Activity 1-

Modern technology has enabled astronomers to probe ever deeper into the reaches of outer space. Many of the recent discoveries have shown the universe to be filled with far more than the sun, moon, and stars. Find out about at least four of the following astronomical phenomena: quasars, pulsars, supernovas, black holes, dwarf stars, giant stars, protostars, neutron stars, variable stars, cosmic clouds, and globular clusters. Try to observe sections of the night sky where these objects are located.

Fact Sheets
Glossary

Activity 4-

Visit a museum or other facility that has an exhibit, display, or presentation on aerospace, astronomy, or a related field. Based on your visit, select at least one topic that interested you and explore it further on your own.

Fact Sheets

Activity 5-

The skies have always been a source of mystery and curiosity, and humans have attempted to explain the phenomena they saw. Find out about myths, legends, and early theories about the nature of the universe. You might focus on one theme- for example, stories from different cultures that explained the origin of the sun, moon, and stars, or all the different theories about our own star, the sun. Share your findings with others.

Educational Module- "Exploring Origins"

Build an accurate scale model of a vehicle that is used for space exploration. Find out about its design, function, and basic operation. Be able to help others learn about your vehicle.

Spacecraft sub-site
Spacecraft Model
Fact Sheets

Activity 7-

Plan an activity that will help younger scouts learn about space and exploration. For example, you might conduct a night-sky exploration for Brownie or Junior Girl Scouts in a camp setting, build and explain a model of the solar system, put on a play about life on a space station, or tell a story about a woman astronaut, including her training and achievements.

Educational Module- "Exploring Origins"

Start a career file on jobs related to space exploration. Investigate at least five jobs. The chapter "From Dreams to Reality: Career Exploration" in the Cadette and Senior Girl Scout Handbook and From Dreams to Reality: Career Cards will help you in your work.

Careers in Genesis

Develop a booklet or display that highlights women who have played an important role in the history of flight and space exploration.

Careers in Genesis
Historical Biographies

The technologies involved in space exploration are constantly improving. Trace the history of one type of instrument or tool used in space exploration. Compare the early designs of this instrument or tool and the information that scientists were capable of obtaining with the equipment available to them today. Write a forecast of what might be possible by the turn of the century. You might consider investigating spacecraft, telescopes, cameras, or instruments that measure light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation, radio waves, x-rays, and other forms of electromagnetic energy.

Educational Module- "Exploring Origins"
Spacecraft sub-site

Design your own. Space exploration involves many sciences and disciplines, and the activities in this interest project represent just a small sampling of what you can learn or do. Tap into the unique resources and opportunities available to you and develop your own space exploration activity. Here are some of the things you might do:

• Explore what countries around the world are doing in space exploration.
• Using a telescope, monitor an object in the night sky for a month.
• Visit NASA and, if possible, view the launching of a space vehicle.
• Develop a space exploration resource file. NASA has many educational materials available to the public.
• Keep a scrapbook of news clippings on items related to astronomy and space exploration.

Media Release Files
The Mission