Science Teachers at National Conference to Speak with NASA Astronaut on Space Station

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference in Atlanta will speak with NASA astronaut Scott Tingle, currently living and working aboard the International Space Station, at 10:40 a.m. EDT Friday, March 16. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will be one of several interactive events to air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website during the week.

A call will be made from the conference to the Expedition 55 flight engineer, during which teachers will pose questions about life aboard the space station, NASA’s deep space exploration plans, and conducting science in space. The NSTA has more than 55,000 registered members who teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The downlink will accompany a panel discussion featuring NASA’s associate administrator for STEM engagement, Mike Kincaid, and highlight the agency’s Year of Education on Station.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Kate Falk at 703-312-9211 or mediarelations@nsta.org. The event will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW.

Linking teachers directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in STEM. This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA’s Year of Education on Station, which provides extensive space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.

The space station crew also will participate in two media interviews earlier in the week. On Tuesday, March 13, KYW-TV (CBS3) in Philadelphia will interview Tingle and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Norishige Kanai at 10 a.m., followed at 1:25 p.m. by WAMU-FM Washington’s afternoon program, called 1A. These events also will air on NASA TV and the agency’s website.

Follow the astronauts on social media:

https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts

See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation