Ad Astra Academies, USD 313, in partnership with the Kansas Cosmosphere, is proud to highlight the incredible experiences students are engaging in this year through the Ad Astra STEAM Academy. This unique program brings science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to life in ways that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation.
Already this fall, students have stepped into the shoes of astronauts and engineers through space mission simulations that tested teamwork, problem-solving, and quick decision-making. They’ve tackled critical thinking challenges with LEGO, engineered and launched their own rockets, designed speedy mouse trap racers, and explored the world of 3D printing to bring their own creations to life. STEAM Academy students also worked behind the scenes to design a scavenger hunt experience for visiting school field trip groups, using their creativity to help younger learners engage with the Cosmosphere in new and exciting ways.
And the year is only just beginning. Students still have a wide range of experiences ahead of them, including building and programming LEGO Robotics, designing and testing both a laser maze and an infrared laser maze, experimenting with sumobots, and diving into the sciences of geology, botany, and nuclear energy—even learning about radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that power deep space missions. They’ll explore high-voltage science with Tesla coils, discover the invisible world of infrared radiation, and take to the skies and seas with drones and underwater drones. Other hands-on projects include engineering motorized paper airplanes, experimenting with freeze-drying technology, and even experiencing scuba diving. Students will also explore aerospace and aviation careers, emerging opportunities in drone technology, and other growing fields that rely on STEAM innovation, helping them see how their skills can lead to impactful futures both within and far beyond space exploration—improving the human experience through creativity, discovery, and innovation.
Ad Astra STEAM Academy is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for discovery. By blending hands-on exploration with real-world problem solving, students gain both knowledge and confidence to see themselves as innovators, creators, and leaders in tomorrow’s world.
