Middle and high school science curricula should inspire students, be relevant to their futures, and promote critical thinking, teamwork, and global citizenship.

Dr. Trudi’s Astra Nova School Courses

(Grade 4 - 9)

Planets are like dinosaurs. Most humans are really into them when they are young but only a small percentage become paleontologists or space science professionals. Space science courses are one of the easiest subjects to engage students in the physical sciences but they are rarely included in middle and high school curricula.

  • Astrobiology

    Astrobiology is the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This interdisciplinary field requires a comprehensive, integrated understanding of biological, planetary, and cosmic phenomena. Research in astrobiology comprises three main areas: the study of habitable environments in the Solar System and beyond, the search for planetary biosignatures of past or present extraterrestrial life, and the study of the origin and early evolution of life on Earth.

  • Astrogeology

    In this course, students learn about all things astrogeological. Astrogeology studies the geology of the planets and their moons. We learn about geological processes on the terrestrial planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. All topics are covered first from an Earth perspective. That knowledge is then solidified by students sequentially studying sedimentary rocks on Mars and igneous rocks on Mars, Venus and the Moon etc. Students need not have taken astrogeology or earth science courses prior to taking Astrogeology.

  • Planetary Science

    Planetary Science is the place at Astra Nova where planetary geology, geophysics, and planetary mission design/operation all come together under one intellectual roof. We study the surface features and interiors of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Topics covered in semester 3 include the life cycle of stars, craters, moons, planetary missions, rovers, Titan, and Extinction Level Events.

  • Radio Astronomy

    Students learn the basics of radio astronomy and will remotely use the 34 meter Goldstone radio telescope to take part in research and exploration. Goldstone is one of three complexes around the world known as the Deep Space Network (DSN) established to provide the ability to communicate with spacecraft; not only in orbit around the earth, but also in the farther reaches of our solar system. The Deep Space Network complexes, placed 120° apart, provide constant communication with spacecraft as the Earth rotates. Topics include studying black holes/quasars, searching for radio signs of extra-terrestrial Intelligence, and helping to monitor the health of the Juno spacecraft orbiting Jupiter.

  • Terraforming Mars

    Terraforming

    There is no better way to inspire students to become active participants in their own STEM education than learning about Terraforming. It’s also a great way to get students used to thinking about very large and complex scientific and engineering problems from an early age. I’m super thankful to Dr. Jim Green (Former Chief Scientist of NASA) for developing this course with me. Also thanks to Dr. Martyn Fogg (the original creator of Nuke Mars), Dr. Robert Zubrin and Dr. Chris McKay’s pioneering work in this field.

  • Antikythera Computer

    The Trudiverse

    The Trudiverse (named by an awesome past student Seth N.) is a course that covers general physical science concepts and problem solving techniques through a random collection of interesting topics. Students are introduced to weird and little known phenomena in an interdisciplinary framework. Previous topics have included the Antikythera Mechanism, Balls Pyramid, Sailing Stones, Sun Dogs, Arctic sinkholes, Snow Donut formation, Darvaza crater, Frost Flowers and rare meteorological phenomena (Derechoes, Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, and Medicanes). No prior knowledge is required.

  • Asteroid Search Team

    Welcome to Asteroid Search Team where we learn about asteroids and astrometry while searching for unidentified asteroids using professional grade Astrophysical software. Since Dec./2019, my students have made 190+ confirmed preliminary detections and 31 confirmed provisional discoveries. Provisional discoveries are cataloged by NASA's Minor Planet Center with the student listed as the discoverer and granted naming rights. No prior knowledge is required. Data is provided by IASC from Pan-STARRS.

  • Space Entrepreneurship

    With an increasing number of public and private actors involved in the development and provision of space infrastructure and related products and services, the global space economy has been a consistent source of growth, exceeding $400 billion for the first time in 2018. In this class we research the challenges that humans encounter living in space either currently (astronauts residing on the International Space Station (ISS)) or in the future (NASA’s Artemis mission to put humans back on the Moon; humans eventually living on Mars). Working individually or in teams of up to 5, students will create a business solution to their favorite space challenge and write up their solution in the form of a proposal. Classes will be lecture based with time for project work. Taught by Trudi Hoogenboom in collaboration with the Institute of Competitive Sciences (ICS).

