Friday, February 16, 2018

Bendwood Teachers Attend Space Center Conference

Two instructors at the Bendwood School were among more than 500 U.S. and international teachers who met rocket scientists, astronauts and well-known educators for hands-on learning experiences at a three-day Space Center Houston conference.

Gifted & Talented teachers Molly Nipper and Polly Osei presented a shared lesson about Mars activities and exploration to inspire educators during the Space Center Houston Feb. 1-3 Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC).

In a related news release, Nipper said that the recent gathering had helped enrich her classroom curriculum with new engaging and innovative lessons.

“I have learned so much from teacher presenters and NASA engineers and trainers over the past 11 years by attending the SEEC conference,” Nipper said. “[It] provided me with what’s next in 21st century teaching and learning.”

The three-day meeting drew participants interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) from kindergarten through high school for an immersive, professional development experience and networking.

Space Center Houston Director of Education Daniel Newmyer said that the center aims to inspire teachers with great access to industry leaders and its NASA-unique, STEM focused curricula.

The recently held conference included three keynote sessions:
  • “Scientists are Artists, too! – Engaging Students in Different Mediums,” presented by astronaut and artist Nicole Stott;
  • “Succeed like an Astronaut,” presented by astronaut Leroy Chiao; and
  • “The James Web Telescope: Our New Eyes in Space,” presented by Dr. Matthew Greenhouse.
During the conference, artist Kiel Johnson designed special art works using ordinary cardboard and paint. Educators and visitors built their own works in a live art installation called the Space Center Houston Star Fleet exhibit.

Educators also toured astronaut training facilities at NASA Johnson Space Center and learned about research and technology involved in current and future deep space missions.

For more information about educational programs, visit www.spacecenter.org/education.

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