How does a SIM Misson work?

A mission consists of a shuttle, a mission control, and a space station. These three components are set up in different locations at a school. Two crews, of eight students each, are selected by the teacher to occupy the Shuttle and Space Station. The remainder of the class works in Mission Control under the guidence of the Mission Director from SSRC and the classroom teacher. The students in the Shuttle and Space Station are in contact with Mission Control through radios and video. Student activity and behavior is monitored through the video camera. The mission is given a sense of reality and urgency by an ever depleting Oxygen Tank. Oxygen is lost through normal lapse of time, inappropriate behavior, and random scenerios. Since there is not enough oxygen to sustain everyone for the entire mission, student work is converted into oxygen units and added to the tank by the Flight Directors as each task is successfully completed and approved. All student tasks align with 6th grade state standards across the curriculum. The goal of the class is to end their mission with oxygen in the tank.

What do the students do during a mission?

Every student has a task assignment packet filled with activities. Every completed activity is viewed by the Mission Director or classroom teacher and evaluated. If the student's work is satisfactory then oxygen points are added to the tank accordingly.

What is involved in the set up for a SIM Mission?

There are several possible scenarios at each site for the location of the shuttle, station and mission control. The SIM specialist will work with your school staff to determine what is best for all concerned and cause the least dispruption to instruction.