Beginning November 1, 2024, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will discontinue its participation in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Reciprocal Membership Program.
Educators
Frequently asked questions for educator programs, including Space Academy® for Educators and Alabama Space Academy for Educators.
Staying at Camp:
- Will I need any extra spending cash?
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There are vending machines around campus, so you may want to have some small bills available. You will also have gift shop time built into the schedule. On Thursday night you will have the option of attending the Biergarten held in the Davidson Center. There is German food available for purchase if you decide you would rather eat there than in the Crew Galley.
- Where will I be staying?
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You will be staying at the North Campus Residence Hall located at the University of Alabama- Huntsville (UAH) campus. The contact information for this dorm is: North Campus Residence Hall (NCH) 1303 Ben Graves Dr. Huntsville, AL 35816 256.824.4800
- What are the UAH dorms like?
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You will be in a suite that holds four people. Below is the floor plan for suite 137 in the North Campus Residence Hall. Not all suites are identical, but they are all similar. In all suites there is a central common area with couches, table/ chairs, and a small kitchen area. There are two wings that each have a bathroom and two private bedrooms.
- Since I have my own bedroom, can I be in the same suite as someone of the opposite gender?
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No. The suites at UAH are all single gender, therefore we cannot accept requests for people of the opposite sex.
- Can you accommodate expectant educators or people with mobility and/or visual impairments?
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We can accommodate many special needs. If you are expecting, discuss any limitations you may have with your doctor. There is a camp held annually for visually impaired students, so we have a wide variety of materials and resources available. Please let us know in advance of any special needs or requests you have so that we may prepare for your arrival.
- Can I request a roommate?
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Yes! Requests may be made by using the “Roommate Request” button in the "Camp Services" section of your online account. You can find the login details in your confirmation email. Only one friend should initiate the buddy request. You will need the name and email address associated with the friend’s account. To accept a request, the person will need to log in and press the “Roommate Request” button and then enter the code in the “Accept a Request” section. Teammate requests must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the camp session start date.
Traveling to and from Camp:
- Why do I need to arrive the day before camp starts?
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The morning starts very early, and we hit the ground running! By checking in the day before, you can get your registration materials and get settled into your dorm room.
- What can I do if I show up before check-in?
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Please let us know in advance, and we will be ready to welcome you at the Rocket Center. You will be given your name badge, and you can explore the museum until registration begins. We can store your luggage while you look around, and a bus will be arranged to take you to the dorm when registration begins.
- If I live locally, can I go home at night and come back in the morning?
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No. To be totally immersed in the program and to be a part of your team, you really need to stay in the dorms. In the evenings many teachers enjoy the networking and collaborative opportunities that are present after hours.
Food at Camp:
- Where will we eat our meals?
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Most meals will be in the Crew Galley where all other camps eat. A few meals will be held in the Educational Training Facility for some of our ‘educator only’ special events held during the week. You will also have the option of purchasing dinner on Thursday evening in the Davidson Center during the weekly German Biergarten event.
- Is there coffee available?
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There is a coffee station set up at UAH for your use. Coffee is also available in the Space Camp Crew Galley during meals when you are in the main museum. Teachers also spend a good bit of time in our Educational Training Facility, but coffee is not always available; however, there is a Keurig. You can bring your own pods and a reusable mug, or we sell pods with a disposable cup for $1.
Packing for Camp:
- What will I receive at check-in?
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You will receive a flight suit, t-shirt, backpack with educator camp logo, water bottle and other assorted surprises! If you are flying, leave extra room in your luggage to take everything home.
- What types of clothes should I pack?
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While at camp, trainees should wear clothing that is comfortable and designed for active pursuits. Clothing should be appropriate for activities such as hanging in harnesses, working through challenges on the ropes course and should be versatile enough to transition from many varied active endeavors in the course of a camp day. You will also need to be prepared for all types of temperatures and conditions. Alabama is very hot and humid in the summer, and you will be spending time outdoors. On the other hand, many activities are held indoors with air conditioning, so you may feel chilled. Having layers that can be added or removed throughout the day is recommended. Plan on wearing clothing that is comfortable and functional. You do not need to dress in the same professional manner that you would at school. Look in your registration emails for a complete packing list.
- What is the dress code?
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Campers will be asked to refrain from wearing the following:
- Shorts that do not cover the upper thigh. For trainee safety, please ensure shorts are longer than fingertips when arms are fully extended and that thighs are covered. Campers will be using harnesses with heavy straps that could cause irritation to exposed skin.
- Dresses/skirts without shorts underneath
- Low-cut tops
- Tank tops with straps that measure less than one inch in width
- Any clothing that reveals undergarments
- Shirts that reveal the midriff
- Clothing (including hats) that display risqué, offensive, inappropriate logos, mottos or art. This includes, but is not limited to, logos advertising or advocating the use of alcoholic products, tobacco products or drugs.
Registration and Account Information:
- Should I sign up for Bunk1 photos?
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No. Your crew trainer will take photos of you and your team throughout the entire week. They will then post their pictures in a folder on the Google Drive where you can access them at any time. You are also encouraged to take photos or videos of your own.
- Can my family attend graduation?
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We encourage families to attend graduation. They can also receive complimentary general admission museum passes for the day of graduation.
- Can I order a prepaid package?
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We do not offer prepaid packages for educator camps. You will be receiving a flight suit, t-shirt, backpack, water bottle and other items at registration. You will have other opportunities to visit the gift shops for other souvenirs during your time at camp.
- Can I bunk in the same dorm suite with my friend?
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Possibly. If your friend is of the same gender, you can share a suite with your friend. Men and women will not be roomed in the same suite. Requests may be made by using the “Roommate Request” button in the "Camp Services" section of your online account. You can find the login details in your confirmation email. Only one friend should initiate the buddy request. You will need the name and email address associated with the friend’s account. To accept a request, the person will need to log in and press the “Roommate Request” button and then enter the code in the “Accept a Request” section. Teammate requests must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the camp session start date.
Educator Questions:
- How will I get my educational materials/ resources?
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You will be invited to access a folder on the Google Drive. All lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, biographies of guest speakers and photos will be located on the drive. Before you arrive, make sure you have an email that can be used with the Drive. Daily schedules are posted, and you will want to make sure you are able to access the material while you are here. It’s easier to troubleshoot login issues while in person. Each educator in attendance is only permitted to register one email address. Access will not be given to anyone who has not attended camp.
- How will I get my CEUs/ Professional Development hours?
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During graduation, you will receive a certificate stating how many hours of professional development you have been awarded. This can be given to your school system for verification of credit. If your system requires more documentation, please contact us and we will be happy to help you gather any other evidence needed. We have had teachers from every state attend Space Academy for Educators, and we don’t know of anyone who has been denied professional development credit after attending.
- How do I know if I qualify for educator camp?
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All educators are welcome. This program is designed for educators of all age groups, and teachers from all disciplines are welcome. We do have a focus on STEM, but we also include art, history, literacy and other topics. Our main target is middle school, but we do discuss how the activities can be modified for younger and older students.
- Do you offer graduate credit?
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We do not offer graduate credit at this time.
- Are the resources aligned to the NGSS and Common Core standards?
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Yes. Activities and lessons have been aligned with both NGSS and Common Core math standards.