— In life, John Glenn served his country while advancing science. Now his legacy as a Marine, NASA astronaut and U.S. senator is being served up as an innovative kit designed to encourage students to follow in his footsteps.

The new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox from the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, is a hands-on science package that explores STEAM (science, technology, engineerings, the arts and mathematics) concepts while also embracing the value of civil service. The latest in COSI's Learning Lunchbox series, the Glenn edition was developed in partnership with The Ohio State University's John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

"We all wanted to honor Senator Glenn's remarkable life in a way that would resonate with the next generation of leaders and learners," said Frederic Bertley, COSI's president and CEO, in an interview with collectSPACE. "As a pioneer in both space and public service, we saw the Learning Lunchbox as the perfect platform to blend STEAM education with lessons in civility, leadership and civic engagement."

Recently launched with a group of eighth-grade students who attended a special event at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, the John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox includes an activity book and all that is needed to take part in seven immersive experiences. The kit's contents include safety glasses, scissors, vinegar, baking soda, dish soap and more. Among the activities are launching rockets and mapping orbits.

As one of NASA's Mercury astronauts, Glenn became the first American to circle Earth while in space in 1962. Thirty-six years later, he returned to orbit, taking part in medical and material research experiments on the space shuttle. Glenn retains the record for the oldest person to enter orbit at the age of 77.

The lunchbox, though, is not only themed to space. It also has activities inspired by Glenn's four terms as a senator representing the state of Ohio.

"Beyond the hands-on science experiments, we included interactive civics-based activities that empower students to engage in real-world issues. For example, students are encouraged to write letters to elected officials and practice respectful debate and public speaking," said Bertley. "These exercises are designed to foster empathy, strengthen leadership skills and build confidence in civil discourse."

"By simulating interactions with policymakers and addressing social issues, we hope that students will gain a deeper understanding of democratic processes, and their role in shaping the future," he said. "There is also an activity focused on linguistics, celebrating the advocacy of [Glenn's late wife] Annie Glenn, who was a champion for those with communication disorders."

Since launching the Learning Lunchbox program in 2020, COSI has distributed nearly 400,000 kits to children and families across the country and world. The series includes three other space-themed kits, including one focused on NASA's Artemis program and its goals to return astronauts to the moon and help prepare for the human exploration on Mars.

The John Glenn kits are currently only available to donors, whose support makes possible the distribution of the lunchboxes to students.

"The first donor orders were recently received during Catalyst, COSI's marquee fundraiser, on May 19," said Bertley. "The event included the presentation of the annual John Glenn Inspiration Award recognizing an individual who has dedicated their life to inspiring others for the benefit of humankind. This year's award winner was Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide."

Although the Learning Lunchboxes feature a photo of Glenn during his time as a Mercury astronaut, they are not intended to be collectibles. Students do get to keep the materials they use during the activities, but the aim, according to Bertley, is for students to walk away with memorable lessons, new skills and a sense of inspiration that sticks with them long after the activities are done.

A similar sentiment is mirrored in a quote printed inside the John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox, attributed to its namesake.

"To me, there is no greater calling," reads the quote from Glenn. "If I can inspire young people to dedicate themselves to the good of mankind, I've accomplished something."