Wed, Mar 18, 2009
Two Teachers Part Of STS-119 Crew
"I touch the future; I teach" are
the inspiring words often quoted by the woman who was to be the
United States' first Teacher-in-Space, Christa McAuliffe.
Challenger Center for Space Science Education is thrilled to see
Christa's dreams fulfilled by former science and math teachers Joe
Acaba and Ricky Arnold, who are now officially "Educator
Astronauts" in orbit around the Earth onboard to the International
Space Station.
The primary objective of
the 28th mission to the International Space
Station is to deliver the final set of solar array
wings and truss elements that are needed to complete the station's
electricity generating systems. Teacher-turned-astronaut Acaba will
conduct two spacewalks helping with the installation of the space
station components. Teacher-turned-astronaut Arnold will help to
install equipment provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency.
"Space is a great hook for educators around the globe to engage
students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
curriculum. That's what happens every day at Challenger Learning
Centers!" said Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, Founding Chairman of
Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
"The Space program helps to invigorate science education by
combining hands on learning with the thrill of exploration and
discovery. Teachers have the innate ability to breakdown these
complex subjects and present them in an understandable and
inspiring way," added Challenger Center President Daniel Barstow.
"Educator Astronauts Acaba and Arnold's mission follows in the
footsteps of Barbara Morgan's successes on STS118 and serves as a
reminder of the awesome role that educators play in our lives."
In the 23 years since its founding this program has grown to a
network of over 50 Challenger Learning Centers that has
collectively engaged and inspired over 8 million students, taking
them on simulated space missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and
beyond.
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