At OLHMS, students are blasting off into a world of discovery as they learn about NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed journey to the Moon in more than half a century. Guided by NASA Solar System Ambassador and media specialist Mrs. Heather McCarthy, students are transforming their curiosity into hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Seventh graders have taken center stage in this cross-curricular experience. In science, they’ve been diving into NASA space videos and working through LEGO Education’s Ready to Launch curriculum, building an understanding of rockets, engineering, and the mission that will send humans around the Moon. Over in ELA, students are extending their learning through nonfiction texts about colonizing Mars, sparking conversations about what life beyond Earth could truly look like.
The OLHMS library has become mission control. Students rotate through a space-themed reading station, design their own space mission logos, and build cardboard spacecraft creations that reflect what they’ve learned. Many students have found inspiration in the real-life milestones of Artemis II.
“I was excited to learn that Artemis II will include the first woman and the first person of color on a mission to the Moon,” said seventh grader Willie J. The historic crew has helped students see how space exploration is becoming more inclusive and representative.
Creativity is also soaring. “Using the Solar System Ambassador logo as a starting point, I redesigned it to include OLHMS and created a Mustang-inspired space logo that shows our school spirit,” shared Brooklynn Maselli, whose design blends NASA’s mission with the pride of being a Mustang.
Mrs. McCarthy, who brings NASA updates and space insights directly to the school, loves watching students take the lead. “Learning about Artemis II allows our OLHMS students to witness history in the making,” she said. “In the library, we use moments like this to spark curiosity and help students see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and explorers.”
Through creativity, research, and hands-on exploration, OLHMS students aren’t just learning about Artemis II—they’re imagining their own futures among the stars.
