Purpose

The shuttle, the Spirit of Education, travels to schools in Wisconsin and surrounding states from its launch pad in Spencer, Wisconsin. Its mission is to motivate children in the elementary grades to learn.  The curriculum was developed primarily for students in the 4th and 5th grades, but can be adapted for grades third through seven. 

The Dream Flight USA Foundation and curriculum were developed by Sharon Ryan, a fifth grade teacher at John Marshall School in the Wausau, WI school district.  Mrs. Ryan, a Presidential Award recipient, developed a similar program in the school district which served students for ten years. Lynn Lensmire, a veteran teacher now retired, has been adding to and fine tuning the curriculum as she travels with the shuttle.

The Dream Flight USA Foundation Shuttle Program Staff:

	Sharon Ryan Director of Dream Flight USA Operations
	Joe Burnett Chief Shuttle Pilot

Students will develop an understanding and an appreciation for the space program as well as recognize the importance of space exploration as the next frontier of research. In their lifetimes, they will be the next people to develop the ideas and research new realms of space to improve both life here on Earth and possibly life in space.

1. How has the space program made contributions to the world we live in?

2. What does the International Space Station hold for our future?

3. How does this impact or have an effect on/for me as a student in my school, in my community, in my world; today and in the future?

Students will be assessed using the following tools:

1. Using their DreamFlight journal, they will be asked to respond to each station aboard the shuttle. Their responses will then be assessed for understanding and reflection of each station.

2. Students will complete a cumulating project of their experience with DreamFlight. This project will be assessed using a rubric that includes understanding and application of their Essential Questions.

SC.1.4.2 Measures weather conditions and predict weather patterns (describe the causes for Earth’s seasons)

SC.2.4.1 Knows that the Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun, and the Moon orbits around the Earth

SC.2.4.2 Knows that planets look like stars, but over time they appear to wander among the constellations

SC.8.4.2 Knows that scientific investigations involve asking and answering a questions and comparing the answer to what scientist already know about the world

SC.9.4.1 Uses appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret scientific data

SC.10.4.1 Understands types of reasoning and evidence used outside of science to draw conclusions about the natural world