From Coal Camp to Space Camp 

Mission The Mars Invasion 2030: From Coal Camp to Space Camp program is designed to excite and motivate fourth grade students about learning by allowing them to become “explorers” and engaging them in planning and preparing for the first manned-mission to Mars. The program of studies will guide students in examining and making a connection between their own coal mining heritage and the unfolding human adventure of colonizing our most intriguing neighbor in the solar system. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the program ties the student’s own geographic area to the universe. In Central Appalachia, mining is an integral part of everyday life. Since much of the same technology used to mine coal and other resources on Earth will be similar, if not identical, to the technology required to sustain life on Mars, a marriage of the two adds validity and a sense of purpose to the educational process and emphasizes the importance of science, mathematics, engineering and technology to students growing up in this area. Every aspect of the program is directly applied to Kentucky’s Core Content domains. The mission of the Mars Invasion 2030: From Coal Camp to Space Camp program is to impact students in a positive and meaningful way by helping them:  strengthen their skills in problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication  develop a greater understanding of the role science, mathematics, engineering and technology will play in their future career choices  gain an appreciation for their mining heritage, expand their knowledge of the space program, and recognize ways both benefit their daily lives  improve their perception of coal miners through discovery of the similarities between miners and astronauts and the highly-skilled, technically-trained work performed by each  build self-esteem and pride in their local community and region The curriculum was developed and written by Traci Bishop, Carolyn Leckie, Latonya Taylor-Rowe, Karen Hamilton, John Handshoe, Rusty Justice, and John Gray. iii MARS INVASION 2030 – From Coal Camp to Space Camp 

 

4th Grade will be attending the Challenger in Hazard December 14, 2017. 

Both 3rd-4th grades will be visiting the Portal 31 before Christmas.  I will post the date soon. This is an awesome Unit!!!!

4th Grade only :  At the end (Due: November 22) of this unit each student will complete the attached project.  They can team up with other students if they choose.