The Christa McAuliffe Space Center's 2023-2024 Field Trip Season is Off and Running! Ways Our Space EdVenture Centers are Better Than Disneyland. The Imaginarium Theater

                          The Magellan on Opening Day. August 31, 2023

The Christa McAuliffe Space Center opened for the 2023-2024 field trip season on August 31.  All six simulators flew. Field trips are the life blood of the Space Center. They always have been.  Field trips introduce students to the Space Center.  That introduction paves the way for birthday party missions and summer space camps.  

The Cassini on Opening Day. August 31, 2023

The Galileo and Falcon on Opening Day. August 31, 2023

To the Space Center's staff and volunteers.  Your work this school year will brighten hundreds of days for thousands of students. You will energize thousands of imaginations with thoughts of what could be. You will motive many to work harder in school. You will encourage others to rush home to their computers and begin writing stories of people accomplishing the impossible in the vastness of space. Because of you, some students will look up to the stars and dream of wonders that await discovery. You will make a difference.

                  The Odyssey and Phoenix on Opening Day. August 31, 2023

All of this will happen because you are here. Be proud to work and volunteer at one of Earth's happiest places. 

From the Archives.  The First Blog Post Regarding the Opening for Field Trips.  

The first essay I wrote on the start of a field trip season was on Wednesday, September 24, 2008.  I'm mad at myself for losing the records from the old YahooGroup which contained our records from 2000 - 2008 and even madder at myself for not keeping records from 1990-1999.  You learn the importance of records as you get older. 

Let's step into the WayBack Machine and go back 15 years to the start of the 2008-2009 Field Trip Season...

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008

  

Hello Troops,
This is the eve of the Space Center's Official Opening for the 2008-2009 School Year. For the last couple days we've hosted our own school for the full four hour field trip. Central students are beneficial at helping us work the bugs out of our programs. They are the victims in our dress rehearsals and, in return for their patience, they don't pay. Well, all that ended this afternoon. Central is finished and tomorrow at 9:30 A.M. we open with our first school of the season - Westvale Elementary School.

The Phoenix

It is funny to be able to point to an exact date and time when your life disappears. You see, since July 31st I've either been on vacation or here, working on the new Children of Perikoi mission, scheduling classes and field trips, designing a web site, working on simulator repairs, spending too much money on everything from programming books to new simulators, etc. etc. etc.  This is the time of year when I can arrive at the Space Center at 8:00 A.M. and go home between 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. because private missions are the only programs we offer this time of year. All of that will change tomorrow. 

 The Classroom Lesson

At 9:30 A.M. tomorrow, September 25, we are open nearly every school day running one or two field trip sessions per day (missions, classes, and Starlab Planetarium shows).  School Field Trip 1 starts at 9:30 A.M. and ends at 1:35 P.M.  School Field Trip 2 starts at 2:00 P.M. and ends at 6:00 P.M.  Things are hopping around here with little down time.  I'm thankful for a supportive staff and fantastic volunteers who make it all run like clockwork.

The Voyager

Don't misunderstand me, I love my job and wouldn't have it any other way but I still find it interested that everything will change at an exact point in time and stay that way until another exact point in time at the end of May.

The Odyssey

We tired something new today on the Voyager school mission. For the first time in years and years we had a doctor on the bridger in addition to the staff. One of our staff set up a sick bay in the Captain's Quarters right off the bridge. During the mission, Lorraine sent "injured" crew into the sickbay for a quick scan and a tasty M and M. It worked well and gave crew members a welcome stand up and stretch during the mission. She looked for those a bit bored and sent them in for a dose of attention. It also worked well for attack scenes. Now we can thin down the number of students at the working stations thus increasing the stress level for those that remain. We will try to implement the Field Trip Doctor whenever staffing will allow.

Well, It is time to go home and enjoy the rest of Worker's Eve Day. I'll see many of you here in the trenches tomorrow. Sleep well and dream of the campaigns to come.

Mr. Williamson

A Few Ways Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers are Better than Disneyland

Hello Troops,
Take a minute and let me share a few thoughts I've had on ways our Space EdVenture Centers are better than Disneyland.

Many times throughout the years we've all heard Space Center visitors say,"This is better than Disneyland!". Each time I hear that I wonder how that can possibly be! Disneyland has everything from expensive, imaginative rides to restaurants and shopping. The parks are squeaky clean. The sets effectively transport you from the daily grind to the world of imagination. I'm an admirer of everything Disney. So...... being a fan (I don't own a pair of Mickey ears so I don't consider myself a FANatic) I'm honored to hear such things but really couldn't, until now, accept the statements as truth.

