McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Programs
As the NASA Educator Resource Center for New Hampshire, educators of all grade levels can access NASA workshops, educator briefs and guides, astronomy software, videos, posters and more. For more information, resource center hours or special requests, contact mcameron@starhop.com.
On the first Friday of the
month, NH Astronomical Society volunteers set up telescopes on the Discovery Center lawn for viewing of
planets and constellations, followed by an astronomy lecture.
Their "Starhop" van makes visits to schools, clubs, and other venues to present shows on space science.
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Recently reopened as the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, the new name pays tribute to two famous New Hampshire space pioneers — Christa McAuliffe, NASA's teacher-in-Space, and Alan Shepard, America's first astronaut.
New exhibits include a large-scale model of a space shuttle with an external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters, a virtual expedition to Mars, a weather forecasting exhibit, and a look at Earth from beyond, comparing it to planets and moons in our solar system. AND THERE'S MORE...
Redstone Plaza features a full-sized replica of a Mercury-Redstone Rocket and an interactive exhibit telling the story of the Space Race and Alan Shepard's 1961 flight as the first American-in-Space.
Their 103 seat theatre uses state-of-the-art Digital Sky technology, a full-dome video system, and a database of over 110,000 stars and planetary objects.
But some things didn't change— they still host student Astronomy Bowls, testing students' knowledge of constellations and astronomy concepts; they hold Sky Watches at Rey Center in Waterville Valley; and every Friday is a SuperStellar Fridays with community programs on current science topics.
Student guests are encouraged to "Apply to Fly..." at a Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
And they're living green—they were recognized with an Energy Efficiency in State Government award for realizing a 34% reduction in energy consumption, largely by upgrading theater technology and installing LED cove lighting. Their new facility is designed to exceed environmental standards by 20%, making use of recycled materials and minimizing environmental impact.
Their programs also foster environmental awareness. "Breathing Space" shows a few realities of climate change. Ice Worlds demonstrates the delicate balance of Earth's climate and global warming impacts on the worlds' polar caps. Conservation Quest is a traveling exhibit that presents personal steps for helping our environment.