Space Club out of this world

Students at Oak-Land Middle School (OMS) have been busy preparing for a virtual mission to the Moon. About a dozen sixth graders are part of the newly formed Space Club. They’ve been meeting virtually after school working on engineering design challenges centered on an epic journey to the Moon.

Each week they have mission meetings where they learn about aspects of different space problems from space suit design to growing plants in space. Then they are challenged to come up with their own solutions, competing against 110 other teams from across the U.S. and Canada. The students also get to join live career chats with NASA engineers and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professionals.

“The kids are so supportive of each other and proactive in solving issues when they arise, just like people in space careers have to do,” said Corrie Christensen, a science teacher who serves as the OMS Space Commander. 

In addition to all the STEM knowledge they are gaining, Christensen says students are also learning important skills like communicating and collaborating from a distance, problem-solving and thinking creatively.

“The kids’ dedication to our weekly meeting and designing their projects on their own time has been inspiring and a breath of fresh air during this pandemic!” Christensen said.