Six Jefferson County Teachers Attend Space Academy for Educators

Kaitlyn Marlowe, Kimberly Peace, Magan Scott, Jennifer Moore, Ken Moore, Kimberly Tanner

Six teachers from the Pinson and Clay feeder patterns attended Alabama Space Academy for Educators (SAE) June 7-12 courtesy of a grant funded by the Alabama Legislature. Magan Scott (RMS), Kaitlyn Marlowe (CCHS), Jennifer Moore (PVHS), Ken Moore (PVHS), Kimberly Peace (CCMS), and Kimberly Tanner (PVHS) all experienced a week of cross-curricular STEAM learning activities, team challenges, and simulated space missions. One of the highlights of the week was meeting NASA personnel and former . The SAE “trainees” were introduced to retired NASA executive Ed Buckbee who was instrumental in helping the late Dr. Warner Von Braun start Space Camp, former Shuttle Captain Wendy Lawrence who was the first woman from the U.S. Naval Academy accepted into the astronaut corps, and NASA scientist/author Homer Hickam, Jr. the author of the acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys.

Jefcoed teachers and team members with Homer Hickam

Each of the educators received access to curriculum resources and created a professional network with 110 other educators from across the state of Alabama. The week of Alabama Space Academy for Educators divided the “trainees” into five teams that worked together to complete challenges such as a low ropes course, flying a simulated mission to Mars, and a Breakout Box challenge. The Jefcoed teachers were members of Team Columbus Expedition 36, the only team to solve the Breakout Box challenge tying the previous record for the fastest solution due in part to one team member’s hidden talent of understanding International Morse Code.

Ken Moore and Kimberly Peace during simulated Mars mission

Another exciting part of the week of Alabama Space Academy for Educators was the water survival challenges in which the Jefcoed teachers participated in a simulated helicopter crash where they had to evacuate and swim to safety from a sunken helicopter as well as parachute on a zipline from a height of 40 feet into a lake. The Jefcoed teachers also constructed and launched rockets, built an electronics project, participated in a hands-on robotics lab, and learned about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station as a backup communications system for the ISS. “Trainees” were also introduced to opportunities for students and teachers to interview astronauts live on the International Space Station via amateur radio. “Alabama Space Academy for Educators was an outstanding opportunity. The children in our classrooms today are NASA’s next generation of astronauts, engineers, scientists, and explorers. No matter what subjects we teach, we all have a responsibility to prepare these students for the future and to ensure that each student is college or career ready. There are many career opportunities in the state of Alabama related to aerospace that the possibilities are endless for our students.” --Jennifer Moore

Jefcoed teachers and team members with Buzz Buckbee

“Alabama Space Academy for Educators was one of the most rewarding Professional Developments I have participated in as a teacher. The week afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with educators across the state of Alabama. I learned many new and exciting things to try with my students. For example the Breakout boxes were a HUGE hit with me. I had never seen this done in an educational setting before and I thoroughly enjoyed this activity. Furthermore, I pushed my own knowledge of science by trying things that I have never tried before. I would encourage any teacher to apply for this opportunity next year.” –Kimberly Tanner “There are many career technical education opportunities in various fields to support the aerospace industry in Alabama and NASA’s goal of a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s. The electronics and robotics projects that we participated in are both great ways to get students interested in science and technical fields.” – Ken Moore “Space Academy for Educators was an eye opening experience. There were educators from all backgrounds that worked together to achieve a common goal. While some teachers were able to contribute a bit more, each person played a part in the success of our missons and challenges. To me this illustrated how we should all model our classrooms. We will have students with different skills and talents but each is capable, just at different things. We have to be patient and willing to work with each and meet each child where he or she is.” –Kimberly Peace

“I am thankful for the opportunity I've had to participate with some of my Jefcoed colleagues at the Space Academy for Educators in Huntsville, Alabama. We were actively engaged in learning from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. for five days. A multitude of knowledge was delivered to us. I've gathered so many activities and materials to bring back to my classroom, and I can't wait to use these with my students for the upcoming school year!” –Magan Scott

What did you do this summer? I was an astronaut and traveled into space. I was an engineer and built a rocket. I walked on the surface of the moon. I experienced 3Gs. I landed a rover on Mars. I built a lunar colony. I survived a helicopter crash. I traveled around the world. I rode spaceshot. Educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.