Space Day at Roper Mountain Science Center
Come explore the moon and beyond for Space Day at Roper Mountain Science Center on Saturday, March 9. This Second Saturday event brings together a collaboration with NASA and other organizations from across South Carolina to showcase interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that will inspire, awe and motivate you to catch the bold vision of aviators and space explorers from the past, present and future! There will be something for all ages.
Roper Mountain is also excited to announce the official opening of the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit – only one of 52 locations chosen to host this exhibit. This engaging and interactive museum exhibition about Earth and Space Science was developed with a collaboration between NASA and the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Net).
Space Day is supported by NASA Headquarters (Washington, DC), NASA Solar System Ambassadors, South Carolina Space Grant Consortium, Clemson University, Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville Technical College, ShareSpace Foundation, University of South Carolina Upstate, Embry Riddle Aeronautics-Worldwide, Purdue Club Upstate SC, Wade Hampton High School, Byrnes High School Honors Aviation, and the Western Carolina Remote Control Skyhawks,
Space Day activities for visitors of all ages include:
- Featured NASA speaker, Jonathan Krezel, Enterprise Integration Manager, Exploration Systems Development (ESD), NASA Headquarters (Washington, DC) will be presenting “Explore as One - Big Universe • Brave People • Bold Ships” at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
- SC Space Grant Consortium Moon Rocks – lunar and meteorite samples.
- You Be The Pilot with Flight Simulators from Byrnes High School Honors Aviation.
- See aviation maps, aircraft equipment and how Greenville Downtown Airport monitors aircraft all over the world with an iPad.
- USC Upstate students will help you explore light, experience the expanding universe, make a pocket solar system,and much more with and hands-on activities from the National Informal Stem Education Network (NISE Net).
- Clemson University Physics and Astronomy Department will show a tabletop comet, emission spectra, and more.
- Greenville Technical College Aviation Maintenance and Embry Riddle Aeronautics- Worldwide demonstrates a Gyroscope Suitcase, Bernoulli’s principle trainer, eddy current display, and a Turbine Ignition System. Visitors will design circuits and learn how to use electrical meters to measure current, voltage and resistance.
- Join a NASA Solar System Ambassador and build and test a Lunar Lander.
- Blast off with our model rocket launches (approx. every 15 minutes) and test your own rocket balloon.
- Find “hidden” images on the moon with Purdue Club of Upstate SC.
- Visit the Space Discovery Lab with Wade Hampton High’s FIRST Robotics Team 283, Build orbit crafts, straw rockets and more.
- The Giant Mars Map will let visitors walk on Mars and learn about the planet’s surface.
- Western Carolina Remote Control Club will be flying fixed wing helicopters and drones on the Living History Farm.
- Skilled astronomers will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss telescopes with solar viewing at the Daniel Observatory.
- Enjoy additional activities across Roper Mountain on our Living History Farm.
- Astronaut – a 30-minute planetarium show in the Hooper Planetarium: discover what it takes to become an Astronaut. Show times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. (30 Minutes).
- Resident Dogs, Chick Fil-A and Snow Castle food will be available for purchase.
Space Day hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last tickets are sold at 1:30 p.m. Admission is: $8 for teens and adults (ages 13-59); $7 for children (ages 4-12) and for senior citizens (age 60 and over). Free for children age 3 and under, RMSC members, and school district employees. All events are included in the general admission to the Center.
Parking is free and in the main parking lot. Buses are available to provide transportation around the mountain continuously.
The second Saturday of select months provides an opportunity for the public to visit the learning spaces throughout Roper Mountain. This is a great occasion to enjoy experiences similar to those which engage students during the weekday lessons held in the center’s classrooms and labs. The Living History Farm, Harrison Hall of Natural Sciences, Planetarium, Observatory, and Symmes Hall of Science all provide stimulating activities for fun and learning. Many Second Saturdays showcase special events or themes based on fascinating topics in science, health, and social studies.
Roper Mountain Science Center is a facility of Greenville County Schools. For more information, please visit RoperMountain.org or call (864) 355-8906.