  • The Starship Enterprise

    SciComp

    My favorite class to teach is SciComp where students compete in national and international stem competitions. This class teaches proposal writing and project management skills. No lectures, no worksheets, no exams. Just students, forming their own teams, taking control of their own learning experience by choosing their own competitions/topics of interest and running their own projects like junior project managers in training. In this class, teams of students compete in project based international space and general science competitions such as NASA Techrise, MIT THINK, Mars Habitat Design, Conrad Challenge, Space Elevator Competition, Genes in Space, and the Breakthrough Junior Challenge etc.

  • Planetary Research Team

    In this course, students learn how to use JMars (planetary mapping GIS software) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) programs to map cave locations and unidentified glaciers on Mars. This course teaches students how to use existing AI software. AI is rapidly becoming an increasingly integral part of our modern world. The technology landscape is constantly evolving. By learning about AI, students develop adaptability, enabling them to embrace and learn new technologies throughout their lives. Students will also learn how to write conference abstracts, give conference presentations, make and present scientific poster presentations and how to write scientific papers (peer-reviewed).

  • Space Junk

    Orbital Debris

    Orbital Debris is a single semester class where students learn about space junk, its impact on society as well as the basics of satellite communication and spacecraft shielding. 27,000+ pieces of human-made objects are currently being tracked as they orbit the Earth, but that number only includes objects larger than a softball. The actual quantity of space debris 1mm+ is estimated to be closer to 100 million. More than 24,000 satellites are set to launch in the next 10 years. While this represents great progress for the space economy and human space exploration, significant scientific and engineering challenges needs to be solved.

  • Exoplanets

    In this course, we learn about exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) while simultaneously searching for previously undiscovered planets outside of our solar system. Exoplanets are a great way to learn about the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will observe transiting exoplanets, reduce and analyze their own light curve data, and then upload their results to the AAVSO Exoplanet Database. Successful participants will earn an author's credit on published scientific papers resulting from their discovery. To be clear, it's much easier to find an asteroid compared to an Exoplanet and you don't get to name any Exoplanets that you find. Do not choose this class unless your persistance skills are strong:)

  • Climate Science

    In this course will be learning about climate science on Earth, Venus and Mars as well participating in the ClimateClimate Science Olympiad 2023Science Olympiad 2023. Some of the topics we will be covering include the causes of climate change (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels), climate projections and clean energy. This class is open to all ages. This class includes additional material from climatescience.org

  • Caves in Ganymede

    Planetary Science Internship

    One of my favorite things to do is to work on currently relevant planetary science research projects with academically focused Grade 8 - 12 students. I usually come up with the research project idea and then work with a student individually. It’s a great way for students to gain deep knowledge in a space science topic/s and also get something tangible out of it (like a peer-reviewed publication or conference abstract).

  • Science Bowl Co-Coach

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl® is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Middle and high school student teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format, being tested on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. Science Bowl is a great way to teach team-work and team communication skills as well as increasing the speed of fundamental science knowledge recall.

  • Martian Greenhouse Co-Coach

    Middle and high school student teams work together for a collaborative learning adventure. Each team designs a Martian Greenhouse via experiential, hands-on, and applied learning. The goal is to find solutions to enable us to overcome the technical and scientific challenges of producing food for human habitation on Mars. The majority of professional careers involve working with others to achieve common goals. Learning how to collaborate effectively in a student setting prepares individuals for the collaborative nature of the workplace.

  • Math

    Pre-Algebra Support

    The objective of Pre-Algebra is to prepare students for the study of Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Topics in pre-algebra include operations on real numbers; simplifying expressions; solving first-degree equations, inequalities and application problems; graphing linear equations; simplifying exponents; operations on polynomials; and factoring polynomials.

Student Science Competition Successes

If you have the opportunity to incorporate competitions into your science curriculum, do it! Watching your students take charge of their own learning, persevere and succeed is amazing.

When you make the finding yourself - even if you're the last person on Earth to see the light - you'll never forget it.

Carl Sagan (Cosmos)

Middle and High School Student Publications (Peer-reviewed), Abstracts and Conference Presentations

Education is changing. The majority of the planet has a device in front of them containing a large percentage of the knowledge of humanity. AI will become more prevalent. I’m hoping this new era of education will put an end to rote memorization (except for math facts) and allow students to really dig into the topics that they are interested in.

