Space Foundation to Host Teacher Professional Development Workshops

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Feb. 15, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that its Center for Innovation and Education will host professional development workshops for teachers throughout June at Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs.

The teacher professional development workshops consist of three separate courses that cannot be taken concurrently. The workshops will provide teachers with tools, resources and materials to integrate science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) into curriculum throughout the school year. Courses are designed to captivate students by using space as a compelling “hook,” providing activities that can be readily applied in the classroom.

“We are excited to empower educators with invaluable opportunities to broaden their expertise, becoming the catalysts for their students to unlock new skills and explore boundless possibilities in space education,” said Melissa Patton, Space Foundation vice president of education. “The innovative tools and techniques gained through these workshops will help them transform their classrooms into dynamic hubs of STEAM learning.”

To help foster collaboration and for the best experience, the Dr. Rochelle B. Abrams Space Across the Curriculum Astronomy Professional Development course is capped at 25 teachers. The other two courses, The Biology: Physical and Emotional Impacts of Long-Term Space Flight and Beyond Books: Cosmic Classroom Connections, are capped at 30. Upon completion, attendees will earn 40 professional development hours that can be applied toward their continuing education credits, and a certificate will be mailed after completion of the final survey.

Course: Dr. Rochelle B. Abrams Space Across the Curriculum: Astronomy (Grades 5-12)
Date: June 10-14, 2024; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT, daily
Cost: No fee, participating educators receive a $500 stipend. Transportation and travel costs are not included.
Course Description:

• Explore topics like black holes, gravitational waves, cosmology, and more, alongside ancient myths and legends linked to the heavens.
• Twenty lessons, aligning with NGSS and Common Core Standards for grades 5-12, culminate in a project utilizing students’ gained knowledge.
• Discover the latest findings from James Webb Space Telescope, illuminating the mysteries of the cosmos and inspiring students to grasp humans’ role within the universe.

Event: Biology: Physical and Emotional Impacts of Long-Term Space Flight (Grades 6-12)
Date: June 24-28, 2024; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT, daily
Cost: One-time investment fee of $375 ($2,000 value). Transportation and travel costs are not included.
Course Description:

• Space Across the Curriculum course delves into challenges of long-duration space missions.
• Focuses on grades 6-12 with hands-on lessons and NGSS alignment.
• Explores effects of microgravity on the human body, mental health challenges, and innovative astronaut training technologies.

Event: Beyond Books: Cosmic Classroom Connections (Grades K-3)
Date: June 24-28, 2024; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT, daily
Cost: One-time investment fee of $375 ($2,000 value). Transportation and travel costs are not included.
Course Description:

• NGSS aligned with hands-on activities for immediate classroom integration.
• Literacy-driven approach sparks curiosity in young learners.
• Culminating project: collaborative children’s book merging science and art.

For more information on the professional development workshops, visit discoverspace.org/education/resources-for-educators/professional-development.

About Center for Innovation and Education 

Center for Innovation and Education is a lifelong learning provider for the global space ecosystem, offering workforce development and economic opportunity via Space Commerce Institute and Space Foundation Discovery Center. Serving pre-K-12 and university students, teachers, entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals, programs and resources are delivered in person or online around the globe. Through its Workforce Development Roadmap of programs and resources, Center for Innovation and Education enhances the outlook and opportunities for careers, jobs and business ventures. To learn more about Center for Innovation and Education, visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie, and Space Foundation Discovery Center, visit www.discoverspace.org.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Foundation Discovery Center, Center for Innovation and Education, Dr. Rochelle B. Abrams Space Across the Curriculum, teacher professional development, teacher workshops, workforce development, professional development, educators, teachers, STEM, STEAM education, space education, science education

Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]

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