Scouting Programs at SpacePort

Beaver, Cub, and Scout Groups at SpacePort
As many Scouts Canada leaders already know, SpacePort is a great destination for Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. We are a non-profit education and entertainment facility offering learning and hands-on activities focusing on space and aeronautics. We use the latest innovations in computer, simulation, and communications technology to help make space and aeronautics fun and accessible to Scouting groups of all levels. SpacePort first opened in September of 2000 and has since welcomed countless Beaver, Cub, and Scout groups from across Calgary and the surrounding areas.

SpacePort is located on the Mezzanine level of the Calgary International Airport, right beside the food court. The facility is open to the public Monday through Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm. Scouting groups (including Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts) usually visit in the evenings or on weekends.

SpacePort offers stageshows, workshops, activities, and hands-on exhibits pertaining to space and aeronautics to help encourage interest in these fields. These include Dock the Shuttle, Mars Odyssey, Air Pressured Rockets, the Fly-a-Plane wind tunnel, and more! Members of your group can step inside a real 1947 Beaver plane, check out a real moon rock, see what astronauts eat in space, read part of the Mir space station operations manual, or marvel at 1/4-scale space shuttle on long-term loan from NASA.

In addition to these attractions, there are four different kinds of simulator rides at Spaceport. The FX2 motion simulators, Morphis scenario simulator, Indy Car simulator, and Maxflight 360 degree F-18 jet simulators are ready to take you into virtual reality like you’ve never experienced it! The cost of each of our scouting programs includes one simulator experience for each member of your Colony, Pack or Troop.

The Living in Space stageshow is a great way to start off an evening or weekend visit at SpacePort. Using DVD players to fill three giant plasma screens, a presenter fields questions and discusses life in microgravity on the International Space Station and Space Shuttle. Hot topics include eating, drinking, sleeping, hygiene, and even going to the bathroom in space. The stageshow draws on audience participation to set the tone for an evening of lively and educational fun.

One of the great features of our stageshows is their flexibility. We tailor "Living in Space" so that it remains relevant to kids of different ages. Scout groups get a more challenging and in-depth seminar than Beaver groups do, ensuring an engaging session for any age group.

Our Scouting Programs
Each of the following programs includes a "Living in Space" stageshow and a simulator ride for each boy. Building from this base, we now offer specialized programs designed to address specific badge requirements, as follows:

Fun in Space Program (ideal for Beavers, Cubs. and Scouts)
This is our most popular program for groups, allowing for the maximum in hands-on fun and learning. Starting with a "Living in Space" stageshow to set the right tone for the evening, your group will explore life in space with the help of an energetic host. Everyone will get a chance to experience the simulator of his choice. Afterward, they can ask questions and explore the SpacePort environment, checking out our hands-on exhibits dealing with space exploration and aviation. (Cost: $5 + GST per child, Time: an hour and a half)

Space Exploration Badge (Cubs)
A natural fit for SpacePort. We have already started working with Cub Packs in meeting all of the requirements of this badge. With one visit, every member of your Cub Pack will have met the requirements for the Space Exploration badge, and engaged in fun space-related activities that go far beyond the limits of the badge requirements.

We know that Cub Packs often have tight time constraints, and offer flexible timelines for badge completion. For groups that want to book a 2-hour-and-half-hour block for one evening or weekend visit, we can get through all of the badge requirements in a single session. For groups with more rigid timelines, the visit can be split up over two evenings, one with a stageshow, simulator ride, and some discussion, and another evening with a workshop, discussion, and time with the hands-on exhibits. There would be no additional charge to break your visit to SpacePort over two visits, but this option must be requested while making the original booking. Please call (403)717-7679 to discuss specifics of such a program.

