In this 12-session live online course, students investigate all ten NASA Space Research Centers located across the U.S. and learn how to participate in NASA's educational programs.
About the Instructor
Prof. Mark Baraket (M.S. Astrophysics UC-Berkeley)
is a Certified Science & Space Ambassador with the National Space Society, former NASA researcher and experienced aeronautics educator.
Inspire the next generation of curious minds and future innovators
Does your child love Flight, Space & NASA?
They can learn about NASA research and engage with NASA's student programs!
In this 12-session course, we explore all 10 NASA Space Centers located across the U.S., each with different specializations. We also discuss NASA's student programs - NASA offers a wide variety of amazing learning opportunities for students, including challenges, citizen science projects, live presentations with NASA scientists, internships and much more!
NASA has 10 major centers and 8 additional research facilities. NASA partnerships are found in every U.S. state and many other countries.
Each class session will explore a different space center and discuss a variety of fascinating science research and engineering topics. Printable Homework Review Handouts will be provided after each class to summarize and reinforce learning.
Course includes:
Twelve 50-minute live Zoom classes with Prof. Mark Barakat (Masters of Science, Astrophysics)
Twelve printable Homework Review Handouts and printable Certificate of Completion
Class size capped at 12 students for a small group learning experience
Zoom recordings available for missed sessions
Designed for ages 8-13 (grades 3-7). Younger children may participate with parental support.
Meets once a week for 12 weeks
Course Syllabus
With the teacher's guidance, students will investigate the following topics over 12 class sessions:
Class 1 - Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, Astronaut Training, Mission Control, Microgravity, Orion Program, NASA Internship Program
Class 2 - Kennedy Space Center, Merritt City, Florida, Launch Control Center, Swamp Works, Growing Crops in Space, NASA Virtual Guest Program
Class 3 - Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, CubeSat Development (Cube Satellites), NASA Starling Mission, Moon Rover Prototype, NASA Tech Rise Student Challenge
Class 4 - Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio & Neil Armstrong Test Facility, Sandusky, Ohio, Space Simulations & Spacecraft Testing, Space Propulsion & Cryogenic Fluids, NASA Drop Tower Challenge
Class 5 - Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, James Webb and Hubble Telescopes, International Space Station, NASA Power to Explore Student Challenge
Class 6 - Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, Atmospheric Flight Research & Electric Aviation, NASA Dream With Us Student Design Challenge
Class 7 - Langley Research Center and NASA Engineering & Safety Center, Hampton, Virginia, Quesst Mission Supersonic Flight, Sustainable Aircraft Manufacturing, NESC Academy
Class 8 - Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, Mission to Psyche, Mars Rovers, Earth Science Research, JPL Live Public Webinars with NASA Scientists
Class 9 - Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, Chandra X-ray Telescope, Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket, Space Camp
Class 10 - Stennis Space Center, Hancock County, Mississippi, Rocket Testing, Michoud Assembly Facility, Astro Camp, NASA Student Launch Challenge
Class 11 - NASA HQ, European Space Agency, Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, Euclid Space Telescope, Monitoring Methane from Space, Spritacular Citizen Science Project
Class 12 - NASA & SpaceX, Starship, Artemis Student Activities & Challenges, Human Exploration Rover Challenge
“
My son stayed engaged and genuinely looked forward to every class. The program made STEM and space exploration exciting and accessible, and he loved learning about NASA, SpaceX, and the ESA. It really sparked his curiosity and enthusiasm for science.
- Drew S.
Select Course Start Date & Time
(Class times listed in Pacific Time)
Fri. Dec. 4 at 4:00-4:50pm PT
12 Fridays
|
Dec 4 - March 5, no class Dec 25 and Jan 1
"My son absolutely loved this class. Mark's joy and passion for the subject shines through."
- Emily L.
★★★★★
"Great class and very engaging. The teacher presented in detail the many opportunities students have available with NASA."
- Terry
★★★★★
"Wonderful and engaging classes! The teacher's knowledge is extensive and he explains all the different topics so well. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the class."
- Larissa S.
★★★★★
"My son was really engaged with the material and felt all the more excited to dream about working for NASA one day."
- Heidi M.
★★★★★
"Mr. Mark was incredible—helpful, knowledgeable, and made the class both fun and excellent. This was my children's third class with him, and we definitely plan to enroll in more. He far exceeded our expectations and ignited a lasting passion for NASA."
- Sandra W.
★★★★★
"Class was fantastic. My son really enjoyed learning about the range of opportunities for students at NASA. Mark, as always, has a great way of relating to students and doling out pertinent information."
- John N.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Quantum Academy offered classes?
Quantum Academy is a U.S. company focused on providing advanced classes in aeronautics, astronomy and physics for kids. Founded in 2020, we previously offered courses via Outschool under the moniker "Quantum Physics for Kids," teaching over 7000 students and receiving over 1500 5-star reviews. Starting in 2025, we began offering our unique courses directly to parents, at a lower cost than on Outschool and without requiring a monthly membership. Our expert teachers are dedicated to sharing the wonders of physics and science with young learners!
Is this course appropriate for my child's age and skill level?
The course is designed for ages 8-13 (approximately grades 3-7). We have a flexible age policy - younger children can participate with parent support, and older children are welcome if interested. No prior knowledge is required.
How do I enroll more than one child?
To enroll more than one child, please complete the registration form and payment for each child separately.
Will my child stay engaged for the full 12 sessions?
Our interactive format creates genuine excitement that passive video learning can't match. Each session builds anticipation for the next discovery. We have a 97% completion rate across all our courses.
What's your refund policy if my child doesn't enjoy the course?
We offer a satisfaction guarantee. If the course isn't a good match for your learner, you can request withdrawal and receive a pro-rated refund. We can also transfer to another section if there's a schedule conflict.
What technology/equipment does my child need to participate?
Just an internet-connected computer or tablet. Class details, Zoom access and materials will be emailed before the first class.
