Summer Institute Completes Successful First Course

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jun. 27, 2007) -- The Space Foundation recently completed the first course in the 2007 Summer Institute series. Biological and Physical Research: Human Physiology and Nanotechnology, a graduate level course for educators, focused on the impacts of a microgravity environment on the human body. Throughout the course, participating educators examined how the cardiovascular, muscular, and immunological systems are affected in a prolonged space environment.  Participants studied the effects of microgravity through a variety of hands-on experiments, activities, simulations and lessons.  Additional areas of focus included nanomaterials, nanorobotics, and nanosensors.

The week-long courses for educators are held on the Colorado Springs Campus of Regis University. In addition to gaining invaluable experience and increasing their knowledge base, participating teachers can earn continuing education credits, graduate credits, or work toward a Master’s Degree with a Space Studies Science emphasis.

Pictured are Space Foundation Curriculum Analyst and Program Developer Bob Joyce and participating educators taking part in a 20 degree off-set goggle activity, simulating the effects of microgravity on the neurovestibular system.