GREATER CAPITAL REGION
TEACHER CENTER
RENSSELAER, AND NASA
ABOUT THE MICROGRAVITY INSTITUTE
A K-4th Grade Teacher's Perspective
The RPI, Teacher Center, NASA co-sponsored Microgravity Institute provided a forum for teachers of all levels to find out more about the NASA program and its affiliation with the RPI crystal dendritic growth experiments slated for the STS 87 space shuttle in November of 1997.
Twenty five teachers from grades K-12 met for two weeks to learn more about microgravity, the RPI experiments, and the NASA program. This institute promoted hands-on experimenting using a drop tower to simulate microgravity. The group was able to practice skills for space exploration.
During the second week, teachers had the opportunity to review the MST standards and to write curriculum for students to use in the classroom. A resource room complete with video, computer, and vertical file information is being made available for teachers to share information about this project.
The best part of the Institute was the exchange of science ideas among teachers of all grade levels--it was the time to get a notion about what other teachers are doing in their elementary, science, math and technology classrooms.
The Institute members will continue meeting in the Fall as we prepare for the launch of STS 87.
Tina McGurrin, Gifted and Talented Program teacher, Lansingburgh Public Schools
A Middle School Perspective
"Space is for Everybody"
The Microgravity Institute provided us with a knowledge base for an interdisciplinary simulation we are creating for our team of students. The simulation will involve students in a participatory unit about astronaut selection and training and living and working in space. This unit will be accomplished through cooperative learning in many disciplines including science, math, language arts, social studies, music, health, etc.
In addition, RPI professors and scientists Martin Glicksman and Matthew Koss have made us feel very much an integral part of their experiment and the November space launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Not only did they collaborate to provide the Institute, but they have given us an opportunity to carry learning beyond the classroom walls to the RPI campus to witness their live dendritic growth experiments. It will make learning real and meaningful.
This whole experience has been and will be truly exciting and enriching for our students and ourselves.
Bob Lawrence, and Nancie Malanowski, Sixth Grade teachers, Farnsworth Middle School, Guilderland, NY