August 18, 1999 X-Press Issue

25 teachers experience the wonders of Dryden

NASA Photo by Tom Tschida

Lakhsm Kambampti and Julie Effertz are involved in a aerodynamics lesson during the teacher workshop. Twenty-five teachers came for the workshop that shows them Dryden and helps them incorporate aerospace and NASA projects into math, science and technology lessons.

NASA Photo by Tom Tschida

Chris Champion, Barbara Barker, and Jerry Kelley learn about life support systems.

NASA Photo by Tom Tschida

Teachers tour the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, at left.

NASA Photo by Tom Tschida

Robert Navarro tells teachers about F-18 Systems Research Aircraft.

By Natalie Davis
Special to the X-Press

Today's students are the future and it's in the hands of teachers to ensure the lessons are well learned.

Twice a year Dryden's Education Office conducts two-week-long teacher workshops showing teachers how to enthusiastically bring NASA materials into the classroom.

"I can't believe all we have gotten to do. Each day is filled with new and exciting things. Being at NASA is something I will never forget and I'll be able to benefit from for a long time to come," said Glynis Grostephan, teacher for gifted and talented students at Saint Paul Public School, Saint Paul, Minn.

Teachers come from different backgrounds and grade levels, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. Dryden's goal is to show teachers how to use NASA's materials and services.

Throughout the two weeks teachers saw things many people do not, such as the X-38, a NASA 747, an SR-71 takeoff, the X-33 Advanced Technology Demonstrator and its launch site, and the High Desert Tracon, an air traffic tracking station.

"The Dryden experience can't be explained. It's surreal, but at the same time so real to what the education world is about. All teachers should have the chance to attend these workshops," said Kathleen Kannenberg, a Milwaukee, Wis. teacher.

Along with seeing what is offered at Dryden, educators also were given classroom materials, videos, and ideas on how to integrate NASA into the science, math, technical, and geographical classrooms. While at Dryden, the Education Resource Center (ERC) supplied products and support for the workshops, along with lunar and meteorite sample loan certification. This way the teachers can use the rocks for a short time at their schools.

"The teachers are always wonderful groups. They have been very respectful on the tours, to the presenters, and to their instructors. We hope we filled their expectations for an exhilarating workshop. We encourage them to capture the energy of NASA Dryden and its research missions, so they are able to carry the same excitement back to their classrooms," said Marianne McCarthy, Dryden Education Pre-College Officer.

The workshop keeps teachers busy all day long. Hundreds of rolls of film and hours of video were taken throughout the two weeks, capturing the workshop's value. Speakers and demonstrations continue to add to the educators' knowledge. Teachers found their inner child while making airplanes and testing paper helicopters. At the same time, they learned how to apply this to their classroom instruction, no matter what the grade level.

After the two-week period the teachers and Dryden will continue working together. All members of the workshop receive information on the latest news, grants, products and services. The Aerospace Education Services Program (AESP) will go to the schools and perform workshops for teachers and students. Dryden's Meri Kock, AESP Specialist, continues the NASA experience through her demonstrations and lessons at various schools and other workshops, provided by Dryden.

"Each time we conduct workshops they are a Center accomplishment. The support from everyone at Dryden made it possible. It is so important to let teachers know the commitment Dryden has to education. NASA is helping students stay interested in subjects that students sometimes lose interest in," said Michelle Davis, Aerospace Education Specialist.