NASA Excursion – Orlando, USA
Sydney Technical High School offers students the opportunity to take part in an extraordinary international STEM learning experience through our NASA Excursion to Orlando, Florida.
This program has run successfully in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2024, offering students in Years 9–12 the chance to explore the frontiers of science, technology, engineering, and space exploration.
A Journey into Space and STEM
The highlight of the excursion is a three-day immersive experience at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where students:
View the Atlantis Space Shuttle and participate in a life-size shuttle launch simulator
Explore the James Webb and Hubble telescope exhibits and view deep space IMAX films
Attend astronaut talks and explore the Apollo, Shuttle, and Artemis programs
Visit the Vehicle Assembly Building and active launch pads, including witnessing a live Falcon 9 rocket launch
Complete an astronaut training day, including virtual Mars exploration and mission simulations
These experiences bring Stage 6 science content to life and offer a powerful insight into future pathways in space science, physics, and engineering.
STEM Meets Innovation
Beyond NASA, the program features visits to leading educational attractions including:
Universal Studios: Engineering-focused backstage tours, ride physics demonstrations, and special effects sound stage visits
Disney Parks: Interactive workshops on storytelling, innovation, and STEM in entertainment design
SeaWorld and Animal Kingdom: Guided safaris, keeper talks, and ecological experiences aligned with biology and geography content
Students explore the science of ride systems, including the use of electromagnetic braking, mass-based launch calibration, and energy efficiency in motion design.
More Than a Science Tour
The NASA Excursion blends hands-on learning, cultural enrichment, and team-building:
Students attend theme dinners and live performances
Explore the natural wildlife of Florida, observing manatees, alligators, and Arctic species
Represent Sydney Tech with distinction—receiving praise for their conduct, enthusiasm, and curiosity
Our most recent 2024 tour saw 74 students and 6 staff undertake the journey, returning with lifelong memories and a deeper connection to science in action.
This unique opportunity inspires students to aim higher, think critically, and imagine bold futures. The NASA Excursion is just one of the many ways Sydney Technical High School brings learning to life beyond the classroom.
