Mini-Missions

NESSP’s mini-mission program offers curriculum and supplies to educator-led activities across the northwest region. Our mini-missions work well in a variety of situations from summer camps to Scouting activities to after-school programs. Stipends and professional development are offered to qualified educators.

ROADS on Icy Worlds Mini-Mission

Students will spend the week completing a series of hands-on activities that mimic aspects of planning a rover mission to an icy world like Europa. The activities are a mix of science and engineering with lots of hands-on, student-led activities.

Grade Levels: 3-12

Suggested Length: 5 days

Download flyer

Icy Worlds Mini-Mission Guide

Icy Worlds Mini-Mission Files

Suggested weekly agenda

Materials List 

Instructor Stipend Range: $1,200 (1 instructor) -$2,400 (2 instructors)

Information Sessions: Offered virtually via Zoom, open to all

  • Friday, June 10th, 2022 from 4 to 5 pm, PST (Register)
  • Monday, June 13th, 2022 from 4 to 5 pm (Register)

Instructor Training: Offered virtually via Zoom, open to instructors who have registered

  • Monday, June 27th, 2022 from 10 am to noon, PST (Register)
  • Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 from 10 am to noon, PST (Register)
  • Monday, July 11th, 2022 from 10 am to noon, PST (Register)

James Webb Mini-Mission

Get students excited about the upcoming First Light Event of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) with hands-on NASA-themed activities.

Activity 1: Launch Code Quest

Students will complete a game that allows them to learn about the history of JWST, and what part of the electromagnetic spectrum it will use to study the universe and its main targets.

Activity 2: Telescope and Optics

Students will compare a Celestron FirstScope, Hubble, and the James Webb telescope and learn light refraction and magnification with lenses.

Activity 3: Build-Your-Own Telescope

Students will investigate the main elements of a space telescope and design their own with an iterative and collaborative approach.

Activity 4: Science Goals Scavenger Hunt 

Students will use the World Wide Telescope to hunt down images of potential targets for the JWST to observe and make an 18-hexagon collage!

Grade Levels: 6-10

Suggested Length: 3 days

Download flyer

Mission Guide

Suggested schedule

Materials List

Instructor Stipend Range: $600 (1 instructor) -$800 (2 instructors)

Information Sessions: Offered virtually via Zoom, open to all

  • Friday, June 10th, 2022 from 4 to 5 pm, PST (Register)
  • Monday, June 13th, 2o22 from 4 to 5 pm (Register)

Instructor Training: Offered virtually via Zoom:

  • Monday, June 27th, 2022 from 2 to 3 pm, PST (Register)
  • Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 from 2 to 3 pm, PST (Register)
  • Monday, July 11th, 2022 from 2 to 3 pm, PST (Registration Coming Soon)

(Additional dates for both mini-mission may be added upon request.)

 

Are you a potential mini-mission instructor? Sign up to apply and receive more information.

Step 1 of 6