Rockets carry humans and robots on the quest to learn more about the solar system. Weatherford’s Stafford Air & Space Museum and NASA will give area educators the chance to learn more about basic rocket science and the solar system in a special free workshop to be held on March 11.
NASA is currently working on the Constellation Program, which will replace the current space shuttle and plans to return humans to the Moon and beyond. NASA Aerospace Education Specialist, Mike McGlone will present a free workshop aimed at current and future teachers entitled Rockets Through the Solar System.
The morning workshop will cover basic rocket science and offer attendees the chance to build different types of rockets that can be easily and inexpensively made and launched indoors. This workshop will include the new NASA Rockets educator guide produced especially for K‑12 teachers to help them utilize the excitement of rockets in the classroom.
The afternoon session will focus on industrial strength rockets and a brief tour of the solar system. The workshop will investigate current NASA missions throughout the solar system and discuss the ongoing debate about What is a Planet?
NASA Aerospace Education Specialist, Mike McGlone, from Houston’s Johnson Space Center, is responsible for conducting workshops for teachers and administrators in schools and universities within an eight state region.
According to Stafford Air & Space Museum Director, Chuck Dougherty, It’s a privilege to have the Stafford Air & Space Museum chosen again to host this free NASA workshop for area educators. Programs like these are meant to rekindle a greater interest in mathematics and science by giving teachers new, inexpensive ideas for the classroom.
The workshops and materials used in the workshop are free, and current or future educators or administrators of any level are welcome. The workshops will be presented in two sessions on Wednesday, March 11 in the Stafford Air & Space Museum Apollo Room. The 9:00am Noon session will feature the basic rocket science workshop. The afternoon session, 1:00 pm 3:30 pm, will focus on larger rockets and the solar system. Attendees may sign up to attend one or both sessions. Register by calling the Stafford Air & Space Museum at 580‑772‑5871, or sign up in person at the museum, located at 3000 Logan Road, Weatherford, OK. Visit http://www.staffordmuseum.com for more information and to sign up online. You can also contact Lynne Thurman or Chuck Dougherty or 580‑772‑5871.