The nation’s science teachers
believe strongly that teachers should have a place aboard future space shuttle
missions, according to an informal survey conducted by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the world’s largest science teacher organization.
The survey also found that science teachers consider the endeavor to be of
great educational value, especially because it can spark student interest in
science and mathematics careers and instill in students an understanding of
how science and mathematics are applicable in the real world.
More than 91 percent of science teachers responding to the e-mail-based
survey indicated that educators belong on future shuttle missions. The
positive responses were accompanied by numerous comments revealing science
educators’ strong feelings on the issue.
“Can you think of a better way to excite and grab the interest of
students? If they can see that their teachers can attain that goal, maybe
they will understand that they can, too.”
“A teacher in space would be able to enhance interest in the classroom and
reach the students who are hard to reach. A teacher in space would be the
greatest motivator a teacher could find.”
“A teacher aboard the space shuttle will be able to connect with a
worldwide classroom to help motivate students to become users of technology,
instead of just being entertained by it.”
Teachers also voiced their opinions about the educational value of putting
teachers into space, an issue that has sparked controversy in the media. More
than 89 percent of those responding agreed that the value was “great.” When
asked specifically about how having a teacher in space would affect the
classroom, teachers’ top three responses were that it 1) generates interest in
science and mathematics among students; 2) instills in them a better
understanding of how science and mathematics apply in the real world; and 3)
inspires students to pursue careers in science and mathematics fields.
A final survey question gauged teachers’ own interest in space travel.
When asked if they would take advantage of the chance to fly into space, more
than 76 percent of respondents said they would.
In January, NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe announced the official start
of the agency’s Educator Astronaut program, which recruits K-12 educators to
join the astronaut corps and provide a direct connection between America’s
educators and students and the various careers and opportunities associated
with space exploration and the U.S. space program. The first educator slated
for this mission is Barbara Morgan, an elementary science educator and long-
time NSTA member. In the wake of the Columbia tragedy, NASA has put mission
plans on hold, but it has assured the public that the program will continue in
earnest.
“NSTA couldn’t be more pleased that NASA will continue the dream of the
Educator Astronaut program,” said Gerry Wheeler, NSTA Executive Director.
“There is so much that can be gained from this endeavor, such as generating
interest and enthusiasm for science and mathematics among teachers, students,
and the general public. What’s more, we’re hearing loudly from science
teachers that this is the right thing to do. They are ready and willing to
take on this challenge.”
For years, NSTA and NASA have partnered on programs to enhance science
teaching and learning, including the newest initiative, the NASA Explorer
Schools (NES). Administered by NSTA, the Explorer Schools program encourages
teams of 4-5 science, mathematics, and technology educators from a school or
district to apply for a three-year partnership with NASA. Educators will
receive NASA-unique scientific content; advanced technological tools; and
sustained professional development to develop rich learning opportunities in
mathematics, science, and technology. An exciting component of the program
will involve students and parents.
Fifty school teams will be selected for the 2003 NES program. For details
and an application, visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov . Deadline for
entries is April 4.
The National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional
organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in
science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes
more than 53,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators,
business and industry representatives, scientists, and others involved in
science education.
The NSTA survey was conducted February 10-14 via NSTA Express, the
Association’s e-mail newsletter that is distributed to more than 100,000
educators worldwide every Monday.