  • 2023 SmallSat Education Conference Presentation

    Sean B and Brian B. presented their work on “Space environmentalism and Planetary defense: How Satellites Improve our Understanding of Our Universe” at the SmallSat Education Conference at Kennedy Space Center.

  • 2023 Goldschmidt Conference Presentation

    Liam W, Malak E-T, Saryu B, Mika N, Leland W, Amalia B, Nova H and Thaman V, presented the results of their phosphine detection instrument design research at the 2023 Goldschmidt Conference in Lyon, France.

    Warburton, L., El Tarabeishy, M., Hagen, N., Nonaka, M., Bapatla, S., Battle, A., and Venigalla, T., Phosphine and Trace Gas Measurement Instrument Design in the Earth's Troposphere and Stratosphere, #19003, Goldschmidt (Lyon France) 2023

  • 2023 Humans to Mars Summit Conference Presentation

    Brian B. presented his work on mitigating space debris at the 2023 Humans to Mars Summit in Washington DC. Thanks to all the scientists and mentors like Lori S. Glaze and Artemis Westenberg who volunteer their time to encourage and support students who love space.

  • 2022 Martian Greenhouse 3.0

    The Martian Greenhouse Project 3.0 (from One Voice 4 Change in collaboration with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Aldrin Family Foundation) brings international middle and high school student teams together for a collaborative learning adventure. Each team designs a Martian Greenhouse via experiential, hands-on, and applied learning. The goal is to find solutions to enable us to overcome the technical and scientific challenges of producing food for human habitation on Mars. The top 10 teams presented their Martian Greenhouse designs at the Mars Society Convention.

    Mars Society Conference Presentation: Kaitlyn F., Leonid V., Mika N., Saryu B., Sumedha K. and Victoria H.

  • Planetary Caves: A Solar System View of Processes and Products

    J. Wynne, J. Mylroie, T. Titus, M. Malaska, D. Buczkowski, P. Buhler, P. Byrne, G. Cushing, A. Davies, A. Frumkin, C. Hansen-Koharcheck, V. Hiatt, J. Hofgartner, T. Hoogenboom, U. Horodyskyj, K. Hughson, L. Kerber, M. Landis, E. Leonard, E. Lesage, A. Lucchetti, M. Massironi, K. Mitchell, L. Penasa, C. Phillips, R. Pozzobon, J. Radebaugh, F. Sauro, R. Wagner, T. Watters

  • NSS

    Under development

  • 2021 Martian Greenhouse 2.0

    The Martian Greenhouse Project 2.0, (One Voice 4 Change in collaboration with the American Institute of Aeronautics (AIAA) and the Aldrin Family Foundation) brings international middle and high school student teams together for a collaborative learning adventure. Each team designs a Martian Greenhouse via experiential, hands-on, and applied learning. The goal is to find solutions to enable us to overcome the technical and scientific challenges of producing food for human habitation on Mars. The top 10 teams presented their Martian Greenhouse designs at the 2021 AIAA Conference.

    AIAA Conference Presentation: Saryu B., Kaitlyn F., Victoria H., Sumedha K., Mika N., and Leonid V

Photos Taken by Grade 5-9 Students from the International Space Station using EarthKAM

Students find learning about dendritic river systems, sand dunes, cloud patterns, weather systems, solar farming, and the hydrologic cycle etc, much more engaging if they discover it for themselves by capturing their own photographs from space.

  • ISS Supply Mission

    Image: Kian K.

  • 26.43° N, 94.61° W

    2020/274/19:33:44 (GMT)

    Orbit 838

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.83

    Frame Height (km) 38.61

    Nadir 26.43° N, 94.61° W

    Center 26.43° N, 94.61° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Newfoundland/Labrador

    2020/274/19:43:42 (GMT)

    Orbit 838

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.20

    Frame Height (km) 38.95

    Nadir 48.76° N, 56.29° W

    Center 48.76° N, 56.29° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Virginia, United States

    2020/275/18:51:18 (GMT)

    Orbit 853

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.99

    Frame Height (km) 38.75

    Nadir 37.04° N, 76.34° W

    Center 37.04° N, 76.34° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • New Mexico, USA

    2020/275/20:22:30 (GMT)

