A group of student teachers from regional minority serving institutions received professional development training in NASA science technology, engineering and mathematics during a week-long event at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland from June 6 to 10, 2016.
Participants traveled from New Jersey, Delaware and surrounding communities in Maryland to learn about Goddard’s science and educational efforts with a focus on climate and engineering. The student teachers attended presentations by Goddard scientists and engineers and toured facilities such as the Scientific Visualization Studio and the Robotic Operations Center (ROC) of the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office.
“NASA’s compelling science and engineering projects spark teachers’ interests and offer educators unique ways to engage their students in STEM,” said Janie Nall, lead for minority and underrepresented education at Goddard. “The professional development training conducted this week conveys basic engineering and scientific principles and opens the door to continuing to explore NASA STEM.”
The event is part of NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), which aims to improve teaching and learning in STEM disciplines for students from kindergarten to graduate programs. It also helps to ensure that underrepresented and underserved students have the opportunity to participate in NASA education efforts in their pursuit of STEM careers.
“The majority of the students will teach in schools within underrepresented communities,” Nall said. “These schools are in great need of teachers grounded in STEM. The students they impact will have much to contribute to workplace teams that value diversity of thought. Their life experiences can strengthen and support creativity, ingenuity and exploration.”
For more information about MUREP, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/murep/home/index.html
For more information about Goddard’s Office of Education, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/education/index.html
Sarah Schlieder
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.