NASA Langley Summer of Innovation

4/14/13 2:04 AMNASA - NASA Langley Begins Summer of Innovation Program

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Arter astronaut Jose Hernandez metwith children in North Carolina, onechild remarked "this is the best day ofmy life." Credit: NASA

NASA Langley Begins Summer of Innovation Program 06.21.11

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By: Cheylin Parker, LARRS intern

After its pilot year in 2010, NASA's Summer of Innovation (SoI) is back with more partners and new ways to educate studentsand teachers.

The SoI program is a key part of President Obama's "Educate to Innovate." Through the national initiative, NASA Langleyworks with middle school teachers and students to engage youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematicseducation (STEM).

"The focus of the program is reaching underserved students," says Bonnie Murray, a NASA educator.

This summer, Murray is working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring organization through the Virginia Air and SpaceCenter, and Girls Inc. Marilé Colón Robles, also a NASA educator, works with children whose parents are migratory farmers inNorth Carolina and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

NASA Langley's SoI program is working with several contacts this summerincluding churches, summer camps, Virginia school systems, leadershipacademies and parks and recreation programs.

The program not only engages students, but informal educators as well. DynaeFullwood, an aerospace education specialist, provides training and professionaldevelopment for summer camp leaders.

"The job is to go in and provide the activity leadership for the students," saysFullwood. "I provide the training for the leaders."

LARSS interns, Tiffany Hunter and Chayron Purnell, also receive professionaldevelopment to teach NASA and STEM content.

"I get hands-on experience," says Hunter. "The trainers show how to reach alldifferent types of students."

Although the SoI mission is the same for this summer as it was last, the educators are spending more time with the students.Throughout the summer, the educators plan to spend at least 20 hours with each group of students.

"We're really getting a chance to interact with the students," Murray explains.

The SoI program is also implementing new activities and lessons. The program is providing a series of themes, including lifeand physical science, earth and space science and engineering.

This summer, the content is focused on a mission to Mars. Students will learn how to get to Mars, survive on the planet, andprotect themselves as astronauts.

"Everything is hands-on and engaging," explains Murray. "They’re learning through doing."

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4/14/13 2:04 AMNASA - NASA Langley Begins Summer of Innovation Program

of 2http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/researchernews/rn_summerinnovII.html

The Researcher NewsNASA Langley Research CenterEditor & Curator: Denise LineberryManaging Editor: Jim HodgesExecutive Editor & Responsible NASA Official: Rob Wyman

But it's not only about learning NASA and STEM content. After doing the hands-on activities, students are often moremotivated and inspired.

According to Colón Robles, after a one-on-one session with astronaut José Hernandez in North Carolina on the opening day ofthe SoI program in May, a child said, "this is the best day of my life."

Hunter says, "It's a motivator for kids who didn't think they could work for NASA."

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On May 28, 2012 2:20 AM Guest wrote: 0

Do you have a SOI program for 6 year olds

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