Space Center News Update. Answers to Your Questions. The Imaginarium.

First.  I've not been receiving all the emails sent to me using the Director@spacecamputah.org  email address.  Most of them bypassed my computer completely and disappeared into the abyss of space.  Please resend all emails intended for me within the last month to my secondary email address

Spacecamputah@gmail.com

And please use this as my new email address for future emails.

Mr. Williamson

Hello Troops,

The Space Center Committee met last Thursday.  The meeting was held at Central School.  Jodee Sundburg and Mark Clement, two members of the Alpine School District's Board of Education, were in attendance along with Jeanne Bates, Vicki Carter and myself.   Our first task was to select other members of the committee from a long list of people who had expressed an interest in joining.  We all agreed the committee needed to be representative of our entire District.  I'm very pleased with the result.  This advisory committee will consist of parents, teachers, principals, administrators, students and members of the school board.  

I want to thank everyone who put their name forward to participate in this process of guaranteeing the future of this one of a kind, grass roots endeavour, started 22 years ago at this small elementary school in Pleasant Grove.   We have many challenges ahead of us as we look to the future and envision a new Space Center large enough to handle our District's explosive growth. Funding will be a challenge, but the dedication and determination expressed by everyone in the meeting made me feel confident that we can and will build an outstanding, 21st century educational center.  We will continue the original Space Center's tradition of being the best field trip in the State.

Goals and Objectives

Writing as the Director of the Space Center, I'd like to share my wish list for the Space Center's immediate future.  I'll present these items to the committee for discussion.  Remember, there is give and take in all discussions.  We may get some of these, none of these, or all of these.  The committee will make recommendations for the Board's final decision.

1. I'd like to see the Magellan, Galileo and Phoenix repaired and opened as soon as possible. 
2. I'd like to see our volunteers back to work.
3. I'd like to see our computer programming guild programming for the new Space Center.
4. I'd like to start our evening class programs in astronomy, aviation, geology, nuclear science and space exploration.

These objectives will keep the Center operational during this transition from old to new.  Thank you all for your continued support.

Your Questions     

Many of you have sent questions through email and through the comments section of the blog.  I'd like to take a minute and answer those questions.

Keaton F. said...
What happened at the committee meeting?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Please tell me progress is being made!

Keaton, thank you for the question.  Yes, progress was made.  Please refer to the information at the start of this post and thanks for reading and for your support!

Anonymous said...
If the District is going to filter the blog Vic should just start emailing us or using the space center staff website to keep us informed! Freedom of speech! LONG LIVE THE SPACE CENTER!

Anonymous, Thank you for the comment. The Troubadour is not censored or filtered. I'm not being told what I can and cannot write. 

I know many of you are frustrated by the lack of constant updated information.  You may perceive this delay as censoring when it isn't.  Sometimes there is no news.  

Rome wasn't built in a day.  Working out the future of the Space Center will take time. You will be updated as soon as there is news to share.

Anonymous said...
What ever happend to I-worlds??? Its a little off subject, but they kinda just vanished.

The iWorlds ship Valiant was housed at Thanksgiving Point two summers ago.  From there it moved to Park City High School.  It was there from last November to May.  It currently sits in storage in Provo.  

The CEO of iWorlds is serving as an LDS mission president in Cambodia.  

I'm working with Wes and Cindy Smith on finding a new home for the Valiant simulator.  There are a few interesting prospects.  I'll keep you informed as they develop.  Perhaps we will have the Valiant up and running soon at a location near you

Isaac O. said... What will happen to the blog, when the center closes are you going to stop doing posts too? I hope not, I turn to this so that i die of bordom =P

Thank you Isaac for the compliment.  The Space Center is not closed.  Our operations are temporarily suspended.  We are working to get part of the Center up and running again as we make plans for a future Space Center.  
The Troubadour will continue.  It is the online home for friends of the Space Center.  It will continue as long as the Center has fans.  Thanks for being one of them.  I appreciate your support!      

Friends, please submit your questions through the comments section located at the bottom of each blog post.  I'll respond to all of them.

The Space Center's 22nd Anniversary

Twenty two years ago the Space Center opened its doors to the public.  It was a one of a kind facility designed to take students where no man has gone before.

Many people know the back story to the Space Center, some don't.  It all started during the 1982/83 school year. A secretary in the elementary education department at BYU mixed up my student teaching assignment.  I was suppose to go to Springville.  I suppose you can say it was a fateful mistake.

"I can send you to a sixth grade at Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove," the secretary said apologetically.  She knew I had already been offered the position in Springville. She knew she blew it by sending someone else there instead.  

"Where's Pleasant Grove?" I asked.  She explained it was north of Orem.  I took the assignment. After all, one school was as good as any other.

I wasn't impressed with Central Elementary's appearance when I arrived for my first day of student teaching.  The school looked old and dingy.  The hallways were dark, the office was the size of a postage stamp and the secretary appeared frazzled.

"Mr. Thompson is in room 19," she said curtly.  "It's down the hall and to your left."

