New Astronaut Recruits

Since the beginning of the school year, a group of fourth-grade students prepared to go on a mission to the moon. Three studied to be biological engineers, two robotic engineers, two electrical engineers, one a programming engineer, two communication engineers, and one a social engineer. Each student picked an area of interest to pursue.

At the beginning of the school's fourth quarter, these students could turn in an application to participate in a mission. If the application was accepted the student would receive their 'space suit' and an American Flag to go on their left shoulder. These are the first recruits. 

As the recruits accomplish goals they earn points which move them up in rank. At each new rank, the recruits get to put a new sticker on their 'space suit.'

Our first mission was launched on Monday. Three student 'astronauts' received their assignment through Google Docs and took our 'space vehicle' out for a ride. After completing the first set of instructions the group ended up in the Moon Base.

Each day the 'astronauts'  get more information about the tasks they need to accomplish. On Tuesday, this group started setting up the Moon Base communication systems. They mounted security cameras to the walls in the base. Two-way radios allowed them to communicate with Mission Command. Once the group needed more visual instruction, they used an iPad and Google Hangouts to call Mission Command.