Utah
Foundation for the Blind &
Visually Impaired
|
|
|
Space camp for the Blind The Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be sending a group of students to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama this fall. This week long camp is packed with learning experiences and fun activities about space and space exploration. The traditional Space Camp Program has been modified for this one week to accommodate visually impaired students from across the United States and even from other countries. Computers with speech and braille, access to simulators, and a complete program help blind students learn about space in a way that cannot be accomplished in the classroom. The Space Camp for the Blind motto, "Just because I can't see doesn't mean I can't reach for the stars," is a reality through this experience. Students interested in applying to attend Space Camp this fall should contact Merrilee Petersen for an application and further information.
Information about the 2008 SPACE CAMP will be coming this winter.
Should I go to Space Camp? Ask yourself these questions:
If you answer YES to these questions then contact Merrilee Petersen to get application forms and information. Space Camp is… · A week long camp that takes place at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama · Coordinated by teachers of the visually impaired · Accessible; computers used by students in the Space Camp Programs have been adapted for speech and large print output; materials and equipment used during missions are available in braille and large print · Participatory - students participate fully in space missions, simulators, etc. (each student is screened based on their eye medical condition --limitations may be placed on some) There are several programs of Space Camp to choose from: · Space Camp (grades 4-6, must be 10 or older) · Space Academy (grades 7-12) · Advanced Academy (grades 10-12, must be 14 or older) · Mach I, Aviation Challenge (grades 4-6) · Mach II, Aviation Challenge (grades 7-12) · Mach III, Aviation Challenge (grades 10-12) The total cost of Space Camp is $1200 per student. This covers all costs including tuition fee, air fare, ground transportation, food, etc. UFB has some funding to assist each participant, but students will be responsible for raising the rest of the money needed. We will provide fundraising opportunities and provide information on other possible funding sources. Every student who signs up to attend Space Camp should fill out a scholarship application that could help with funding as well. How do I apply? A three-step application process must be completed. All forms must be turned in immediately. We will accept forms in Braille, electronically, or print. The students who are accepted for Space Camp will be notified by May 15. Fund raising will then begin! 1. Complete the Space Camp application 2. Complete the Life Skills Checklist 3. Write a short essay on why you would like to go to Space Camp and what you hope to learn there. If you have any additional questions, please contact Merrilee Petersen
Report from Space Camp for the
Blind Have
you ever wondered what it feels like to fly a rocket, walk on the moon, or sleep in space?
What does an astronaut feel as the forces of gravity try to keep him or her in
Earth’s atmosphere? These are some of the things that six blind children from Utah
had the opportunity to experience and learn at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama in
September. UFB
was able to send six children along with two chaperones to this special week when
everything was adapted to accommodate the blind including talking computers, brailled
controls and hands-on experiences for learning. For children who don’t have vision to
see space, the moon, stars, rockets, etc., this was a very rare and unique opportunity to
learn and experience things they could learn in no other way. At
Space Camp, students learn about past and current space missions. They listen to stories
about funny things that happened to astronauts on their way to the moon. After learning
about these missions, the students begin their training. They learn to maneuver with a
powered backpack through space, practice walking on the moon with 1/6th the
gravity of Earth, and experience five degrees of freedom. They are also given the chance
to try out living and sleeping in a simulated
International Space
Station. The hands-on experiences are a lot of fun and many of the students who attended
this year wanted to try the simulators again and again. m
After
experiencing Space Camp, students also have a greater understanding of the importance of
math and science. They learn how important these two subjects are to helping people get to
and from space safely. They are also taught the importance of staying in school and
working hard so they too can have the opportunity to go into space or assist others in
completing their missions. As astronauts, mission control crew, and others in training,
the students also use technology to successfully complete a “space mission.” Space Camp Pictures 1 Visit the Space Camp for the Blind web site. Our sincere thanks to the donors who have provided funding over the years so many blind children could participate in this unique program! This has become an annual event for UFB to send several students and one or two chaperones to Space Camp. We are seeking donors to help provide this opportunity. You could help give a child the learning experience of a lifetime. Click here for information about sponsoring a child for Space Camp 2004. Utah Foundation for the
Blind and Visually Impaired |
