Courtesy photo

The Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center in Hutchinson sets off on a 10-month, coast-to-coast trek Sept. 12 to teach students K-12 about the wonders of living and working in space. Cosmosphere space science educators Jonathan and Stephanie Spurgeon will travel to 300 schools to present “Living in Space,” a fast-paced, entertaining science show that reveals the
secrets of space travel and answers students’ most-often-asked questions such as:

* Why do astronauts float in space?
* What is it like to sleep in space?
* What is space food really like?
* How do you go to the bathroom in space?

“Living in Space” looks at a day in the life of an astronaut, punctuated
with fun facts, imaginative science demonstrations, and highlighted by
fascinating NASA video. Students will see:

* Special liquid-cooling ventilation clothing worn by astronauts.
* How food is packaged and eaten in a weightless environment.
* How astronauts brush their teeth (yes, they swallow their toothpaste so it won’t float off in space!)
* How “maximum absorbance garments (aka diapers)” are chemically engineered to allow astronauts (face it: the most-asked question we get is about bathroom functions, so this curious science experiment explains how the process works!)

In an interactive highlight, one student from the audience will help demonstrate the sleeping apparatus astronauts use to get a restful sleep.

“We are incredibly excited to be visiting the nation’s school districts and begin re-energizing young people’s interest in space travel,” said Tom Holcomb, Cosmosphere director of education. “While NASA’s shuttle program may have ended, there remain infinite opportunities to explore our galaxy and beyond. Government and private enterprise will have well-paying jobs waiting for those with strong skills in math, science, engineering and
environmental disciplines.”

Space science educator Jonathan Spurgeon attended the Cosmosphere’s Future Astronaut Training Program (now known as Camp KAOS), and was a camp counselor for four years.

“I can tell kids first-hand that flying a Falcon III simulator is way more exciting than any 3D video game,” Spurgeon said. “With ‘Living in Space,’ and with summer programs like Camp KAOS, we can inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s deep-space explorers.”

Jonathon Spurgeon also holds an associate of science degree in physics from Western Nebraska Community College. Upon transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jonathan worked for the Cosmic Ray Observatory Project in UNL’s High-Energy Physics department. His lab work involved programming of alternative nuclear electronics from Fermilab. Jonathon has also worked for NASA Nebraska and was a recipient of three grants to determine the age of
stars. His research was presented at the Nebraska Academy of Sciences.

Stephanie Spurgeon was a counselor for Maranatha Camp, and also built homes as a missionary in Mexico and Los Angeles. Stephanie studied nursing at Western Nebraska Community College then transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to continue her education. She has worked as an anatomy and physiology tutor. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

“Living in Space” is presented through Bureau of Lectures in Lawrence Schools can book the program by visiting https://www.assemblyline.com/living-in-space.html.

The Cosmosphere is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum housing the largest collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts outside of the National Air & Space Museum. The Cosmosphere celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. For more than 25 years, Camp KAOS has offered summertime astronaut camp experiences for kids of all ages. For more information about the
Cosmosphere or its camp programs visit www.cosmo.org or call 800-397-0330.