Academy’s partnership with NASA to foster out-of-this world opportunities

Observer Staff

5/19/2006 12:00:00 AM

Saginaw Chippewa Academy students are now part of a partnership that could be described as "far out."

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration recently welcomed 26 new NASA Explorer Schools to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"I think it's awesome," stated Early Childhood Coordinator Leanne Barton "I'm really proud of the staff that have been involved with the application process and now are scheduled to be a part of different training levels for the next three years. Science and technology are some of the program's major focuses and we are in desperate need of a technology program. This will just be the boost we need for providing a more well-rounded education."

NASA Explorer Schools provide unique opportunities designed to engage and educate the future scientists who may someday help advance U.S. scientific interests through space exploration.

Part of NASA's elementary and secondary programs, the schools look to attract and retain students in science and technical fields through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers, and administrators. NASA's 150 Explorer Schools' teams, which primarily come from minority and under represented communities, represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Selected schools are eligible to receive up to $17,500 during the three-year partnership to help buy technology tools. The program also provides educators and students with content-specific activities that can be used in many local and state curricula to excite students about science and math.

The NASA Explorer Schools program was chosen as one of the "Top Innovations in American Government Awards for 2006" by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Besides SCA, the only other school selected on May 5 in Michigan was Jackson's Middle School at Parkside. In 2004 the Ann Arbor Public Schools' Mitchell Elementary and Scarlett middle schools, as well as Detroit's Elizabeth Courville Elementary were named NASA Explorer Schools in 2004.

This "pipeline" strategic initiative promotes and supports the incorporation of NASA content and programs into science, technology and mathematics curricula in classroom grades 4-9 across the United States.

Targeting underserved populations in diverse geographic locations, NASA Explorer Schools will bring together educators, administrators, students and families in sustained involvement with NASA's education programs.

Teams composed of full-time teachers and a school administrator develop and implement a three-year action plan to address local challenges in science, technology and mathematics education. This customized professional development plan will be available based on needs assessments and delivered through on-site school services and via distance-learning networks. Program elements for the NASA Explorer Schools include:

� Summer professional development workshops for teams of teachers and school administrators at the nine NASA Field Centers and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; one week of intensive training provides opportunities to begin integration of NASA content into existing school curricula and culminates in the development and implementation of action plans to meet local education challenges.

� Ongoing research-based professional development during the school year, in collaboration with organizational partners and other federal agencies; this activity, coordinated by a network of teacher leaders and trainers, includes NASA aerospace education specialists, Space Grant consortia, educator resource centers and NASA Education networks.

� Student programs that provide opportunities for active participation in research, problem solving and design challenges relating to NASA's missions and involve students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics explorations to encourage the use of scientific tools and methods; challenges will be grade-specific, supporting national and state standards. In addition, in-flight opportunities and competitions will provide access to unique NASA resources and personnel.

� The NASA Explorer Schools Web site includes NASA resources; science, technology and mathematics investigations; collaborative tools; and opportunities to share student and school program results.

� A grant to each school will support the purchase of technology tools, online services and inservice support for the integration of technology applications to engage students in science and mathematics investigations.

� Family involvement in student educational growth, achievement and career exploration is the responsibility of the NES teams locally for school and home experiences developed in cooperation with NASA assets; online opportunities will be available through the NASA Explorer Schools Web site.