Today I'm going to compare and contrast the best theme park in the world to our humble log cabin approach here in Utah County. I could write a small book on the subject but today I'll share my greatest realization.

I noticed that when people get off a Disney ride they speak briefly about the experience. You hear things like: "That was awesome," to "I think I'm sick," to "That wasn't what I expected," to "That drop almost gave me a heart attack!". You also hear them talk about others in their group:
"Did you see mom's face?" and "I thought Dad was going to throw up!"

The ride discussion quickly ends and the family starts talking about the next meal or hurting feet or exclamations to hurry to get the next ride. The ride discussion ends quickly because every participant had THE EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE! They were side by side. They all saw the same thing, heard the same sounds, smelled the same smells, and jumped at the same time.  You've been there so you know what I'm talking about.

Now compare that to a group leaving one of our simulators after a fun 2.5 or 5 hour mission. Read the points I make below and see if I'm spot on with this observation:

• We hear from moms that their children talk about their missions all the way home and then for days afterword - Why?
• Each person on a Space Center mission gets a different ride! Think about it. You have the captain who experiences a somewhat different mission than a security officer. Each person picks up certain story points that others don't because everyone does a different job.
  
• Only by sharing your mission experience with the team does a team begin to understand the entire mission. A mission is like a jigsaw puzzle. Only by putting the pieces together do you get to see the picture.
• Humans are story tellers. That is what we like to do when we get together. Think about your family gatherings. The adults set around and tell stories to each other. Think about the time you spend with your friends. Don't you tell each other stories? That's right, you're sharing your daily experiences and insights. If we don't have stories to tell, the conversation turns silent and we move on to another group where stories are still being shared.

We have these stories because we all experience a different aspect to life. Are you getting my point? We are one up on Disney in one very important aspect - our 'rides' give everyone something different. In addition to that - our rides continue well beyond the time spent in the ships. The mission residue continues for years to come as stories pass from person to person on the semi-shared experience.

This is the magic of the Space Center!  What are your thoughts? Share them if you would using the 'comment' feature of the Google Classroom.

Ad Astra!
Mr. Williamson

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Just Between Us, This Recent Addition to the Space Center May Be Its Best! Registration for the Young Astronauts and Voyager Club has Started. This Week's Imaginarium Theater.

Did that headline capture your attention?  Are you curious what is this addition to the Space Center?  Let me say that it isn't a new simulator........ sorry to dash your hopes.  So if it isn't a new simulator, and according to the headline it may be the best addition to the Space Center yet, What Could It Be?  I'll answer with this photo 

You're thinking the new addition are these great looking young people sitting in the planetarium's lobby.  Of course they are awesome and according to you, good looking; but they are NOT the greatest addition to the Space Center yet.  

The clue is the phrase "sitting in the lobby" I wrote in the paragraph above.  I'll write that once more - "sitting in the lobby".  Do you get it now?  

THE GREATEST ADDITION TO THE SPACE CENTER YET ARE THE NEW LOBBY SEATS!  And anyone who has had to wait in the lobby for an extended period of time for a ride, or a show to end, or waiting for a crew to finish a mission, will understand the importance of comfortable cushioned chairs to relax upon; and believe me, these seats are comfortable - almost worthy of a special visit to the Space Center just to sit on them and luxuriate.   Best of all, sitting in the new lobby chairs is FREE compliments of the Space Center and the Alpine School District.  And while you may be tempted to bring a sleeping bag and camp for the night, overnight camping is strictly prohibited.  

Now a special message to the Space Center's staff and volunteers regarding congregating in the lobby and hogging all the chairs.  While the lobby now is comfy, cool, and spacious, spreading out over the seating area while visitors are forced to stand is forbidden.  Visitors, if you come to the Space Center and find yourself waiting AND all the lobby seats are taken by staff (blue shirts) and volunteers (black shirts) just walk over to one of them, stand uncomfortably close and stare into their eyes.  A bit of grunting may be in order but after a minute or two they will retreat the seat to you and sulk away mumbling all the while.  That's OK. They're mostly young and haven't lived long enough to earn the right to a seat in the lobby when patrons are standing.  

Please do me a favor. If you find me in the corner seat leaning against the wall snoring, please find the "Do Not Disturb" sign by the lobby desk computer and gently hang it around my neck.  Your kindness will be appreciated.  

