This summer Memorial Jr. High 7th grade science teacher, Alejandra Martinez, had the opportunity to learn about space by spending 5 days at the world's premier space learning center, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The Honeywell Educators at Space Academy partners with NASA to provide this professional development program for middle school math and science teachers. Approximately 100 educators from 37 states and 25 countries participated in Space Camp with Miss Martinez. These educators learn new teaching techniques through simulated astronaut training. Miss Martinez was able to experience what it is like to walk on the moon in the one sixth chair, take a turn on the multi axis trainer and practice a parachute water landing, which is required of all astronauts in training. Miss Martinez and fellow trainees also practiced mission simulations to the moon and the International Space Station.
Applications are now open and Miss Martinez encourages all middle school math and science teachers to apply. "One of our students today will the the first to step foot on Mars. We have the great privilege and opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and Space Camp is a great opportunity to learn new teaching techniques" she said.
