Captain Curbeam on EVA during mission to repair the International Space Station
This Thursday, September 16th, over 300 Maui middle school students will have a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the leading scientists, engineers, and technical managers from across the country and around the world — and spend time hearing first-hand what it takes to become a NASA astronaut.
This special education initiative, Space in the Classroom, is part of this year’s 11th AMOS (Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance) technical conference. AMOS is the premier event in the field of space situational awareness — the recognition and tracking of objects in space, including commercial satellites and space debris. The annual conference is presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and held in Wailea. More than 600 professionals will be in attendance.
Space in the Classroom, co-sponsored by the Space Foundation, consists of two main elements –one for students, the other for teachers. Maui middle school students will attend a full-day program with hands-on, space-themed science experiments and demos. Satellite tool kits, an introduction to rocketry in the classroom, and an exhibit center tour are among the program elements. The highlight will be a 90-minute “Audience with an Astronaut”, Captain Robert L. Curbeam, Jr., U.S. Navy (retired). Capt. Curbeam is a veteran of two space shuttle flights (Atlantis and Discovery). He has logged over 590 hours in space, including three spacewalks, and will share with students the path he took to become a space explorer.
In a separate conference session on Friday, up to 25 teachers from Maui Nui’s middle and high schools will attend a full-day workshop providing classroom activities designed to inspire and enable their students to become the next generation of space explorers and scientists. The training provided will better equip our teachers to engage Maui students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects.
As co-sponsor of Space in the Classroom, the Space Foundation is an international, nonprofit organization, based in Colorado Springs. The Foundation is the foremost advocate for all sectors of the space industry and a leader in educational programs that bring space into the classroom. It also hosts major industry events, including the National Space Symposium, in support of its mission to advance space-related endeavors.
Through MEDB’s partnerships and commitment to unique educational initiatives such as these, Maui Nui’s youth can benefit from opportunities that will prepare them for 21st century workforce opportunities.