Discover 15
Space Shuttle Program

   Past …

      Present …

         Future !!

Let Your Imagination Take Off!

The captain crawls through a circular portal into the cargo bay area of the space shuttle. After sitting down at the control panel, the captain prepares for lift off. The captain checks gauges, follows launch procedures, and makes sure all on-board equipment is in good working order.

The captain communicates with fellow astronauts at mission control. They work together to solve problems that occur during the launch sequence.

Students are engaged in simulations that involve working as a team solving real-world problems. After a roaring and successful launch, the captain works with the human physiology team to check the vital signs of those on board. Heart rates, EKGs, and blood pressures are sent through Internet and radio communication to mission control.

As the team of astronauts works in space, the intrepid team of human physiologists continually monitor and transmit data back to mission control for analysis. The mission ends with the captain back at the control panel as the space shuttle reenters the earth's atmosphere and lands at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

What is so amazing about the flight is that the captain and the astronaut team are Community Consolidated School District 15 students participating in an integrated curriculum enrichment program that focuses on mathematics, science, and technology.

These students are no different than boys and girls you know except they have the learning opportunity of a lifetime—an experience that will help them develop critical skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century.

We want our boys and girls to reach for the stars!

The Discover 15 Space Shuttle Program provides the community with opportunities to excite and engage all students in simulated space shuttle missions to encourage student interest in science and math. These missions emphasize the use of innovative technology in studying problems that incorporate important ideas and skills in the curriculum. Finally, this project involves diverse organizations in interesting community-based projects.

The Program

The Discover 15 Space Shuttle Program provides opportunities to use math, science, and technology in applying space topics that incorporate state standards and learner statements from School District 15’s curriculum.

• David Hill Mission Control, a portable double classroom, serves as a training site for astronauts and mission specialists. It has extensive communication capability. Wireless communication connects Discover 15 with participating schools. Internet technology also links mission control to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other sites for the latest information on actual space shuttle flights and other resources.
  
  
• The Owen K. Garriott Discovery Learning Center, developed in partnership with the Planetary Studies Foundation's Antarctica and Meteorite Museum, supports the District's mission to build a connected learning community engaging students in simulations related to the study of earth science and space.

Purpose

The purpose is to engage and challenge all students of School District 15 in meaningful, technological experiences by providing high-quality math and science opportunities to achieve world-class standards. The district will achieve its goal by:

• building a shuttle, mission control, and space station.
• implementing technology-rich and relevant curriculum for all facilities of the Discover 15 Space Shuttle Program.
• raising the bar in math and science.
• promoting career opportunities in math, science, and technology.
• motivating all students to increase math and science skills.

We also want to engage the community in an active learning partnership by:

• creating a network of community partners.
• developing community-based service projects.
• seeking participation of under-represented groups within the community.

The Data

Shuttle Interior

• Width

  89.75 inches

• Height—side wall to bevel

  59 inches

• Height—ceiling at center

  72 inches

• Height—ceiling to side wall

  71 inches

• Length—bulkhead to end

  25 feet

Shuttle Exterior

• Height—top of vertical stabilizer

  13 feet

• Span of shuttle—wing tip to wing tip

  13 feet

• Length of shuttle—nose cone to main engines

  47 feet

Other Exterior Components

• 4 Main engines
  • 3 rear main engines
  • 1 main engine under the hood
• 2 Orbital maneuvering engines
• 1 3-foot vertical stabilizer
• 2 4-foot wings
• 1 7,000-watt generator
• reme 50-amp electrical connector

Technology on Board

• 10 laptop computers
• Infrared transfer and other programs
  • Database
  • PowerPoint
  • Sound System
  • Video Conferencing
  • Videocassette Recorders
  • Word Processing
• 9-inch video monitors

Discover 15 Space Shuttle Project

The Discover 15 Space Shuttle Project, which involves mission control, the space shuttle, and the new Owen K. Garriott Discovery Learning Center, provides opportunities for District 15 students to be engaged in "real-world" simulations involving math, science, and technology skills.

For additional information about the Discover 15 Space Shuttle Project, please call the Department of Instruction and Special Services at (847) 963-3000.

Sponsors

• District Fifteen Educational Foundation

• David Hill
• Honda
• NASA
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Palatine Jaycees
• Planetary Studies Foundation
• United Visual

© 2001-2008 Community Consolidated School District 15