Paper Session III-A - Exploration in the New Millennium: the Educational Experience at the KSC Visitor Complex

Public support for future exploration to Mars and beyond can be greatly enhanced through experiences which stimulate the imagination, satisfy the intellect, and engage the human spirit. At the same time, these factors can have significant impact on influencing young peoples\u27 educational interests, performance, and ultimately, their thinking about what they want to be and what they want to do as they search for their place in the world. Among the most effective vehicles for achieving such experiences are the NASA and NASA-affiliated visitor centers, which provide an environment where the experience can be specifically designed to accomplish these objectives. At these places where families have chosen to invest quality time to the subject of space and its exploration, messages can be delivered unfiltered, and when effectively crafted and executed, the resulting experience will inform, educate, enthuse, and impart a lasting, positive outlook on the value of space exploration and development