Over the weekend, learners from the aerospace program at several SCVi/iLEAD schools watched science experiments they designed launch into space in Florida and piloted glider planes in Llano, California.

Learners from SCVi Charter School in Santa Clarita, iLEAD Agua Dulce and iLEAD Lancaster gathered at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch their experiments be launched to the International Space Center, according to officials. 

“It’s a really exciting program that we’ve had going on for several years now,” said Matt Watson, host of SCVi’s “Eye on the Valley” show on KHTS. “There are three teams of learners who have experiments that are launching to the International Space Center to be performed in microgravity by astronauts on the ISS.” 

Related: SCVi Charter School In Santa Clarita Spotlights Learners’ Film, Aerospace Projects

The experiments are designed in the classroom and submitted for consideration. Selected experiments are conducted in space by NASA scientists while the learners conduct their own post-flight analysis on Earth, Watson explained. 

“They’ve been testing anything from, what are the effects of coffee on teeth in space to, will yeast rise in space,” he said. 

In addition, 8th grade learners from SCVi Charter School in Santa Clarita travelled to Llano to pilot glider planes after studying the history and principles of flight in a mostly classroom-based “ground school.” 

“These are airplanes that have a wingspan of about 50-60 feet,” Watson said. “They are two-seaters, and our kids will be sitting in the front with a licensed pilot behind them.” 

The gliders are towed about one mile high and then released, giving the learners the opportunity to apply the flying principles they’ve learned by piloting the gliders themselves.

“Our kids fly these planes around,” Watson said. “It’s really exciting.” 

To learn more about the aerospace program at SCVi/iLEAD schools, click here. 

Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Community Spotlight based on a recent radio show with SCVi/iLEAD Charter School in Santa Clarita. 

SCVi/iLEAD is a tuition free charter school in Santa Clarita that uses project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. Technology is incorporated into all components of the curriculum, and learners are given a firm grounding in the arts, humanities and sciences. School officials value and encourage development of leadership skills by inspiring character and confidence in learners. SCVi/iLEAD offers transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade, providing a unique learning opportunity for those in need of a kindergarten in Santa Clarita, elementary school in Santa Clarita, jr high in Santa Clarita, middle school in Santa Clarita or high school in Santa Clarita. 

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28060 Hasley Canyon Rd.

Castaic, CA 91384

Lower School: 661-705-4820

Upper School: 661-705-8420

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