Mr. Williamson 

Registration for the Young Astronauts and Voyager Club is Underway at the Space Place at Renaissance Academy

With the start of the new school year comes registrations for the Space Place's two youth clubs for students at Renaissance Academy (a public charter school in Lehi Utah).  The Young Astronauts Club is for students in grades 3 - 5.  The Voyager Club is for students in grades 6 - 9.  Currently there are nearly 180 cadets enrolled with registrations winding down to a cut off date at the end of August.  

The cadets meet once per month during the school year.  Each meeting includes lessons on space science and astronomy, team building experiences, and space missions in the Starship Voyager simulator.  To register go the TheSpacePlace.org.    

The Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience  

Introducing This Summer's Crop of New Flight Directors at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Unity Gaming Engine Class Starts at the Space Center. Lissa Hadfield Returns to the Space Center Under the Reactivation Clause. Imaginarium Theater.

     The best harvest season for new Flight Directors at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center is at the end of the summer space camp season. Summer is the perfect fertile ground to grow new Flight Directors, with daily camps of 52 campers running 2.5 to 8 hour long missions.  Daily camps mean many opportunities to learn and practice the skills needed to be successful in the Control Rooms' First Chairs.

     Local Flight Director Farms Announce a Bumper Crop of New Flight Directors reads the headline of the latest edition of Starfleet Farming Today.  Yes, this summer's space camp growing season was busy, but the hard work of tilling the soil, planting the seeds, nurturing the growth, battling the weeds of nerves and time along with infestations of self doubt and shyness has yielded a fantastic crop of new, young, Flight Directors harvested to occupy the Control Rooms' First Chairs for years to come.  

     The Odyssey's Farm on Highway 40 just past the four way stop on your way north out of town (right around the corner form the old Magellan homestead) was showing off its new flight directors in their roadside produce stand.  I noticed the farmers from the Cassini, Magellan, Phoenix, Galileo, and Falcon farms stopping by to give them a look over on their way to work their fields on Saturday.  

     "They're looking pretty good," said Old Jon Parker of the Cassini place.  "Maybe a bit on the green, but ya can't leave them on the vine too long or they get darn right stringy." 

     Silver, from the Phoenix farm at the end of the dirt road past the Cassini place, was hesitant to offer a pat on the back to Mitch for a job well done upon first inspection of the new crop from his pick up window. "You know Mitch, we've talked about this over and over again, is it quality over quantity or quantity over quality. I'm thinkin you're not listenin to what I've been sayin."  

     Mitch, sure of his crop and his methods, was quick to respond. "Silver, I not sure it's one or the other like you seem to think.  Here on the Odyssey our soil is good enough to have both. Now you chew on that for minute or two and tell me why it can't be so."  Silver thought on that for a bit before accepting it with his usual grunt. Then with a wave, disappeared down the road leaving a billowing brown cloud of dirt road behind him. 

     Having nothing better to do on a Saturday morning, I drove out to see the crop myself.  

Recently Grown on the Odyssey Farm.

Aiden is the Newest Odyssey Flight Director, Having Earned

the Right to hold the FD Microphone on Saturday, August 19.

"He sprung up from the north field," said Farmer Foote, "right there by creek.  It took 10 months but we got him there."   

       

       

       Cecily became a new Odyssey Flight Director on July 22.  "This ain't my first rodeo," said Farmer Foot. "Cecily is living proof right here.  Quality AND Quantity can work together."

From the Porter's Falcon Homestead.  

 

     Rylan was on show roadside by Porter's Falcon Homestead.  He is a new Falcon Flight Director harvested last July 28. 

     "Not a blemish on this one," Farmer Porter said proudly as he stood next to Rylan near the farm's roadside fruit stand. He likes showing his new crop to anyone happening to be passing by on a hot August afternoon. "Look him over yerself.  A county fair blue ribbon for sure," he said proudly. 

     There was a pause in the conversation as J. Porter shifted his stance. He took a long gaze over his north field where Young Tyler was driving tractor on the old Magellan place. He scratched his chin and waved away a pesky fly before he spoke again. 

     "Mark my words, these other farmers round about will want this one but it ain't gonna happen.  Specially her down the way (referring to Miss Brylee, proprietor of the Galileo spread by Dawson's pond).  She's been eyeing my crop for the past year or two." He looked sternly to where her house was barely visible between two Cottonwoods. "Yep, she ain't gettin this one," he mumbled under his breath.     

