NASA Explorer Schools Symposium Showcases Student Research

May 1, 2012

Ann Marie Trotta
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1601
ann.marie.trotta@nasa.gov

Rachel Kraft
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-792-7690
rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 12-143

NASA EXPLORER SCHOOLS SYMPOSIUM SHOWCASES STUDENT RESEARCH

WASHINGTON -- Students from across the nation will gather at NASA's
Johnson Space Center in Houston May 2-5 for the annual NASA Explorer
Schools Symposium. These future leaders in science, technology,
education and math, or STEM, have completed research investigations
and will present their findings to a team of NASA scientists and
engineers, student peers and educators.

The competitively selected group consists of 60 students in grades
four through 12 and 30 educators from 21 states. The group's research
projects were designed to inspire interest in STEM disciplines and
encourage pursuit of technical careers.

The students completed an original investigation based on existing
NASA missions or research programs. Participants presented their work
virtually to experts at NASA centers earlier this year in regional
symposia using the agency's Digital Learning Network.

"NASA's mission of research and discovery is a powerful context for
learning," said Greg "Box" Johnson, astronaut and associate director
of external programs at the agency's Glenn Research Center in
Cleveland. "Each year students amaze us with presentations that in
many ways mirror the work of our scientists and engineers. This
symposium offers students practical experience giving presentations
in a professional setting while providing a front-row seat to NASA's
careers, research and discoveries."

In addition to presenting their work at the national symposium,
participants also will learn more about NASA's research activities
and exploration missions. Students will tour a variety of operational
facilities at Johnson, including the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, a large
swimming pool that plays a key role in astronaut training.

The NASA Explorer Schools project offers multiple pathways for
participation and requires no application process. Teacher
participants must be U.S. citizens and have a valid education
certification as an administrator or educator in a nationally
accredited education institution within the United States or its
territories, or Department of Defense or State Department schools.

The program is a key part of NASA's Office of Education goals to help
develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers
through STEM studies.

For more information about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit:

http://explorerschools.nasa.gov


For more information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education


-end-



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