NASA Explorer Schools Symposium Showcases Student Research

Ann Marie Trotta

Headquarters, Washington

 

Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

WASHINGTON -- Students from across the nation will gather at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida May 4-7 for the NASA Explorer Schools symposium. Future leaders in science, technology, education and math, or STEM, will present their work to NASA scientists, engineers, fellow students and educators.

The competitively selected group of fourth through 12th-graders consists of 58 students and 29 educators. The various research projects were designed to improve teaching and bolster interest in STEM disciplines.

"NASA's mission of research and discovery is a powerful context for learning," said NASA Explorer Schools Project manager, Rob LaSalvia. "Each year students amaze us with presentations that mirror the work of our scientists and engineers."

The students were required to complete an original investigation focused on existing NASA missions or research interests. Participants presented their work to experts at virtual regional symposia held January through March at NASA centers using the agency's Digital Learning Network.

In addition to presenting their work at the national symposium, participants also will learn more about NASA's research activities and exploration missions. Students will tour a variety of operational facilities at Kennedy, including the space shuttle launch complex.

The NASA Explorer Schools project offers multiple pathways for participation and requires no application process. Teacher participants must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid education certification as an administrator or educator in a nationally accredited education institution within the United States or territories, Department of Defense or State Department schools.

For more information about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.

For more information about NASA's education programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education.

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