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Course

High School: Deep Space Base Building

SCI-90050

Explore space survival essentials, design your own extraterrestrial haven.

 

Building a base to sustain human explorers in space or on another planet is the next frontier in space exploration. Research what it takes to support human life and then design your own space base. Students will get an introduction to space environmental research as they learn about the conditions in space and on the different types of planets. They will also research the technology that is currently available to keep humans alive in space. Then students will design a base for explorers in space or on another planet. Students will have the option of learning to use the open-source program Blender to create a 3D representation of their base. In addition to learning about space exploration, students will acquire basic-research skills, including identifying authoritative materials, using different search methods and conducting database research.

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to do basic research using peer-reviewed sources and where to find space-specific resources.
  • Become familiar with the environmental characteristics of the planets in our solar system.
  • Understand the materials and construction methods that can be used for space survival.
  • Survey past and future endeavors in space exploration.
  • Create a space base design and share it using either a traditional research presentation or a 3D model created with Blender.

Course Information

Live Online
1.50 units
$175.00

Course sessions

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Section ID:

188821

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 5/31/2025
  • 1st meeting mandatory
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
7/7/2025 Mon 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/8/2025 Tue 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/9/2025 Wed 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/10/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/11/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
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Instructor: Joseph Kennedy

Joseph Kennedy
Born in New York and raised in San Diego, Joseph F. Kennedy is an architectural designer and fine artist. Joseph is well-known for his writing, photography and ink illustrations in the award-winning Art of Natural Building and other publications. He is a two-time winner of publication grants from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts. He has taught design around the world in both community and academic settings, most recently as a professor at the NewSchool of Architecture in San Diego, where he taught architectural design studio and graphic representation for many years. He is a pioneer in the natural building and tiny house movements, and is currently developing new ideas for creating sustainable communities, not only on Earth, but on the Moon and Mars as well.
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