the Launch Complex you could still make out the track marks made by the crawler.  The special river rock is actually pulverized by the crushing weight of the whole vehicle and launch assembly.  This is not on a standard tour, but we were able to drive up to a spot off on the side. We weren’t able to head up onto Launch Pad 39A since there was a lot of work taking place just a couple of days before the launch. We had a few minutes to get out and take photos and admire the beauty of the Shuttle Assembly awaiting it’s turn to blast off! The roll-away gantry was blocking the orbiter itself, but it was still awe-inspiring. We were 1/4 mile away from the pad, which during the launch you would most likely be dead due to any number of factors. It was a quick stop there and off to the next stop.

Even while driving along you can clearly make out the tracks made by the crawler.

Me posing for a quick picture with Pad 39A and Discovery behind me. Go Discovery!

Unfathomable History…

Ah, my favorite part of the whole tour! Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building! My first thought once I gathered them together was “This is where they stacked together the massive Saturn V rockets, which carried very brave men to the moon.” First, you need some statistics on this building to visualize its size with me. It stands some 525 feet tall! That is half the height of the Eiffel Tower. It is 716 feet long and 518 feet wide. It is one of the largest structures ever constructed by man. It is said that clouds could form inside and actually rain if the air conditioning were to fail. Some more interesting facts:

• each star of the flag is 6 feet across;
• each stripe of the flag is large enough to drive a bus down;
• you can’t get the whole building in a picture without crossing to the press viewing area.

We walked through the main doors into the transfer aisle.  At this point you start to get an idea of just how large this building is.  Of course, we haven’t got a clear view of the high bays (where the shuttle assembly work is actually done).  I immediately smelled the history oozing out of the floor and walls.  I was wondering how awestruck the astronauts were when they first got a glimpse inside.  Of course, to the folks who work there everyday  it probably doesn’t seem that big.  We got to see the ET and the SRBs awaiting for orbiter Atlantis to be attached for it’s upcoming flight.  There was so much to look at!  I will let a set of photos tell the story.

Need I say more?

The view of the VAB from just inside the door. In the distance, if you can make them out, there are some workers. They almost look like ants from here.

They call this end of the VAB the "Cathedral." Notice the crane in the middle of the shot. This crane lifts the Shuttle off the trailer and rotates it so it can be lifted into the high bay. The red structures in the foreground on the right are relics from the early days.

The first view up to the top of the VAB. Notice the other crane at the top of the high bay. It is truly staggering.

How do you measure up? The lowest sign in the far high bay is the height of the Shuttle Assembly. The highest sign in the same bay is the height of the Ares I-X. The Saturn V rocket would have been up around there also.

This photo gives you a bit of perspective. Shot from the floor you can see the ceiling way, way above me!

Behind the grid work of catwalks, etc. you can see the distinctive orange insulation foam of the External Fuel Tank. The SRBs are also noticeable.

X marks the spot. The map showing the different areas of the VAB.

A view of the VAB as we drive towards the SLF. Notice one of the high bay doors partially open.

Landing Time…

The next stop on our tour was the Shuttle Landing Facility or SLF.  It is home to one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet long and 300 feet wide.  While many different aircraft use the SLF for takeoffs and landings it was designed specifically for end-of-mission Shuttle orbiter landings.  We got to see the mate-demate device, which is how they offload the Shuttle orbiter from the 747 when it lands at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  It is an amazing piece of machinery.  There were also some of the NASA jets to bring the astronauts and other personnel to the Cape.  Plus we caught a glimpse of one the T-38s (astronaut training jets).

Here is the Mate-Demate Device (MDD) located at the SLF.

Three NASA jets used to ferry the astronauts and other personnel around.

First is Last…

Our last stop of the tour would be your first: the KSC Visitor’s Complex.  We were dropped off and had two hours to explore here at the Visitor’s Complex.  The two main things to do here were to watch the movie “Hubble 3D” in the IMAX theatre or ride the “Shuttle Launch Experience.”

Since, I hadn’t done the SLE on my previous visit here I needed to do that.  It was an awesome ride and if you are down there visiting, YOU GOTTA DO THIS! It is an amazing simulation of the Shuttle liftoff and trip into space.  It gives you a great deal of information and truly gives you a great deal of insight into launch.  After a a briefing from former astronaut and now Administrator of NASA, Charlie Bolden, Jr., you enter into a set of seats, which are located in the payload bay of the Shuttle.  You get another short update from Charlie and then the fun begins.  The seats are rotated so you are facing upward, sitting on your back as it were, just like the Shuttle astronauts.  The countdown then begins.  At T-minus 6 seconds, the three main Shuttle engines kick in and the shuttle “twangs” or pitches slightly (10-15 degrees) forward.  The Shuttle then returns to an upright position and then at 0 seconds, the SRBs fire and there is no turning back.  You shake, rattle and roll for the next 2 minutes and 5 seconds as the SRBs lift you high up into the sky.  It is impossible to focus on anything at this point.  The roll program is initiated by Houston at T-plus 15 seconds.  Next, you do a throttle down the three main Shuttle engines to 72% at MaxQ or maximum dynamic pressure.  After a few seconds you are safe and given the command to throttle back up to 104.5% on the three main Shuttle engines.  As the SRBs start to burn out they are jettisoned with a loud bang and a jarring thud.  The ride gets so smooth with just the Shuttle engines burning you think you have made it to space already, but there is a few minutes left.  After a smooth ride you have Main Engine Cut Off or MECO and shortly after that you jettison the External Fuel Tank and then you’re nearly done.  The last task is to open the Shuttle’s payload bay doors and then you can catch some zzz’s.  I forgot to tell you that somewhere in that whole sequence you face an emergency, but with all your training you are able to overcome it.  Well actually the crew does fix the problem so you are safe.  Also, the opening of the payload bay doors seems to have no effect on your well-being so you are in a contained, pressurized unit.  You then exit the ride, having a much greater appreciation for the launch and the astronauts.  And in my case an even greater desire to ride along for real!

