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Space Exploration Program

September 25, 2009 – October 2, 2009

Perkins Outreach Services Travels to ... The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama, for SCIVIS (Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students)

Science enrichment programs available:

  • Space Camp (Grades 4-6)
  • Space Academy (Grades 7-12)
  • Advanced Academy (Grades 10-12) (If you previously attended Space Academy)
  • Aviation Challenge Mach l (Grades 4-6)
  • Aviation Challenge Mach ll (Grades 7-12)
  • Aviation Challenge Mach lll (grades 10-12) (If you previously attended Mach II)

A Perkins student wears a space suit
Precious gets ready for blast off.
These exciting programs and activities are designed to educate young people about aviation and the space program.  Sessions are designed around simulated space missions conducted in Space Shuttle orbiter mockups.  Trainees learn the basics of shuttle operation, the science and history of the space program, leadership skills, and teamwork.  They also use authentic simulators to experience the sensations of astronaut training and they live in a simulated space station.  This is the seventeenth year that Perkins Outreach Services will be taking students from around New England!

Trainees are placed on teams.  Every student is assigned a different role for each mission.  Hands-on training and mission practice, both generalized and specialized according to assignments, encompass many trainee hours.  Briefings and lectures, conducted by astronauts and other guest speakers enhance the learning experience.  Trainees also take part in various microgravity activities.  They will tour Rocket Park, the world’s most comprehensive collection of rocketry.  Materials are available in braille and large print.  One night the Spacedome Theater may feature space and science films, such as “Blue Planet” and “The Dream is Alive” which were filmed in space by astronauts, projected on a 67-foot dome screen.

Participation will again also be offered in Aviation Challenge for students with low vision.  This program is more of an Outward Bound/Ropes Course/Military Training Program involving intense physical activities, simulated jet flying, escape and evasion missions, precision teamwork, and problem solving activities.  Participants also learn and practice land and water survival skills.

All students will arrive at Perkins on Friday night, September 25th.   We will fly from Logan Airport, in Boston, on Saturday, September 26th and will return on Friday, October 2nd.  Students are to be picked up at Perkins that day.

Download a request for an application.  A complete application packet will include an essay by the student, information from the parents, reference request for teachers and Delta Gamma & Perkins scholarship information.  Students should also pursue other sources of financial support.  Students should function at grade level for reading, math and science and be independent in activities of daily living.

Cost: $1500* (includes airfare, meals, SCIVIS Program, overnight at Perkins and chaperones)

*Thanks to the generosity of the Edna L. Alizio Fund, we are able to give an automatic $200 scholarship to individuals requesting it.  If additional financial assistance is required, please submit a letter of need and listing of other efforts to raise funds to Perkins, and also complete the Delta Gamma scholarship application.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Cote
Outreach Activities Coordinator
175 North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-7867, FAX: 617-972-7586
E-mail: Kelly.Cote@Perkins.org