Mr. Thompson was my cooperative teacher.  He was three years older than me and "the cool" teacher in the sixth grade.  I sat at the back of his room and watched him teach.  I was most interested in his classroom management.  He used assertive discipline.  He was friendly, outgoing and warm toward his students.

As the days passed, he turned more and more of the curriculum over to me.  He sat in the back, watched and offered advice.

"Victor, you've got the next science unit on space," he said one day in April 1983.  Those were the fateful words that started me on the road to creating the Space Center we have today.

(to be continued).

The Imginarium

Wow, this post is pretty long.
Let's take a break and enjoy some time in the Imaginarium.  

You're asking why you never thought of it.

Ouch, this is just like the problems I help kids with every day.

I hated word problems like this when I was a student and 

I still don't like them very much.

There, now use this information as you dream up your next

time travel story ideas for the simulators. 

Anyone have a few cuddly kittens I can bring to my next

Space Center Committee meeting?

The coolest looking flag in the world.

Bet you didn't know it was the combined flag of England, 

Scotland and Ireland, did you?

What happens with the copy machine sneezes.

Imagination: A

Creativity: A+

This is what you call "Creative Parenting".

"Would you like fries with that?" taken to the extreme.

This comes from France.  Do the Europeans really believe Americans

would eat something this disgusting?

Complete with crackling sound.

Creativity: A

Look how fast technology has changed the world.

Imagine what the next 20 years will bring.

A stenciling project for the sidewalks in your neighborhood

or better yet, near your church  :)

Imagination: A

An unruly demonstration in Canada.

Another A for creativity.

I'd be tempted but I'm guessing it wouldn't be too good in the wind.

At least it would roll nicely in an accident.

All wrapped up in that little think in your pocket.

A library counter made of books.

Imagination: A

A Perfect Way to End this Post.

Dragon Baby

KidZania. A Mecca for Simulations and Role Playing. This is the Future.

Hello Troops,

I found something unique and fascinating as I searched for organizations that use role playing and simulations in education.


 This is the KidZania experience. Kids come in, take careful instructions from their corporate bosses and then work in the pursuit of KidZos, which they put away in bank accounts so that they can come back and earn even more by putting in additional days of pretend work. Add in a Dilbert calendar and a mini-golfing bag and you’ve got yourself one great simulacra of the modern working experience. Currently, KidZania has locations in eight cities around the world including Tokyo, Dubai and Mexico City, with franchises planned for China, Brazil, Egypt and other countries. 

http://www.kidzania.com  

KidZania provides children and their parents a safe, unique, and very realistic educational environment that allows kids between the ages of four to twelve to do what comes naturally to them: role-playing by mimicking traditionally adult activities. As in the real world, children perform "jobs" and are either paid for their work (as a fireman, doctor, police officer, journalist, shopkeeper, etc.) or pay to shop or to be entertained. The indoor theme park is a city built to scale for children, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, a functioning economy, and recognizable destinations in the form of "establishments" sponsored and branded by leading multi-national and local brands. Personal experience is a powerful learning tool. Through each job and activity, kids learn about how society functions, financial literacy, adult professions, team work, independence, self-esteem and real-life skills. Activities are completely hands-on to provide the most contextual and engaging learning experience.

From police officer to dentist and restaurateur, each KidZania offers NEARLY 100 role-playing activities in more than 60 establishments with a range of difficulty to meet the abilities and interests of every child. Kids work to earn kidZos, KidZania's own currency, so they can pay for goods and services in the KidZania city. Pilots navigate airplanes, television anchors read the news, police officers perform detective work and chefs cook up tasty food. KidZania is a complete city with a hospital, fire station, beauty salon, bank, radio station, supermarket, television station, pizzeria, theater, and much more. At two-thirds their actual size, all facilities are designed to be 'just right' for children. Getting started is simple: kids pick an occupation, learn about their job, don a uniform, and start EARNING AND SPENDING KIDZOS...and having fun!

"Zupervisors" are on hand to introduce AND provide support for each activity. Zupervisors are trained adults who guide and help kids accomplish their tasks as they work and play. KidZania's attention to professionalism and training has earned it the highest level of trust among parents, educators and community leaders as a facility where kids can have fun, exert their independence and be safe.

Role-playing is a universal form of play enjoyed by children all OVER THE WORLD. Role-playing is fun – and has very positive educational, psychological and motivational benefits. Psychologists, educators and play experts are extensively consulted during the development of every KidZania location to ensure our curriculum content matches school areas of focus: creativity, critical thinking, communication, confidence, and collaboration.

By blending reality with entertainment, KidZania provides an authentic and powerful developmental experience, preparing kids to understand and manage their world. Kids acquire real-life skills, learn about working and having a career and are introduced to the fundamentals of financial literacy. While children are having fun at KidZania, they are also learning socialization skills, mutual cooperation and respect. Their creativity shines, they learn independence, develop decision-making skills and participate with their community – all skills that they will need to succeed as adults.

This short article is worth a quick read.

http://utopianist.com/2011/04/kidzania-entertainment-centers-train-tiny-generation-of-corporate-strivers/

How about a KidZania right here in Utah County?  All we needs is a measly  $20,000,000.