After the SLE, I didn’t have time to catch the Hubble 3D movie so I wandered around the complex checking out some of the artwork and other attractions.  I did spend a chunk of time in the “Space Shop” looking for prizes for the upcoming Yuri’s Night celebration.  My time was then up and we boarded the bus to head back to the hotel.  It was a great day with many exciting moments, which I will remember for a long time to come.  Thanks NASA!

My unique ticket to enjoy an amazing day.

busy week in space…

While we await the Space Shuttle Discovery’s launch on Monday, there is another important launch beforehand.  The International Space Station needs some additional crew members.  More specifically, 3 Expedition 23 flight engineers will be joining the other 3 members currently residing on the ISS.  The crew consists of NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Mikhail Kornienko.  The launch is scheduled for 12:04 AM EDT Friday.  You can watch it live on NASA TV starting at 11:15 PM EDT Thursday.  It will be a two day journey and the crew will arrive less than a day before the STS-131 launch.  The Soyuz rocket is reminiscent of the early rockets, but obviously much smaller than the Apollo Saturn vehicles.  Still, it is quite a sight though.  Below you can see the Soyuz rocket being transported to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. (Photo credit: NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Pictured below is the crew. (Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

Lights, Camera, Action!

While it won’t be a movie, you will be able to watch the Space Shuttle DIscovery blast off on Monday in the pre-dawn hours.  You should be able to tune in either in online or one of the cable news channels and watch it live.  This is the first of the last four scheduled launches of the Space Shuttle program before its retirement.  It is the last scheduled  night or pre-dawn launch.  The launch is scheduled to launch at 6:21 AM Monday morning.  I would suggest tuning in at 6 AM so as not to miss it.

Where to watch online:

• NASA TV
• Spaceflight Now (ipod/iphone too)

Last minute prep…

Discovery’s STS-131 payload canister is raised into the launch pad’s payload changeout room. Image credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

As the astronauts and crews make their last minute preparations for this Monday’s launch, Mr. B is doing much the same.  I am leaving this Thursday and heading to Florida to participate in the many activities planned as part of the launch.  Friday looks to be one of my favorite days, short of the launch, as we will be touring the Kennedy Space Center.  While you may have toured in the past like myself, I am going to get a behind the scenes tour.  I am hoping to be able to take photos and post them here on the blog.  The exciting parts of the tour will be the Vehicle Assembly Building or VAB, the Shuttle Landing Facility of SLF and a close view of the historic launchpad 39A.  I cannot wait to see these places and get to walk on some of the same ground the intrepid explorers of past and present walked on.  Saturday is an all day long educational forum with many NASA guests including astronaut(s) tied around the theme of “Women in Robotics and Engineering.”  I am looking forward to gleaning some tips to improve things here at WMS.  Sunday is a free day due to the holiday.  Monday is Launch Day!  I have to be up very early as we head to the Banana Creek viewing site around 3 AM.  The shuttle is scheduled to launch at 6:21 AM, technically a night launch, and race to the International Space Station.  It promises to be a great weekend.  Check back often for updates here and on twitter (follow @zerogguy)

Trip to Mars anyone?

How would you like to take a trip to Mars?  It is estimated to cost $1 billion dollars to make the round-trip currently.  Hmm…I am a bit short.  Can you spot me?  Well it is possible for free, but only in the virtual world.  You can use the flight simulator mode in Google Earth, but British 3D animation guru Doug Ellison has created the most dramatic example to date.  Check it out for yourselves.

Of course, if you happen to be in 8th or 9th grade currently, NASA predicts you may be among the field of those who take the first steps on our red neighbor.  Who knows where your interest in science and math can take you.

STS-131 Launch

I (Mr. B.) just got invited to attend the launch of STS-131, one of the last space shuttle missions, as a guest of NASA.  It is scheduled for 5 April 2010 and is planned to be the last night launch!  I will be attending an educational forum beforehand and then view the launch from the NASA Banana Creek viewing area.  To learn more check the STS-131 page.

Yuri’s Night Party!!!

It’s official!  WMS will be having a Yuri’s Night party, albeit during the day, on 12 April 2010.  Check the WMS Blasts Off! page for more information or to suggest an activity for the day!

WFOD on CNN!

Last week Northrop Grumman’s Weightless Flights of Discovery made the Situation Room on CNN.  It was a nice piece covering the program and the Washington, DC flight.  As you may already know the main goal of the program is to give teachers an experience which will help them inspire their students to pursue STEM careers. You can view the by clicking the image below.