NASA/Marshall Science Laboratory Director to Address Missouri Science Teachers
NASA/Marshall Science Laboratory Director
to Address Missouri Science Teachers
February 26, 1998: Science from NASA/Marshall will highlight the
annual Missouri State Teachers Interface '98 Conference on February
26, 1998, as Dr. Gregory
S. Wilson addresses over 2,000 teachers from the state. Wilson currently
serves as the director of the Space Sciences Laboratory at NASA/Marshall,
and will highlight the scientific research performed there, as well as the
connection between education and research at NASA.
Other NASA speakers include Sally Little, director of the Technology Transfer Office at NASA/Marshall, and Robert Schwinghamer, Associate Center Director - Technical.
"Communicating scientific knowledge is as important to us as the development of that knowledge," Wilson commented. "If all we do is generate research papers, we haven't done our job, and the education customer is one of our most important.
"I want to share not only the science that we do at NASA, but more importantly to express to these educators how important NASA feels that their jobs are to the future of America. We cannot have success as a nation in the 21st century without a technically literate society. And these teachers are the key to developing that scientific literacy. It's crucial to our national interest."
Wilson will focus on teachers from grades 4 through 8, and on the unique roles that they play in fostering better scientific and technical literacy in society.
"NASA is also interested in finding out what teachers feel that they need to do this job. Another round of test scores in Math and Science were just released last Tuesday (February 24), and the United States came in 18th out of 21 nations. This may indicate that NASA might not be doing everything we can do, or should be doing, to help teachers get the job done. I want to find out what they think, what they feel, and how NASA can help them.
"In a sense, the state motto of Missouri is very appropriate to how we should approach education and teachers - Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto - the will of the people is the highest law. When it comes to Education and NASA, the will and desires of the educators should be our highest law, and should define how we do business."
Dr. Wilson will also solicit input for the potential development of a NASA Science Teachers' Alumni Program.
"We're interested in finding out if this kind of program would be of interest to educators, and would add value to what they are trying to accomplish. I'll hopefully be getting some great feedback from my two days in Missouri," added Wilson.
In addition, NASA is interested in obtaining YOUR feedback. If you are an educator, please feel free to enter your comments below.
Comments from Educators
 What activities or services would be most beneficial to you?
|
What is the best way of identifying outstanding science teachers in a school system? |
What would be the optimal duration for you to participate in a NASA Science Teacher Alumni program? |
We would like to hear your thoughts on NASA's role in Education in general, or specific comments regarding the potential NASA Science Teacher Alumni Program. |
Send your comments to:
Director Space Sciences Laboratory NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center John M. Horack@msfc.nasa.gov |
Director, Science Communications Space Sciences Laboratory NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center John M. Horack |
Author: Dave
Dooling
Production Editor: Dr.
Tony Phillips
Curator: Bryan Walls
Responsible NASA official: John M. Horack