Bradford Students Complete Science Trip to NASA and Kennedy Space Center

Local students gain hands-on experience in US space and STEM centres

A group of 30 students from Bradford recently returned from a 13-day educational trip to the United States, where they visited key scientific and engineering institutions including NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The trip provided practical learning opportunities related to space science, engineering, and computing.

Visits and Activities

The students, studying Level 2 and 3 Science and Computing courses, began their trip in Houston, Texas. Activities included:

• Building and launching two-stage rockets and testing heat shields and cryogenic-resistant environments
• Touring the Apollo mission control room and viewing the Saturn V rocket
• Listening to a presentation by Andrejez Stewart, who researched Mars missions through a simulated habitat
• Designing Mars habitats, with the winning design displayed publicly
• Participating in a robotics session programming a space rover using Scratch software
• Experiencing underwater robotic surveys and weightlessness simulation through scuba diving
• Visiting the Starship Gallery and attending talks by astronauts, including Commander Ken Cameron
• Taking part in a nature centre visit with activities such as creek netting and a Bayou safari

Following their time in Houston, the group travelled to Orlando, Florida, where they spent two days at Universal Studios Florida. There, they engaged in STEM-focused educational programmes related to rollercoaster design and automated ride programming.

Artemis II Launch and Kennedy Space Center

The trip coincided with the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission. Students observed the rocket launch from a location approximately nine miles from the site and later visited launch pad 39 and associated facilities.

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the group toured the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, experienced a shuttle launch simulation, visited the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and attended an IMAX cinema presentation and astronaut encounter.

Educational Impact

Staff overseeing the trip highlighted the value of multidisciplinary learning and the development of teamwork and communication skills among the students. The experience aimed to expose students from diverse backgrounds to career possibilities in STEM fields.

One student reflected on the benefits of the trip, noting improved communication and collaboration skills as well as increased social confidence. Another commented on the opportunity to experience a different culture and explore potential career paths.

Funding and Organisation

The trip was organised with support from an educational tour company and funding from the Turing Scheme, supplemented by contributions from the college to cover costs. Preparations included cultural and legal briefings, and efforts were made to foster group cohesion among students from different courses.

This initiative provided access to experiences typically less available to students from less affluent backgrounds, aiming to inspire and equip them with skills relevant to future STEM careers.