McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

In Concord, NH there is a great place that is a tribute to 2 New Hampshire space pioneers: Alan Shepard, America’s first astronaut to travel into space, and NASA’s teacher-in-space, Christa McAuliffe.  This small discovery center is filled with many hands-on activities that teach families about space.  It is a fun place to spend a few hours.  A few of our favorite experiences included:

 

Picture Yourself in Infrared:

In this exhibit you stand against a wall and the infrared camera will display your body on a screen in infrared light.  As you move you can see your body moving on the screen.  The girls loved dancing around as their shape changed on the screen.

 

 

Living and Working in Space:

This is one of our favorite sections.  It’s amazing to picture people living in outer space and the tools required to get the simple jobs done. They loved learning about how much muscle you lose in space and how quickly it happens.  The simulation on the stationary bike helped them understand the change in muscle strength.  Of course there was nothing more entertaining than the toilet used in space!

 

Landing a Shuttle Craft:

My girls love to take turns sitting in the cockpit and use the flight simulator to make a perfect landing.  They listen to directions given by the flight instructor and try to land the shuttle craft.  There is also a great simulator where you land a lunar module. 

 

Weather Area:

Another favorite is the section that is all about weather.  In this area you can stand in front of a green screen and read the weather off of a teleprompter.  You can then watch your recorded weather report.  You can read all about people that have weather-related jobs and how they got to their position.  You can also see what weather is like on other planets in a hands-on display. 

Planetarium:

The discovery center has a wonderful planetarium.  It is very inexpensive and they have shows that are good for all members of the family.  Certain shows may be more appropriate for younger children so you may want to choose one that fits their interest.  Some shows that are currently playing include:

Dawn of the Space Age

Cosmic Origins

Magic Tree House Space Mission

 

Tips:

• Located at 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH
• Public Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30-4:00
• There are different hours in summer and school vacations.
• Admission: Adults $10, Children (3-12) $7, Seniors $9 Students (age 13 through college) $9
• Planetarium shows are $5 per person.