Congratulations to the newest Flight Directors at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.  They each have taken the Flight Director's Oath:

 "I pledge to honor the training and craftsmanship of the flight directors who trained me. I pledge to set an example of professionalism to my staff, volunteers, and crew. I promise to lead and guide my crews by adhering to the missions' goals and objectives. I promise to honor the pioneering spirit of the first ship Voyager by continuing to learn and improve upon my craft. These things I will do until I lay my microphone down."

After taking the oath, new Flight Directors are given membership in the Flight Director's Guild and the key to the Space Center's Executive Washroom.

The Flight Director Guild's Executive Washroom. Receiving a key is the Ultimate Goal of Every Space Center volunteer and staff (there is a reason many of you don't know about this. When you've earned it, it will be made known to you. And don't go bothering the flight directors about its location.  They'll only act stupid and say they there is no such place and they don't know what you're talking about). 

One Busy Saturday Morning

The Space Center was the place to be yesterday. The schedule was packed with missions, meetings, and classes.

Saturday's Voyager Club Meeting

8:00 A.M.  The Voyager Club's August Meeting.  

     We started with Bingo for prizes from 8:00 - 8:30 A.M.  At 8:30 Aiden and Mikey called the meeting to order.  New members were called to the front for introductions after which the astronomy lesson was taught by Jason Trump.  Jason gave a great lesson on Europa and the future Europa Clipper NASA mission set to launch in 2024.  At 9:20 A.M. Aiden and Mikey did a training on "Calling Shots in the Era of a Modern Starship Simulations".  The meeting adjourned at 10:00 A.M.  

9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

     The first Unity Class was taught in Central Elementary School's computer lab.  Unity is a 3D gaming engine used by video game manufacturers and others worldwide.  Dave Stevens and Elan Wilkinson were the instructors.  Dave works for Meta as a Unity developer (Oculus) and Elan works for McDonell Douglas as a software engineer.  New Space Center simulator controls are being developed in Unity.  Students in the Unity Class will be trained in the program and given the opportunity to participate in the creation of our new Unity Universe simulator controls and environment. 

The Unity Engine Class

Bracken Funk, Director of The Space Place at Renaissance Academy Found Unity Enjoyable but was tormented by the volunteer who sat beside him.

The Volunteer who sat beside him

Alex Debirk, Director of the American Heritage School Discovery Space Center attended the Unity Class Along with three members of his school's Voyager Club

     

The Unity Class received Thumbs Up from two Voyagers. Thomas (white shirt) is a member of the Farpoint Voyagers at The Space Place.  Henry (black shirt) is duel Voyager. He is a Farpoint and a Space Center Voyager Volunteer

11:00 A.M.  - 12:30 P.M. 

     The Engineering Department met in the school's computer class right after the Unity class was dismissed.  Jade was pleased with the turnout. Our Voyager Explorers and Volunteers are showing an interest in the department's mission at the Space Center.  

The Space Center's Engineering Department working on their design projects under the watchful eye of their teacher, Jade Hansen

     The Space Center's goal is to create meaningful educational experiences for our visitors, our volunteers, and our staff.  Watch for more learning opportunities to come.

Lissa Eager Hadfield Returns to the Space Center Thanks to the Reactivation Clause in her Departure Agreement. Darn that Fine Print

 

Lissa and Tyler quarrel over the Magellan's Flight Director Microphone. Will Lissa pry the Magellan's First Chair from Tyler or will He Prevail?  Scott Wiltbank is on hand to ensure the safety of the innocent volunteers' ears

     Surprise doesn't even come close to what I felt when I walked into the Magellan's Control Room on Saturday and saw Lissa wearing her Navy Blues sitting next to Tyler engaged in a tug of war over the Magellan's microphone.  Scott stood behind them reminding them to keep the language civil for the sake of the young and innocent volunteers. 

     Lissa retired as Magellan Set Director some time ago to start a family.  All was good until a few days ago when she received a registered letter from Mr. James Porter, Director of the Space Center. In the envelope was a copy of her departure contract. Highlighted in yellow was the microscopic paragraph called the "Reactivation Clause".  "Can they do this?" she asked Jacob, her husband and former Magellan Flight Director.  

     "Honey, they can and there is nothing we can do about it. They've got the District lawyers on their side," he replied.  "It's OK, we can make the best of it."

     "Well, if I'm going back, the Magellan will be mine again.......All Mine!" she said with a mischievous grin.  

     Speaking on behalf of everyone at the Space Center, we welcome Lissa back to the Magellan on a part time basis.  She spent Saturday watching Tyler fly.  It won't take her long to get her space legs back.  Soon she'll be flying the Magellan again. 

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience