Homeschool On the Range: Roadschool Trip to Johnson Space Center

We had the great fortune to be able to get a behind-the-scenes tour at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas by one of the newest astronauts, a high school friend. The kids were able to go into the International Space Station mock-up facility, practice in the real T-38 fighter jet trainers, and speak with several NASA employees and astronauts. It was a trip that won't soon be forgotten!

How cool was it to get to go behind the scenes with astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, who spent a year on the International Space Station and is breaking all sorts of records for women in space?!? Tina and I go way back to high school....no, I'm not telling you how far back that is...

The Saturn V Rocket

Historic Mission Control

International Space Station Mock-Up Model housing for Mars residents

We suggest joining the NASA Passport Program, which has interesting benefits and will entitle you to discounts. On the second floor of the Space Center is an educators' department, where all educators (including homeschooling teachers) are allowed to pick-up free resources and even request copies of DVDs with lesson plans. It's definitely worth checking out.

Could you live here for a year??? The Russian / Soyuz component

My son LIVES for airplanes and space...he was a happy little clam!

Getting to go inside the ISS Mock-Up was a trip highlight

We couldn't go to the Gulf Coast and not actually spend time at the beach, so we visited Pleasure Pier in Galveston and Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah. Both are great places to spend the afternoon as a family - with rides, games, eateries, and shopping.