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| One of the donated Mac's with my first hypercard controls So simple, yet they did the job for 1990. |
Dear Apple, In 1989 Apple donated a set of Mac Classics to a teacher with an idea, flew him out to California, taught him how to program in HyperCard, and sent him back to make a difference. Those computers helped to control a fictional starship used to send students into space to face a wide range of stimulating and impactful challenges. Over the last 29 years we have served hundreds of thousands in science and technology focused learning. In short you helped transform regular classrooms into educational starships.
We are reaching out to say thank you for helping us get started. Since that first set of controls we have had many versions that have progressed from HyperCard to Revolution, then onto Cocoa, and now an open source platform called Thorium. Beyond the controls we create custom visuals using Apple Motion and edit video clips with iMovie so that the crews can see the results of the choices they make in the simulator. The large majority of what is developed is programmed and created by high school students who are mentored by college or professional level experts. Many have gone onto computer science or graphic arts related careers.
I hope this example of your impact on our small program and the difference it has had in so many people's lives makes its way to your company. Thank you for taking a chance with us so long ago.
Sincerely,
The 400,000+ participants of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
Apple was kind in making a donation of computers. Flying me to California for that crash course in Hypercard was a lifesaver in getting the Center open.
I'd like to add the following to the CMSC's thank you letter to Apple from those in the Space EdVentures family.
Dear Apple,
I'd like to share with you the broader impact that donation to the CMSEC has had in addition to the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Today there are CMSEC inspired simulators and programs at Renaissance Academy in Lehi, Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs, Canyon Grove Academy in Pleasant Grove and Telos U in Orem. Each program touches the lives of hundreds of people every year. In addition to the local programs, the CMSEC inspired the creation of Dream Flight Adventures with simulator programs running at schools in Pennsylvania, Michigan, the District of Columbia, and Venezuela. Finally the CMSEC inspired the founding of InfiniD which converts computer labs throughout the country into simulators giving students the best in experiential software and programs. InfiniD has swelled to usage in 2,500 classrooms this school year. That equals about 80,000 students using the program. More students experience the thrill and excitement of simulation based "missions" through InfiniD than all of the other organizations combined.
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| Today's Young Astronauts on the Starship Voyager Renaissance Space Academy |
From poster board controls, to very basic black and white, six inch screen, Macs to a new Christa McAuliffe Space Center and similar programs around the world, our discipline of wonder is spreading and inspiring new generations to dream big and achieve the impossible.
Mr. Williamson
The Places and Programs Inspired by the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center
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| Dream Flight Adventures |
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| Telos U |
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| Lakeview Academy |
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| Canyon Grove Academy |
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| Renaissance Space Academy |
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| InfiniD |
From the Archives of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center
May 26, 2003
I would like to officially say that my first ever test mission, 'Battleship Bismarck,' was successful. My crew (consisting of Tanner, Ben H, Randy, and Ryan P.) seemed to be pleased with the mission when it was over. I must say that I greatly appreciate their
patience with me and this mission. It was nice to have people who were experienced enough to let those things slide. They didn't, however, say too much to me about the mission after.
patience with me and this mission. It was nice to have people who were experienced enough to let those things slide. They didn't, however, say too much to me about the mission after.
The mission was written a while back, but the final preparations were not made until I found out I was running the test mission a week prior. I was more fortunate than Mr. Williamson, however, because I was able to see the tactical and video the day before,
I ran into a little problem halfway through the mission. Mr. Williamson instructed me that I could go a few hours later for this test mission than what is typical for an overnighter. So, not paying much attention to the time, my crew was on an away mission at 9:45 am on Saturday. My apologies to Mr. Williamson and anyone else it might have hindered.
My new private mission is titled "Covert Action." I actually ran this for Kylee a few days ago upon request. I do not have video for this yet, but thanks to Josh Babb that was not a problem. I do know that this mission does need some additional material. I am currently working on that...
Now that the test missions are out of the way, I must say I am excited for summer. Once again, a special thanks to my crews, Josh, and Ryan for the success of both missions.
Regards,
Julie Collett
Odyssey Weekend Wrap-up. New Summer Mission "Heir to the Empire" Tested
May 27, 2003
May 27, 2003
We tested the Odyssey summer mission this past weekend. It was really hectic! Our tactical screens and video were being finished that evening so we started just a tad bit late. The crew consisted of Brady Young, Bryson Lystrup, Megan Warner, Emily Perry, Jamison McDougal, Rick Cowdell, and Jake. My staff consisted of Allan Stewart, James Porter, Landon Helmsley, David Merrell, and myself.
After a slow start, things heated up pretty quickly, especially when we tested out certain parts of the mission that utilized the marvelous programming capabilities of Allan Stewart!
The crew through us for a loop when they started decoding several secret Romulan messages earlier than they were suppose to and without a decoding sheet!
After we got them back on track the mission worked much better. Both James and I are excited to run it. Right now the working title is "Heir to the Empire".
James Porter has temporarily taken over the chief Odyssey position with Landon Helmsley and Josh Babb as his staff as I take a month off to go to school.
There are alot of new developments in the works for the Odyssey that will be complete soon. I want to thank Kyle Herring for finishing our first of many new additions - the video screen back in the Engineering section of the ship. It has long been needed.
Well, that is it for this week from the Odyssey.
Discovery Log, 28 May 2003
Cache County, Utah
Today was the last day of our daytime field trips. We ran through every fifth-grade class in the Cache District (who could make it). Our field trips were very successful in introducing the wonders of "our kind" of space simulation to the youth of Cache Valley. We look forward to
(hopefully) running the Cache District again next year, and perhaps other districts as well. Many thanks to all of those who put together and ran the daytime program, but especially to James and James (Porter and Cawley), Jeremy at "second chair," Tara in the classroom and the other people at the Discovery Alliance who think we are a little off our rockers. They would be right. We now have a bit of a respite before beginning our summer missions.
Today was the last day of our daytime field trips. We ran through every fifth-grade class in the Cache District (who could make it). Our field trips were very successful in introducing the wonders of "our kind" of space simulation to the youth of Cache Valley. We look forward to
(hopefully) running the Cache District again next year, and perhaps other districts as well. Many thanks to all of those who put together and ran the daytime program, but especially to James and James (Porter and Cawley), Jeremy at "second chair," Tara in the classroom and the other people at the Discovery Alliance who think we are a little off our rockers. They would be right. We now have a bit of a respite before beginning our summer missions.
Let's Do the Time Warp Again The script for Black Hole is complete and is now going into production (yea, I know...it's about time). I included some story elements that I think will work well but I have never tried before. Hopefully it will work out well, but I imagine we will be making a few changes on the fly (as is usual). I want to shoot a couple of original video segments for this, and I may need some help from some of the "Christa McAuliffe gang," so don't be surprised if I contact some of you in the next few days.
As always, thanks to all those who have given us your support.
Dave Wall
Director, Discovery Space Simulator
The Best Videoettes From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience.
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