By Grace Stumpf & Raegan Brown
DreamUp to Space is a project that challenges young people to understand and explore the impact that microgravity has on matter. Through a partnership with DreamUp, iLEAD learners in grades 5-12 are inspired to develop the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and propose an experiment that could be run on the International Space Station.
In July of 2020, two teams from iLEAD Schools were selected for flight in the 2020 DreamUp to Space Virtual Mission & Experiment Design Challenge. Currently, learners from across the network were selected and are now collaborating on these two “Launch Teams” — Team Carrot and Team Vigna Radiata — in preparation for a spring launch of their experiments to the International Space Station.
Each learner has unique interests, strengths, and goals to bring to each team. We’d like to introduce you to our team members! Today we’re introducing Connor Morris, Team Vigna Radiata.
Connor Morris is a 5th grader at iLEAD Agua Dulce. He enjoys learning about space and all the new discoveries the space industry is making. His favorite book series is Percy Jackson, and someday he hopes to be a stuntman! In the meantime, he enjoys fishing with his dad, riding his scooter, and watching a YouTube channel called VideoFromSpace. His favorite foods: pizza, McDonald’s, and Jersey Mike’s. Connor’s tip for other learners who might be a part of DreamUp one day is to make sure you have mastered all your concepts you learn in the first part of the project.
We were given the opportunity to ask Connor a few questions.
What are some of the things you do in your spare time?
“Flips on my trampoline, video games, skating at the skate park, and riding my mountain bike.”
Who do you look up to?
“I look up to my parents because they are nice and loving.”
What do you think is one of the best things about space?
“Being able to look up at the stars at night knowing I’m looking into the past.”
What is your favorite animal and why?
“My favorite animal is a dog because they’re soft and cute but will do anything to protect their owners.”
Learn more about Connor’s DreamUp Launch Team Vigna radiata here!
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