As one of only two NASA Explorer Schools in Washington, our students are uniquely engaged and excited about the exploration of NASA's Mission of "Earth, Moon, Mars, and Beyond." I teach Science and an elective Aerospace course at a rural middle school that serves students in grades 6-8.
Our school district has faced major budget cuts this past year. Although our district is committed to math and science excellence and to the NASA Explorer School program, science funding is a major issue. Students excel when they are engaged in hands-on activities as opposed to paper and pencil work. Understanding the structure of our sun and its processes is a difficult concept for students (and adults). Students need to work with hands-on activities in order to fully comprehend these factors. In addition, once they fully understand the structure and processes that govern our own sun, they can hypothesize as to the processes and composition of other stars.
As a NASA Explorer School, we have the perfect avenue in which to engage students in math, engineering, and science. Students are naturally inquisitive about space science and tapping into this curiosity will capitalize on a middle school student's natural curiosity.
The two SunSpotter Telescopes and reference books provide a multifaceted approach to learning! Students will be able to safely observe our very own star--The sun! They can study motion, diagram sunspots, observe solar flares and prominences, and pose questions about solar phenomena.
Students can also use their new knowledge to extend their understanding to other stars.
You can help to fund a project that will tap into natural curiosity and empower students to reach above and beyond! Our NASA Explorer School mission of "Earth, Moon, Mars, and Beyond" aligns with high-level critical thinking and application skills that are embedded in this project. Students will achieve a new level of understanding and application as they become the next generation of explorers.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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