Space Exploration Educational Program 

Subject: Aerospace Engineering, Rocketry, and Human Spaceflight

Educational focus: STEM

Course Description

This course is designed and taught by a NASA professional to educate participants from advanced knowledge to zero exposure on space science and engineering topics taught from an application based perspective. Participants will receive private tours of important space exhibits and historical sites on and off an active military installation. We will learn about the history of the U.S. Space Program, rocket design, engineering, space science, space effects on human physiology, astronaut training, and more. Students will apply their knowledge to take part in an immersive model rocket building workshop.

Program Format:

Open to all families. Rocket building portion open to students (ages 8 to 12) for the Intermediate Program and (ages 13 and up) for the Advanced Program. Younger siblings are welcome to join the tours. Parents must attend all tours. 

What it is: 

This is an immersive, hands-on educational program for students interested into a deeper study of space. 

What's Included for each registered student grade 3 and up: 

• Ticket for one day to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.  

• Bus tour to the Gantry at LC-39 and Apollo/Saturn V Center where we will see behind the gates and pass by the Vehicle Assembly Building.

• Private tour of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and the Keepers Cottage.

• Private tour and escort onto the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Space Force Museum, Hangar C and Launch Complex 26.

• Sands Space History Museum visit.

• Rocket building presentations and workshops by NAR certified rocketry instructor.

• Students in grades 3 to 5 will receive a mid-powered rocket kit to build and take home.  

• Students in grades 6 and up will receive a high-powered rocket kit to build and take home.

• Space themed program polo shirt.

• Space Exploration workbook for program.

• Certificate of completion.

*Some tours may be altered due to rocket launches or other NASA activities.

What's Included for parents and siblings of registered students:

• Parents are welcome to assist their registered student during the rocket building workshop

• Admission to Kennedy Space Center and bus tour

• Tour of Kennedy Space Center complex

• Private tours of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and the Keepers Cottage on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station 

• Private tour of Space Force Museum, Hangar C and Launch Complex 

• Visit to Sands Space History Museum

What is not included:

Transportation 

Hotels

Meals

Travel Insurance

Rocket motors

Tuition and Fees Schedule:

Students grades 3 to 5 (ages 8 to 12): $470

Students grades 6 to 12 (ages 13 and up): $490

Adult: $50

Siblings not participating but attending tours and activities with parent:

Ages 2 and Under: free

Ages 3-7: $50

(Payment plans available)

All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

INFORMATION REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE:

Due to the nature of this program, each participant and family members attending must be U.S. citizens. All participating adults 18 years and up are required to submit the following information to gain admission on to the Space Force Station:

• Drivers license number with the State the license was issued.

• Date of birth

• Phone number

• Email Address

Note: Some older buildings and museums have stairs and limited accessibility. This program involves walking around and exploring museums including indoor and outdoor activities and climbing a historical lighthouse. Please plan to dress appropriately for the weather and wear close toed shoes when instructed. 

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received within 14 days of booking:

100% refund, less deposit.*

No refund after 14 days. 

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you! Sometimes we have a waiting list and can transfer your space to another family. However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is suggested to cover any unexpected events, and we’ll strive to transfer funds to other trips whenever possible. Deposit is not refundable.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Dry Tortugas tickets only may be rescheduled to a later date one time up to 4 days before the trip. Rescheduled reservations are non-refundable. The rest of the program experiences will be forfeited if you cannot attend at the dates specified above and no refund will be issued after the cancellation period. 

Final Payment Due: 60 days prior to program starts

Voucher Funds

This program is pending approval for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.  All food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.