Hampton SHS 2019 NASA Tour

Our final day! Finally got to witness some nature in the Everglades on an airboat tour spotting wildlife such as blue herons, snail kites and yes, alligators. On arrival back to dry land the students received a fascinating insight from larger-than-life Native American personality "White Dove" on the way of life for First Nations people in the area. A bus trip to the airport allowed time for reflection: wonderful experiences, excitement to see loved ones at home again tempered with some trepidation at the 33 hours of purgatory in between.

Skydiving and education seem an unlikely pairing but prior to their "skydive" at iFly Orlando this morning, students measured mass and surface area to perform calculations and predict how this would affect their aerodynamics during their adrenalin-raising freefall in the wind tunnel. Team NASA then spent some time at "Gator Land" where students witnessed some very well fed alligators and other animal exhibits. The day finished with dinner at Disney Springs "Planet Hollywood" where the birthday boy received some big screen attention and an ice cream sunday the size of his head. Some small amount of shopping may have occured afterwards.

Americans do things BIG. A morning at Wonderworks (think Scitech but BIG) where the group interacted with a range of exhibits including optical illusions, hurricane machine, an astronaut trainer, ropes course, simulators and more. Following this the students were able to relax and practise their putting skills in a buccaneer themed minigolf course, complete with pirate ships and multiple water hazards. The BIG American experience was rounded off with an American buffet at Golden Corral. A half hour walk (or roll) home rounded off a more relaxed but enjoyable day in Orlando.

An amazing, frenetic final day at the KSC! Robotics Challenge, real time piloting a robotic Mars rover, Mission to Mars exhibition, incredible IMAX experience, Lunch with space shuttle veteran Don Thomas, Rocket Garden tour, real Orion & Space X capsule exhibits, Heroes and Legends Astronaut Hall of Fame, rounded out with our Space Trek graduation (with honours) and a bus trip to our new hotel at Orlando. Primed to hit Universal Studios tomorrow!

3 days to go!!