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Sanford International Space Station HYDROPONICS-Hydroponics can be described as the science and practice of growing plants in a water/nutrient solution of soil. This module uses practical hands-on experiments and the latest in hydroponics system to teach students about the field of hydroponics. Students complete various lessons while cultivating science, math, and reading skills. They also study subjects such as nutrient concentration, pH, growing medium, plant needs, light requirements, and much more as they discover the many aspects of this soil-less culture. AEROPONICS - Aeroponics can be described as the science and practice of growing plants in a water/nutrient-mixed solution with oxygen by breaking up the water into small particles (fogging and misting). The growing environment of the aeroponic system is comparable to a misty rain forest setting with plenty of oxygen and moisture. LASER AND SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS MODULE-in this module, students conduct experiments with light to lay a foundation for understanding the theories on which a laser operates. Experimentation begins after a basic introduction to the classifications of lasers and thorough lessons on laser safety. The nature and physical laws of light are studied and the essential components of a satellite communication system are discussed. Students also perform experiments with transmitting audio and video signals using the laser as the channel to send a message. Then they develop two combination systems using the included model satellite.  ROBOTICS-In this module, students will discover the principles of robotics and the wide-ranging impact of this area of technology. A computer simulation helps students sort out the benefits and potential problems of using robots to replace human workers. Multimedia presentations enable students to see and hear robots in live-action videos and to gain a better understanding of abstract concepts, such as relative position and coordinate systems. Through hands-on activities, students hone critical thinking and problems-solving skills while creating, testing, and editing programs. Programs are then executed to control the robots movement. Students cover absolute and relative position, single and continuous loop programs, subroutines and much more. GPS - Global Positioning System is a satellite based navigation system consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites that are eleven nautical miles in space and in six different orbital paths. Students will learn navigation information such as ground speed and ground track. They will keep track of where the individual student is, find their way to a specific location, or know what direction and how fast they are going. During the experiments, collection of scientific data can be time stamped to show precisely when the data was gathered. AQUACULTURE - This module is equipped with a 400-gallon tank that will allow students the opportunity to study various types of aquatic animals, especially fish. Students will be able to explore important aspects of the field of aquaculture. This module will allow students to simulate a true aquaculture situation. Students will determine why water temperature is a primary factor affecting fish growth in cultured areas, and they conduct hands-on water quality tests to monitor pH levels. Students will perform feed calculations, and at the same time they study how fish absorb and digest food. In addition students will discover how fish use oxygen and why it is necessary to replenish oxygen levels to avoid depletion. Water quality control is addressed as students analyze such factors as alkalinity, hardness, and nitrate and ammonia content.
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