    Orbit 854

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.94

    Frame Height (km) 38.71

    Nadir 32.70° N, 105.61° W

    Center 32.70° N, 105.61° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • New Mexico, USA

    2020/275/20:22:48 (GMT)

    Orbit 854

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.94

    Frame Height (km) 38.69

    Nadir 33.49° N, 104.66° W

    Center 33.49° N, 104.66° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Wisconsin, United States

    2020/275/20:26:55 (GMT)

    Orbit 854

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.09

    Frame Height (km) 38.86

    Nadir 43.18° N, 89.47° W

    Center 43.18° N, 89.47° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Idaho, United States

    2020/275/21:59:31 (GMT)

    Orbit 855

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.07

    Frame Height (km) 38.87

    Nadir 42.55° N, 114.35° W

    Center 42.55° N, 114.35° W

    Image: Dylan H.

  • Idaho, United States

    2020/275/21:59:43 (GMT)

    Orbit 855

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.11

    Frame Height (km) 38.86

    Nadir 42.97° N, 113.52° W

    Center 42.97° N, 113.52° W

    Image: Miles O.

  • Idaho, United States

    2020/275/21:59:55 (GMT)

    Orbit 855

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.12

    Frame Height (km) 38.88

    Nadir 43.38° N, 112.66° W

    Center 43.38° N, 112.66° W

    Image: Miles O.

  • Wyoming, United States

    2020/275/22:00:22 (GMT)

    Orbit 855

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.12

    Frame Height (km) 38.88

    Nadir 44.28° N, 110.71° W

    Center 44.28° N, 110.71° W

    Image: Pasha S, Winston L & Miles O.

  • Australia, Oceania

    2020/275/23:05:34 (GMT)

    Orbit 856

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 59.14

    Frame Height (km) 39.53

    Nadir 33.69° S, 150.95° E

    Center 33.69° S, 150.95° E

    Image: Anthony H.

  • British Columbia

    2020/276/01:13:42 (GMT)

    Orbit 857

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.29

    Frame Height (km) 39.01

    Nadir 51.76° N, 117.06° W

    Center 51.76° N, 117.06° W

    Image: Dylan H. & Julian D.

  • 20.01° S, 117.48° E

    2020/276/02:16:18 (GMT)

    Orbit 858

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.52

    Frame Height (km) 39.09

    Nadir 20.01° S, 117.48° E

    Center 20.01° S, 117.48° E

    Image: Dylan H.

  • 11.64° N, 140.81° E

    2020/276/02:26:46 (GMT)

    Orbit 858

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.80

    Frame Height (km) 38.59

    Nadir 11.64° N, 140.81° E

    Center 11.64° N, 140.81° E

    Image: Anthony H.

  • Oman, Asia

    2020/276/08:42:30 (GMT)

    Orbit 862

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.82

    Frame Height (km) 38.59

    Nadir 23.79° N, 56.30° E

    Center 23.79° N, 56.30° E

    Image: Kian K.

  • India, Asia

    2020/278/07:11:48 (GMT)

    Orbit 892

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 57.84

    Frame Height (km) 38.68

    Nadir 29.89° N, 74.08° E

    Center 29.89° N, 74.08° E

    Image: Dylan H.

  • Brazil, South America

    2020/278/13:08:25 (GMT)

    Orbit 896

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.29

    Frame Height (km) 38.87

    Nadir 14.8° S, 55.44° W

    Center 14.8° S, 55.44° W

    Image: Emerson M.

  • Cygnus NG-18 (top right)

    The Cygnus NG-18 launched on 7 November 2022 and was captured by the ISS (International Space Station) soon after this photo was taken. If you look closely, it only has one of its solar panels deployed as the other malfunctioned. NG-18 is the 18th flight of the Northrop Grumman robotic resupply spacecraft Cygnus and its 16th flight to the ISS under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contract with NASA.

    Image: Thaman V.