As far as schedules are concerned, groups will first watch the Living in Space stageshow (Requirement 3, Time: 45 min., Cost: $5 +GST) they can then choose between the following options in order to complete 4 of the 7 requirements that they would need to receive their Space Exploration badge:

1) Discuss the importance of space technology in Canadian Living: We give the children a Scavenger Hunt worksheet relating to Space Technologies. The children will hunt for the appropriate answers by finding the exhibits relation to satellites, communications, International Cooperation, and weather. (Requirement 1, Time: 15-20 min., Cost: Free)

2) Rocket Lab Workshop: Cubs can design and build model rockets in small design teams, then launch them with Alka-Seltzer and water. We discuss how elements of design relate to rocketry. (Requirement 5, Time: 45 min., Cost: $1 + GST, and $1 + GST to take home a rocket)

3) Living in Spacesuits Workshop: We offer a workshop based on spacesuit design. Examining layers of real spacesuits in cross-section, Cubs then work on designing the optimal cooling layer to protect our astronauts from radiation. After the workshop Cubs will be given a worksheet where they can draw their design for a spacesuit and describe its features. (Requirement 6, Time: 45 min., Cost: $1 + GST)

Astronomer Badge (Cubs)
At Spaceport we will be able to complete 4 of the 5 badge requirements in just one visit. We will start off the visit with a StarLab portable planetarium General Presentation which is between 45 minutes to 1 hour long. ($5 + GST per Cub) This presentation will cover requirements 1 through 3. If you would like to also do requirement 4 please request that we add the Solar System portion to the StarLab presentation. This will add another half hour to your visit time and an extra $1 to your price. After the StarLab Presentation is finished the Cub group will then complete 1 worksheet (2 if they are participating in the Solar System activity also) and move on to our simulator rides. One ride per Cub is included with your price.

Science Badge (Scouts)
Your visit to Spaceport will qualify each member of your troop for their Science badge. Spaceport has enough activities to qualify troop members in any of three scientific disciplines: rocket science, space exploration and technology, and aeronautics. We have a wide range of hands-on activities to challenge your troop.

The visit will begin with a Living in Space stageshow (Time: 45 min., Cost: $5 + GST) for everyone and after that troop members will be able to explore our various exhibits. Scouts will then choose which of the three scientific disciplines they would like to explore further. Each discipline will be accompanied by a worksheet where Scouts will write their findings. After everyone has had a chance to explore their chosen field of scientific discovery, a group discussion follows. (Cost: worksheet and discussion $1 + GST)

Space Exploration Badge (Scouts)
Although we cannot complete all of the requirements for this badge here at Spaceport, we can get your Scouts well on their way to completing all of them! We can accommodate the following:

1) Part A – Requirement 3 – Demonstrate knowledge of different types of space vehicles
For this requirement Scout leaders can choose from 2 of our workshops, either Monster Machines using K’nex or Problem Solving in Space using LEGO. Each will involve creativity and exploring different designs and types of vehicles found in space, such as rovers, probes, shuttles etc. (45 minutes long each – Cost: $5 + GST per Scout if booked alone, as an additional program $1 + GST per Scout)

2) Part A-Requirement 4 – Newton’s Laws
We can present a Rocket Lab Stage Show which will go over Newton’s 3 laws of motion as well as other important aspects in the field of Rocketry. (45 minutes long – Cost: $5 + GST per Scout if booked alone, as an additional program $1 + GST per Scout)

3) Part B – Proficiency – Requirement 2 – Design a rocket
To complete this requirement Scouts may participate in our famous Rocket Lab Workshop where they will work in teams to design, build and set of construction paper rockets right here in Spaceport! (45 minutes long - Cost: $5 + GST per Scout if booked alone, as an additional program $1 + GST per Scout)

4) Part C – Initiative – Requirement 1 – Visit an agency associated with space exploration
Your visit alone will complete this requirement! You may also inform us at the time of booking if you would like your Scouts to complete a Spaceport Scavenger Hunt Worksheet at no extra charge. It usually takes students about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Each Scout will receive a free simulator ride with the price of your visit!

