CLEVELAND — NASA’s Glenn Research Center will share in the excitement of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers during Space Day 2012, an Ohio event dedicated to the memory of NASA astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair.

Space Day 2012, is hosted by the Challenger Learning Center of Dayton at 1401 Leo Street, Dayton, Ohio. The event will be held on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

Glenn Center Director Ray Lugo, will give the opening remarks and Cheryl McNair, widow of veteran astronaut Ronald McNair, will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremonies.

NASA selected McNair as an astronaut candidate in 1978. He first flew as a mission specialist on STS 41-B in February 1984. McNair died on January 28, 1986, in the space shuttle Challenger accident.

Families attending the event will be able to participate in hands-on educational activities that include: making a hand-held Hubble Space Telescope to view Hubble imagery, creating a Mars Curiosity rover using edible items and designing an end effector, the device at the end of a robotic arm that interacts with the environment.

Glenn employees will also be present to talk with visitors about NASA’s missions and educational opportunities.

Glenn’s traveling exhibit, the AeroBus, will be located in the parking lot for visitors. This traveling exhibit features a 42″ plasma screen video theater display with Hi-Fi stereo sound. A compilation of short videos will be shown including “Glenn’s People Places and Projects” and “Women@NASA.”

NASA uses the excitement of its missions and programs to inspire students and serve as a catalyst for encouraging studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. The agency continues its tradition of investing in the nation’s education programs and supporting the country’s educators who play a key role in preparing and inspiring the young minds of today to become the workforce of tomorrow.

For more information about NASA’s educational program, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education

For information on the Challenger Learning Center, visit: http://home.dps.k12.oh.us/students-and-parents/challenger-learning-center.html