On February 16 & 17, 2024, space enthusiasts of all ages gathered at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids Michigan for the Eighth Annual Roger That! symposium. In addition to honoring the life of local hero Roger B. Chaffee, a former American naval officer, aviator aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut in the Apollo program, guests were able to interact with a variety of hands-on space related activities. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with many STEAM organizations, including local partners and businesses, to learn about their work in the community while also enjoying experiments and demonstrations throughout the museum. There was also a keynote featuring Dr. Robert Satcher, a distinguished American physician, chemical engineer, and former NASA astronaut. Aspiring Astronauts were able to test and build their skills through a variety of mission activity stations around the museum. Guests learned about diversity throughout the history of the space program and left inspired by the future of space exploration.
Many of the hands-on activities featured were from the NISE Network’s Explore Science: Earth and Space toolkits. These high quality, hands on activities are always a hit with guests. We are so thankful for these ready to use activities and have used them for our Roger That! program for years.
This eighth annual event was presented in partnership with Grand Valley and made possible by a generous donation from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
