The primary objective of this year's STEM Challenge was to inspire students to design and construct a model habitat capable of safeguarding astronauts stationed on the Moon and Mars from cosmic radiation. Working collaboratively in groups, students undertook the challenge of designing and building their habitat within a specified budget, thereby simulating real-world design and engineering scenarios. This immersive experience provided invaluable insights into the complexities faced by scientists and engineers at NASA as they gear up for future lunar and Martian colonies through the Artemis missions.
Special NASA Programming:
On Friday, April 18th, Newman hosted our collaborators from NASA's Stennis Space Center on campus. Lower School classrooms had the exclusive opportunity to partake in special NASA programming within their inflatable planetarium. Students were treated to awe-inspiring visuals showcasing the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Parker Solar Probe, and visionary concept art for future Artemis missions. Students also saw inspirational and educational short films on the space agency’s Artemis program.
Newman’s Partnership with NASA’s Astro Camp Collaborative Program:
In 2022, Newman’s Lower School proudly joined hands with NASA’s Astro Camp Collaborative Program (ACCP). This special partnership empowers organizations like ours to deliver NASA's cutting-edge science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curricula, activities, and experiences to children and families, ensuring accessibility to the wonders of NASA science for all. As a member school, our STEM educators undergo annual training sessions to stay abreast of the latest scientific breakthroughs and educational resources developed by NASA's experts.