Media Invited to Celebrate Yuri’s Education Day at NASA Ames

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. — More than 6,000 students from all over the San Francisco/San Jose Bay Area will celebrate the 50th anniversary of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s first human journey into space. Reporters are invited to attend Yuri’s Education Day, Friday, April 8, 2011, at NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

During the event, students in grades 4-12 will engage in hands-on learning activities, including interactive exhibits, workshops and presentations by leading scientists, engineers and technology experts. Games include space trivia and a scavenger hunt. Students will tour real aircraft, including a high-performance, supersonic F-104 Starfighter; a medium-lift, utility H-60 Black Hawk helicopter; and a C-130 Hercules four-engine turboprop from the California Air National Guard.

Students also will be able to build and launch rockets, control a Mars rover replica, learn how an infrared camera works and make music in an immersive environment.

News media planning to attend should contact Ruth Marlaire at 650-604-4709 or ruth.marlaire@nasa.gov before 5 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, for credentials.

WHAT: An opportunity to attend a gathering of students learning about research and space exploration from scientists, engineers, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs.

WHO: Guest speakers include NASA Education’s Deputy Administrator Jim Stoufan, Kepler Mission Scientist Jon Jenkins, Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Program Scientist Pamela Marcum, and Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) Education and Public Outreach Specialist Brian Day.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT Friday, April 8, 2011.

WHERE: NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., building 211 on King Rd.

Directions: Show a government-issued identification at the guard station where Moffett Field Blvd. deadens. Go straight on Clark Rd., taking a slight right on South Akron Rd., and turn left on McCord Ave., which becomes Mark Ave. Take a right on King Rd., building 211 is on the left and media parking is on the right.

For more information about Ames, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ames