Booking
Booking a trip is easy. Call 717-PORT (7678) to ask any questions about SpacePort's scouting programs or to book your group's visit. Bookings can be made anytime in advance, but booking early is recommended as dates quickly fill up. Bookings can be made as far in advance as you like. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information about Scouts Canada click here.

Spark, Brownie, Guide and Pathfinder Groups at SpacePort
As many Guiding leaders already know, SpacePort is a great destination for Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders. We are a non-profit education and entertainment facility offering learning and hands-on activities focusing on space and aeronautics. We use the latest innovations in computer, simulation, and communications technology to help make space and aeronautics fun and accessible to Guiding groups of all levels. SpacePort first opened in September 2000 and has since welcomed many guiding units from across Calgary and surrounding areas.

SpacePort is located on the Mezzanine level of the Calgary International Airport, right beside the food court. The facility is open to the public Monday through Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm. Guiding units (including Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders) usually visit in the evenings or on weekends.

In addition to these attractions, there are four different kinds of simulator rides at SpacePort. The FX2 motion simulators, Morphis scenario simulator, Maxflight 360degree F-18 jet simulators and an Italiano Indy Car Race Car are ready to take you into virtual reality like you've never experienced it! The cost of each of our Guiding programs includes one simulator experience for each member of your unit.

The "Living in Space" stageshow is a great way for any Guiding unit to start off an evening at SpacePort. Using two DVD players to fill three giant screens, a presenter fields questions and discusses life in microgravity on the International Space Station, and Space Shuttle. Hot topics include eating, drinking, sleeping, hygiene, and even going to the bathroom in space. The stageshow draws on audience participation to set the tone for an evening of lively and educational fun.

One of the great features of our stageshows is their flexibility. We tailor "Living in Space" so that it remains relevant to kids of different ages. Guide or Pathfinder groups need-and get-a more challenging and in-depth seminar than Spark groups do, ensuring an engaging session for any age group.

Our Guiding Programs
Each of the following programs includes a simulator ride for each girl. We now offer specialized programs to address specific badge requirements, as follows.

Fun in Space Program (ideal for Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders)
This is our most popular program for groups, allowing for the maximum in hands-on fun and independent learning. Starting with a “Living in Space” stageshow to set the right tone for the evening, your group will explore life in space with the help of an energetic host. Each girl will get a chance to experience the simulator of her choice. Afterward, everyone can ask questions and/or explore the SpacePort environment, checking out our hands-on exhibits dealing with space exploration and aviation.

Exploring Space Badge (Brownies)
Here at Spaceport we can complete 2 of the requirements for this badge. The following is the programming information for this session:

1) Requirement: Find out what the International Space Station and the Canadarm are – We can explain this to the girls during our Living in Space stage show along with much more information relating to an astronaut’s life in space. (45 minutes – Cost: $5 + GST per Brownie)

2) Requirement: Play a game about space – To complete this objective, the girls will work in teams to play a SpacePort Jeopardy game in our Telus room with the help of a facilitator and 3 giant plasma TV screens. (30 minutes – Cost: $1 + GST extra per Brownie)

Aeronautics Badge (Guides)
Guides will challenge themselves in the Earn Your Wings workshop, which offers a hands-on look at the science of flight. This workshop will complete for each Guide, requirements 1, 2 and 4 of their Aeronautics badge. The workshop takes and hour and a half to complete and the cost is $5 + GST per Guide.

Afterward, Guides can operate our live runway camera to identify planes as they land and take off at the airport. Guides can pan across the runways, noting and identifying all manner of aircraft; they can also zoom in to get a close-up view of caterers, baggage handlers, and maintenance crew in action.

Guides will get an opportunity to step inside and “pilot” a real 1947 de Havilland Beaver propeller plane, a marvel of Canadian engineering and a tangible slice of aviation history. Then they can test their piloting skill on our “Fly-a-Plane” exhibit, which challenges Guides to master roll, pitch and yaw controls in flying a model airplane in a wind tunnel.

For more information about Girl Guides Canada click here.

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