Science teachers across the Nation overwhelmingly
believe educators belong on future NASA Space Shuttle
missions, according to an email-based survey conducted by
the world’s largest science teacher’s organization following
the Columbia tragedy.
The survey, conducted by the National Science Teachers
Association (NSTA) February 10-14, indicates more than 91
percent of science teachers should have a place aboard
future Space Shuttle missions, and the endeavor has great
educational value. Science teachers also believe Educator
Astronauts could spark student interest in science and
mathematics careers. Science teachers also strongly believe
Educator Astronauts can serve as role models to instill in
students an understanding of how science and mathematics are
applicable in the real world.
Educator Astronaut Barbara Morgan, Educator Astronaut
Program Co-Managers, Leland Melvin and Debbie Brown, will be
attending the NSTA Convention in Philadelphia March 27-30,
2003 to encourage teachers to apply to become permanent
members of the Astronaut Corps.
Morgan and Brown will speak at a Special Feature
Presentation March 29 at 8 a.m. in the Pennsylvania
Convention Center, and Morgan will be the guest lecturer at
the Aerospace Educators Luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. EST,
also in the convention center. Media desiring to attend the
luncheon should call 703/312-9371 for press credentials.
The Educator Astronaut Program has received more than 5,300
nominations since the program debuted on January 21. Texas
leads with 831, followed by Florida with 482, and California
with 416.
The application deadline is quickly approaching. Nominations
and applications for NASA’s Educator Astronaut Program are
due by April 30.
Information about the National Science Teachers Association
survey is available at:
http://www.nsta.org/pressroom&news_story_ID=47920
Information about the National Science Teachers Association
National Convention is available at:
http://www.nsta.org/main/pressreg/pressrelease.asp
To learn more about the Educator Astronaut Program and other
NASA education activities on the Internet, visit:
For more information about NASA on the Internet, visit:
