 The Columbia Aeronautic and Space Association program at the David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, MO is a prime example of how the Missouri Space Grant Consortium nurtures student abilities to apply knowledge, solve problems, communicate, and collaborate. Located in an old high school auto shop, Columbia Aeronautic and Space Association (CASA) has grown to include 150 high school students and many students of all ages from around Mid-Missouri in the program’s annual International Space Station simulation. The event takes place in CASA’s student-built space station and support lab. Over the past eighteen years this program has evolved into an extension of regular class lessons as well as an avenue through which students are able to experience the concepts provided in aerospace textbooks and class lectures. The program is based upon the curriculum provided in high school aerospace technology classes within the Columbia Missouri Public School system.
Students begin each school year with instruction in aerostatics, aeronautics, and astronautics, and progress to working with CASA's student-built replica of the International Space Station. Students work in groups to complete upgrades of the program’s facilities to enhance the annual space simulation. Mentors from area businesses and the aerospace industry work with the students providing their expertise and knowledge of the intricate systems and complex aerospace principles students are studying. The year culminates each spring with a six-day, five night aerospace simulation in which students converge on the CASA facility and participate in a true experience in education. Student astronauts ranging from kindergarten to college are on the space station as medical officers, scientists, and pilots. Studies in hydroponics are conducted and the simulated effects of space flight on humans are tested. Mission Control is manned from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. During the simulation students are faced with tough real world problems requiring solutions to be found for the outcome of the simulation to be successful.
We have developed a liaison with the University of Missouri–Rolla Satellite (UMR SAT) team competing in the Department of Defense/NASA sponsored Nanosat 4 competition. The UMR group is building a satellite that our students will launch during the mission this year and track. To do this, a group of CASA students have been learning orbital mechanics, tutored by the UMR students. The NASA Missouri Space Grant is proud to have an opportunity to ignite an interest in math, science, and engineering at an early age through the exciting hands-on approach offered by the Columbia Aeronautic and Space Association. For more information on the Columbia Aeronautic and Space Association please visit: www.casasim.org ~ The casa public affairs officers
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