Summer Springboard
Middle School Astronomy: Space Explorers
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC BERKELEY
THIS PROGRAM COMBINES ACADEMIC COURSES, INTERACTIVE LABS, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO GIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS A SUPPORTIVE, FUN, AND ENRICHING SUMMER EXPERIENCE.
Middle School Astronomy: Space Explorers @ Berkeley
- Design and launch model rockets while exploring propulsion, gravity, and the physics of space travel.
- Visit local planetariums to deepen understanding of planetary motion and celestial mechanics.
- Dive into Mars Rover missions, robotic exploration, and extraterrestrial geology.
- Learn telescope use and sky navigation using a star wheel.
- Explore orbital mechanics, astronomical distances, atmospheres, meteor composition, and solar wind effects.
- Experience curated astronomy activities and visit the local planetarium and NASA Ames Visitor Center.
Summer Springboard
Middle School Astronomy: Space Explorers
About This Course
Journey through the cosmos in this program that explores the wonders of astronomy and develops an understanding of our solar system.
The program integrates mathematics, physics, and planetary geology while students learn about orbital mechanics, study astronomical distances, and investigate the conditions necessary for extraterrestrial life.
Young astronomers will strengthen their scientific reasoning through studies of plantary atmospheres, meteor composition, and the effects of solar wind on our planet’s magnetic field.
Come learn about space exploration and astronomical phenomena through curated activities and a visit to the local planetarium and NASA Ames Visitor Center.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students will have the opportunity to engage with highly accomplished specialists in this field. Hands-on learning is experienced through company visits in and around the incredible Bay Area. Outside of course specific studies the students will explore all that Berkeley has to offer! With so much rich history, breathtaking sights, parks and famed landmarks at our fingertips there is something for everyone to discover!
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“The experience was very fun. The classes were well prepared and organized. The excursions planned were cool as well. Overall, the experience of this camp was amazing!”
– Alexis W. | SSB Middle School Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Middle School Astronomy: Space Explorers
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. McLin holds his PhD in Astrophysics from University of Colorado, his MS in Astronomy from University of Washington and his BS in Physics from UC Davis.
He’s been a science educator for over 25 years with a primary interest in optical observational astronomy, managing small telescopes and teaching astronomy and physics from the introductory through graduate levels.
He’s a co-author of “The Big Ideas in Cosmology” and has developed a number of courses for science teachers in K-12 and college. Kevin also enjoys providing informal astronomy education through his work at Starwerk.net where he offers night sky explorations.
KEVIN MCLIN, PHD
Summer Springboard
Middle School Astronomy: Space Explorers
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 2: July 13 – July 18, 2025 |
| Session 3: July 20 – July 25, 2025 |
| Session 4: July 27 – August 1, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $2,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $1,498 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Berkeley |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC Berkeley |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.