  • Hawaii, United States

    Time Taken (GMT) 2022/312/16:45:09

    Orbit 758

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 192.47

    Frame Height (km) 127.63

    Nadir 19.94° N, 155.02° W

    Center 19.94° N, 155.02° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Falkland Islands

    Time Taken (GMT) 2022/312/17:14:44

    Orbit 758

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 200.71

    Frame Height (km) 133.56

    Nadir 51.78° S, 57.78° W

    Center 51.78° S, 57.78° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Chile, South America

    Time Taken (GMT) 2022/312/22:05:04

    Orbit 761

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 196.57

    Frame Height (km) 130.48

    Nadir 34.19° S, 72.05° W

    Center 34.19° S, 72.05° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    Time Taken (GMT) 2022/312/23:08:18

    Orbit 762

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 195.61

    Frame Height (km) 129.68

    Nadir 15.6° S, 136.89° E

    Center 15.6° S, 136.89° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    Time Taken (GMT) 2022/312/23:09:15

    Orbit 762

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 195.99

    Frame Height (km) 129.96

    Nadir 18.41° S, 139.15° E

    Center 18.41° S, 139.15° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    Time Taken (GMT) 2022/312/23:09:15

    Orbit 762

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 195.99

    Frame Height (km) 129.96

    Nadir 18.41° S, 139.15° E

    Center 18.41° S, 139.15° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/312/23:10:25 (GMT)

    Orbit 762

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 196.53

    Frame Height (km) 130.31

    Nadir 21.82° S, 142.03° E

    Center 21.82° S, 142.03° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/312/23:11:46 (GMT)

    Orbit 762

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 197.12

    Frame Height (km) 130.83

    Nadir 25.67° S, 145.55° E

    Center 25.67° S, 145.55° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • New Zealand

    2022/312/23:19:03 (GMT)

    Orbit 762

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 199.91

    Frame Height (km) 132.84

    Nadir 43.74° S, 170.33° E

    Center 43.74° S, 170.33° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/313/00:44:09 (GMT)

    Orbit 763

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 196.92

    Frame Height (km) 130.57

    Nadir 24.36° S, 120.72° E

    Center 24.36° S, 120.72° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/313/00:44:29 (GMT)

    Orbit 763

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 197.04

    Frame Height (km) 130.71

    Nadir 25.3° S, 121.60° E

    Center 25.3° S, 121.60° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/313/00:44:57 (GMT)

    Orbit 763

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 197.22

    Frame Height (km) 130.84

    Nadir 26.62° S, 122.87° E

    Center 26.62° S, 122.87° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Chad, Africa

    2022/313/05:08:53 (GMT)

    Orbit 766

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 192.35

    Frame Height (km) 127.48

    Nadir 17.13° N, 18.52° E

    Center 17.13° N, 18.52° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/313/07:23:34 (GMT)

    Orbit 767

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 195.93

    Frame Height (km) 130.07

    Nadir 30.45° S, 150.78° E

    Center 30.45° S, 150.78° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/313/08:58:47 (GMT)

    Orbit 768

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 194.68

    Frame Height (km) 129.12

    Nadir 23.85° S, 133.78° E

    Center 23.85° S, 133.78° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Argentina, S. America

    2022/313/13:10:15 (GMT)

    Orbit 771

    Lens (mm) 50.00

    Frame Width (km) 198.36

    Frame Height (km) 131.65

    Nadir 33.43° S, 58.46° W

    Center 33.43° S, 58.46° W

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/315/08:55:44 (GMT)

    Orbit 799

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.46

    Frame Height (km) 39.07

    Nadir 27.4° S, 118.97° E

    Center 27.4° S, 118.97° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/315/08:56:48 (GMT)

    Orbit 799

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.37

    Frame Height (km) 38.94

    Nadir 24.39° S, 121.86° E

    Center 24.39° S, 121.86° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/315/08:57:07 (GMT)

    Orbit 799

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.30

    Frame Height (km) 38.90

    Nadir 23.49° S, 122.69° E

    Center 23.49° S, 122.69° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/315/08:57:47 (GMT)

    Orbit 799

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.20

    Frame Height (km) 38.80

    Nadir 21.57° S, 124.39° E

    Center 21.57° S, 124.39° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

  • Australia

    2022/315/08:58:30 (GMT)

    Orbit 799

    Lens (mm) 180.00

    Frame Width (km) 58.03

    Frame Height (km) 38.69

    Nadir 19.48° S, 126.18° E

    Center 19.48° S, 126.18° E

    Image: Astra Nova Student

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Student Artwork sent to the International Space Station (ISS)

Thanks to ICE CUBES and Metavisionaries for sending my students artwork to the ISS with Project Maleth

From Students