26th National Space Symposium Inspires Students and Trains Teachers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Apr. 14, 2010) — More than 900 local students and over 80 teachers from 11 states and Puerto Rico are moving through The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., this week, participating in the education component of the Space Foundation’s 26th National Space Symposium. The education programs encompass educator professional development, student participation, and national recognition of an outstanding science teacher.

The Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award
Allen V. Robnett, a science teacher at Gallatin High School in Gallatin, Tenn., has been named the 2010 recipient of the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award, which is given each year by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Space Foundation in recognition of outstanding contributions to technology education by K-12 educators or district-level education personnel. The award was presented Monday night at the Opening Ceremony of the 26th National Space Symposium.

Robnett was selected for his work developing two innovative high-school-level courses that use compelling subjects and hands-on experiences to motivate students to build their science, math, and technology skills.

Teacher Professional Development
National Space Symposium education activities include a full-day workshop for Space Foundation Teacher Liaisons, a group of nationally recognized educators who are passionate about space science. The event has staying power in the form of hands-on curriculum that the teachers can immediately take back to their classrooms.

Teachers are also traveling with members of the Space Foundation education team to visit the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in Denver and Golden, seeing the U.S. National Earthquake Center, the Core Research Center, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center, and the National Water Quality Laboratory.

Student Involvement
More than 900 local students, including classes taught by Space Foundation Teacher Liaisons and students from Space Foundation education partner Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11), traveled to The Broadmoor this week. Middle and high school students toured the SES WORLD SKIES, USG Exhibit Center. The student tours are sponsored by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and include stops at 18 specially designated booths within the Exhibit Hall: Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI); Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.; Boeing; Braxton; Dynetics; Federal Aviation Administration; GMV; Missile Defense Agency; NASA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Northrop Grumman; Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne; Raytheon; SES WORLD SKIES, U.S. Government Solutions; The Aerospace Corporation; the United Launch Alliance; and Universal.

Younger students attended “Audience with an Astronaut” sessions, featuring Col. Michael Bloomfield, USAF (Retired), Col. Brian Duffy, USAF (Retired), and James F. Reilly, II, Ph.D., co-sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., and Capt. Michael J. McCulley, USN (Retired), co-sponsored by Boeing.

Students from two schools in Colorado Springs School District 11 – Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, and its sister school Galileo School of Math and Science – are stationed at the Space Foundation booth this week explaining the mission of both schools.

The Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy students are discussing how the themes of space and aerospace are integrated into the curriculum. They are also demonstrating gloveboxes like those used by astronauts on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle to conduct experiments, and explaining the soon-to-be-opened AGI Space Missions Simulator at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute, which was created through a generous donation from Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI).

The Swigert Academy is an aerospace-focused public middle school created in partnership with D11 that drives science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics proficiency through a space-related curriculum, enhanced onsite laboratories and learning opportunities, and involvement with Space Foundation programs.

About the 26th National Space Symposium
The premier gathering of the global space community, the 26th National Space Symposium covers all aspects of space through main agenda events, special dinners and luncheons, engaging programs for teachers and students, the extensive SES WORLD SKIES, USG Exhibit Center, and greatly expanded programs for young, up-and-coming “new generation” space professionals.

26th National Space Symposium Sponsors
Sponsors of the 26th National Space Symposium include Analytical Graphics, Inc.; ARES Corporation; Astrium North America; Astrotech Space Operations; ATK; AVIATION WEEK; Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.; Boeing; Booz Allen Hamilton; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Cobham; InSpace21; Defense Systems; General Dynamics; GMV; IBM; InSpace21; Intelsat General Corporation; International Space University; Lockheed Martin; Maui Economic Development Board; Northrop Grumman; Orbital Sciences Corporation; Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne; Raytheon; SAIC; SES WORLD SKIES, USG; Space Generation Advisory Council; Space News; Space Systems/Loral; SpaceX; Stellar Solutions; United Launch Alliance; and United Space Alliance.

About the Space Foundation
The Space Foundation is an international, nonprofit organization and the foremost advocate for all sectors of the space industry – civil, commercial, military and intelligence. Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs that bring space into the classroom, and major industry events, all in support of its mission “to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity.” Through its Space Certification and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, the Space Foundation recognizes space-based technologies and innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office and has field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and read about the latest space news and Space Foundation activities in Space Watch.

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