The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, Kansas, teamed up with students in the Sterling College class Methods of Teaching Elementary Science to create a space-themed unit that Kansas teachers can use in their classroom. Using the artifacts found in the Cosmosphere, the Sterling College students created a unit for fifth-grade classes on The Race to Space that incorporates Kansas standards for multiple subjects.

“The Cosmosphere is excited to partner with Sterling College and their educator training program. We were delighted to work with the elementary science methods class who, as a team, created an excellent program. The co-curricular learning program embraces college and career-ready standards in history, literacy, math and science while utilizing resources and capitalizing on program elements available at the Cosmosphere. Cosmosphere educators enjoyed collaborating with Sterling College on this project, and we look forward to similar opportunities to serve students in our region,” said Tracey Tomme, director of education for the Cosmosphere.

Students involved in the project were Elizabeth Soliday of Estes Park, Colorado; Kyle Vierra of Lyons, Kansas; Matt Swank of Pratt, Kansas; Morgan (Brown) Walton of Sterling, Kansas; Bethany Weishiemer-Roberts of Sterling, Kansas; and Kristen Wenner of Hutchinson, Kansas.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.