KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (April 2012) - Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers numerous youth educational programs, where the next generation of scientists and space explorers can learn the story of NASA's space missions, experience history first-hand and discover the importance of science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities. Students have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of NASA's launch headquarters at Kennedy Space Center, meet a real astronaut, see inspiring IMAX® films, and explore the future of space exploration. Programs aimed at inspiring students of different grades and interest levels all meet Florida Sunshine State Standards, Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® (FCAT) requirements and national science standards. A trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will enrich each student's knowledge and understanding of space and science as they are immersed into a world of exploration and discovery.

 

EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex field trips are designed to inspire student and youth groups to reach for the stars. The Educational Field Trip Program provides groups with special discounted admission rates, allowing students to tour Kennedy Space Center (KSC) areas, see larger-than-life IMAX space films, launch into space aboard Shuttle Launch Experience, discover Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, view all exhibits and shows and visit the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®.

 

Kennedy Space Center Educator Activity Guides are available at no charge for educators who book a field trip. The guides contain dynamic classroom pre-trip, onsite and post-trip materials designed to promote cooperative learning, problem solving and guided research. Activities can also be accessed and downloaded online at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. A minimum group of 15 people and advance reservations are required for youth rates. Field trip tuition rates vary according to state.

 

SCOUT, HOMESCHOOL AND SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Salute to Scouts: This special annual event honors the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Scouts attend a private, interactive briefing about NASA's latest missions, meet a veteran astronaut and participate in a variety of teamwork and space exploration activities to earn a commemorative Kennedy Space Center patch. This admission ticket includes special activities, lunch, IMAX space films, the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, all shows and exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tuition is $45 plus tax per person. Salute to Boy Scouts and Salute to Girl Scouts are held annually each spring.

 

Salute to Homeschoolers: Homeschool students, families and teachers may tour Kennedy Space Center, participate in special hands-on activities, learn about the latest NASA accomplishments and come face-to-face with a veteran NASA astronaut. This admission ticket includes lunch, IMAX space films, the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, all shows and exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. NASA education materials are available for homeschool teachers. Tuition is $45 plus tax per person. Salute to Homeschoolers take place each spring.

 

Salute to Science: Science students have the opportunity to attend a private, interactive briefing to learn about the important science concepts relating to space exploration, meet a veteran NASA astronaut and participate in special, hands-on engineering activities. Program includes lunch, IMAX space films, the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted all shows and exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tuition is $45 plus tax per person. A minimum group of 100 is required. Salute to Science programs can be scheduled throughout the year.

 

PERFORMANCE GROUPS

Band and choir groups have the opportunity to showcase their talent to visitors from all over the world with NASA Central as the dramatic backdrop. Performance groups are eligible for discounted admission rates and student lunch programs. Meal discounts, souvenir options, and banquet and reception packages are available year-round.

 

LUNCH

Lunch With an Astronaut: Experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of having lunch with an actual astronaut and hearing inspiring space exploration stories while enjoying a delicious meal. This program is offered daily and also includes a memorable photo opportunity for students with the veteran NASA astronaut.

 

Student Lunches: Special student lunches are available to groups. Groups may select from chicken strips, hamburgers, hot dogs or pizza. Assorted soft drinks, potato chips and a special treat accompany each meal. Student meal vouchers are also available.

 

Reservations must be made in advance for Lunch With an Astronaut, student lunches and student meal vouchers.

 

STUDENT ASTRONAUT TRAINING EXPERIENCE® (ATX)

Student ATX immerses students in the world of today's astronauts while offering a true taste of spaceflight. Students will experience a day of teambuilding, mission simulations and space exploration activities at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Students will participate in space briefings, hands-on training, motion-based simulators and a full-scale space shuttle mission  simulation, all designed to prepare them for the rigors of spaceflight. Reservations must be made in advance. Group sizes are limited between 24 and 100 students (3rd through 12th grades). Some height and weight restrictions apply on select simulators. Tuition is $45.00 plus tax per student. Private sessions are available upon request.

 

OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE

Students can spend the night camping-out beneath the world's largest rocket - the Saturn V moon rocket - during an Overnight Adventure. Participants can meet a veteran astronaut, perform hands-on, teambuilding activities, watch a private screening of a 3D IMAX space film and learn the details of NASA's future missions - all led by education instructors. This program is designed for school, scout and youth groups entering 2nd through 9th grades with a minimum group size of 10. The program includes dinner, midnight snack and continental breakfast. Tuition is $99 plus tax per student. Discounted chaperone rates are available. Tuition includes admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex the following day.

 

CAMP KENNEDY SPACE CENTER® (KSC)

At Camp KSC, young people experience, imagine and interact through space shuttle mission simulations, tours of Kennedy Space Center and the chance to witness first-hand the everyday challenges faced by astronauts. Spring and summer day camps are designed for children entering 2nd through 9th grades (8 to 14 years old) and includes lunches, snacks, Camp KSC T-shirt and a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Annual Pass. Camp KSC is based at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tuition is $295 + tax per child per session.

 

EDUCATOR STUDY PASS

Florida and Georgia educators receive a complimentary limited Annual Pass to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including access to Kennedy Space Center's Educator Resource Center (ERC). To be eligible for an Educator Study Pass, educators must possess a valid Florida or Georgia teaching certificate and be currently employed at an accredited school as a full-time K-12 classroom educator. To receive an Educator Study Pass, educators must present a teaching

certificate and photo I.D. at the Visitor Complex Ticket Plaza.

 

NASA EDUCATOR RESOURCE CENTER (ERC)

Professional educators can visit the NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) to discover interesting facts to integrate into their science, math and space exploration curriculum. Teachers can also receive helpful information and other teaching materials. For details on available materials or to make an appointment, call the ERC at 321-867-4090.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information on youth programs and special group rates, please call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

 

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season.  Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, open from noon until 6:00 p.m. daily. Parking, wheelchairs, strollers and pet kennels are free of charge. Admission is $45 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander's Club Annual Pass is $58 + tax for adults and $48 + tax for children ages 3-11.  For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., a division of Delaware North Companies, one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers. For more information, visit www.experiencednc.com.

 

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