Wouldn't our Space Center fit right in with KidZania's concept?  Imagine a few of our starship simulators in each location.  Kids would be lined up and salivating profusily to get in and soar to the very furthest reaches of the known universe.

 A Field Trip Enjoying Our Voyager Simulator Experience

The Future of Education

In my opinion, the Space Center's concept of mixing play with education in a simulated environment is the future of education.  KidZania is just one more example of the concept in action worldwide.

Feel free to comment in the comment's section or email me (director@spacecamputah.org).  I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Mr. Williamson

Old Times, Old Photos in Tonight's Digital Gathering

Hello Troops,
 The Troubadour gives us a place to reminisce, share a laugh or two, pass along bits of news on the Space Center, and keep in touch with each other during this long winter of our discontent . 

In tonight's 'digital' fireside gathering of staff, volunteers and campers,  I'm going to pass around a few photographs from the Space Center's old days.  Pull up a chair, squeeze in and let's get started.

This picture takes us back to the early 1990's  This is what the Odyssey looked like when it first opened in 1992

I found these ultra cool black Apple computers that I knew had to be in the Space Center's newest ship ISES.   ISES is what I called the Odyssey when it opened.  Dave Wall was the designer and builder of the Odyssey.  He didn't like the name ISES (Inner Space Exploration Ship) and called the ship Seeker.  So, for a year or so, the Odyssey was called either ISES or Seeker, depending on who was talking.

This disagreement had to be resolved.  People were getting too confused.  Dave and I compromised.  I gave up ISES.  He gave us Seeker (I hated that name) and we both agreed on Odyssey.

Back to the black computers.  Back then you could buy Apple computers in any color you desired, as long as it was white.  Then these black Apple's came on the market and, if you wanted to be cool, you bought one.  I was cool, so I bought several for the Odyssey.

They sat right out there in the open.  These were the days before we hid our computers behind black plastic screens.   

This shot was taken toward the front of the Odyssey.  I couldn't find enough black Apple's, so we had to include a white computer.  It messed up the color scheme but it really didn't matter.  I had a $25,000 grant to build the Odyssey and we had to stay in budget - mismatched computers or not.  

That's a dot matrix printer on the front counter.  It used stacks of perforated paper and made a racket as it printed messages.

The Odyssey was a great ship.  I know many of you had the chance to fly in her over her twenty year life span.  Just think of the stories those walls could tell;  good times, very good times.    

Here comes the next picture.  Keep passing them along.  Make sure everyone has a chance to see - and speak up if you have any questions.

I know I've shown this before to you Troubadours, but I'm going to pass it around again because many of you never got to see it last time.  This picture was taken right after our last 48 Hour Camp on July 31, 2000.  That was the last time anyone did a mission with the old Voyager computers.  We gathered on the Voyager's Bridge to bid the old bridge a fond farewell. 

"A Toast to the Voyager.  The finest ship in the fleet!" I'm saying. 

"To the Voyager!" everyone repeated. 

The following day, all the Voyager's bridge furniture was pulled out.  The Voyager was going to be remodeled.  The ship got new desks, new computers (behind black plastic), new carpeting and new chairs.  It was sad to say goodbye to the original bridge, but we had to stay ahead of the times. 

How many of the old staff do you recognize? 

The Great Fish, Kyle Herring sitting in the Voyager's Captain's chair in November 2000.  The Voyager was remodeled.  It was time to reopen the ship to field trips and the public.

We're going to jump ahead a few years with this next photo. It is 2004.   Bradyn Lystrup has a slight injury to his knee.  Our highly trained professional medics gave his magic medicine (M & M's) then treated the wound with duct tape. Bradyn lived to tell the tale - narrowly escaping an amputation, which I recommended.  A recommendation the medic flatly refused. 

This photo was taken at the Space Center's 15th birthday party, November 2005.   I'm standing on Central Elementary's Stage, surrounded by very happy staff and volunteers.  How many can you name?  How many have you flown with? 

Warren Nuila is wearing his black Space Center T-shirt and stands next to Stacy and I.  I'm happy to report that Warren just returned from an LDS mission to Germany.  Where has the time gone?  

I'm talking to Dr. Stan Harward.  Stan was the principal of Central Elementary when the Space Center was built in 1990.   He was my co-pilot in this adventure.  The Space Center wouldn't have been had Stan not supported the idea and backed me 100%. 

Think of all the people who pooled their talents and made the Space Center what it was,  the second happiest place on Earth!

Our final picture to pass around.  This was taken in the Discovery Room during one of the Space Center's Honor's Nights in 2007.  Sam Brady, Megan Warner and Casey Voeks were awarded their 1000 point, home made - Lorraine made, blankets.   Our volunteers and staff got Lorraine made pillowcases at 500 volunteer points and blankets at 1000.  Everyone wanted a Lorraine, hand stitched (with a machine's help) blanket to use when you staffed an Overnight Camp. 

Sam moved on after high school.  Megan was with us up to the day the Space Center closed in August.  Casey comes and goes depending on whoever is writing the bigger check!   :)