| *** JULY 2005 *** |
| NASA SELECTS TOP TEACHERS FOR NEW AIRSPACE SYSTEMS EDUCATION COHORT |
| After a nationwide search for the most talented, motivated, and creative educators, NASA has selected 20 teachers to become the first class in the Airspace Systems Education Cohort (ASEC). Assembled from the nation's K-12 classrooms, the group of award-winning teachers will visit NASA Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley Aug. 3-7 for hands-on training in aeronautics and space research during the ASEC Summer Institute. The selected teachers endured a rigorous and competitive selection process, involving nearly 100 applicants who were reviewed by a committee of NASA researchers, educators, and program managers. During their visit, the teachers will tour a variety of airspace system facilities, including the Crew Vehicle System Research Facility, FutureFlight Central, and the Air Traffic Control Research Laboratories. They will hear presentations by NASA researchers and observe demonstrations of advanced research and technology related to airspace systems. They will also participate in a variety of hands-on workshops to become trained in the related NASA educational activities... |
| NASA QUEST CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO STUDY MARS ON EARTH |
| As NASA turns its attention to preparing for human travel to the Moon and Mars, there are many hurdles to overcome. This fall, the NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and NASA Quest will open the school year with a challenge to students, primarily in grades 5-8, to work with NASA scientists to design solutions to these obstacles. During October and November, students are invited to join NASA researchers Jennifer Heldmann, William J. Clancey and Chris McKay and other leading scientists as they embark on a Mars analog study at California's Lassen Volcanic National Park. By studying snowfields in the park, scientists hope to learn more about the development and use of technologies needed to help understand and explore the moon and Mars. They will also learn about polar ice caps and the possible life that could exist there... |