Tag: Education

Challenger Center and AIAA Announce 2023 Trailblazing STEM Educator Awardees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three STEM Educators and Schools Receive Cash Award and Free STEM Programming

Washington and Reston, Va. – March 22, 2023 – Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announce Caroline Little, Aymette Medina, and Taylor Whisenant as the winners of the 2023 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. Each teacher and their respective schools will be awarded $5,000. Additionally, each teacher will receive free access to Challenger Center STEM programming, a trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the 2023 AIAA Awards Gala, and an invitation to attend a future space launch.

The award celebrates K-12 teachers who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. The three winners come from schools across the United States and were selected from 51 nominations. The nominations demonstrate the incredible efforts teachers make every day to empower underserved and underrepresented students in STEM while using unique strategies, tools, and lessons in and out of the classroom to further energize students.

The 2023 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award recipients are (in alphabetical order by last name):

Caroline Little, 6^th–8^th grade science teacher at Visitation School (Mendota Heights, Minn.). Little has spent more than 20 years teaching science and world languages and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and astronauts. She creatively breaks down complex STEM principles into easy-to-understand lessons and connects her students to real-world examples through personal experiences. For example, her students recently presented their research on lunar crop growth during a NASA Space Food webinar. Little is a Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Teacher Innovator Institute Fellow, DiscoverE Girl Day ambassador, and an advisor for several national STEM-based educational programs.

Aymette Medina, high school teacher at Odyssey Academy Galveston (Galveston, Texas). As an educator for more than a decade, Medina’s mission is to give her students every opportunity to see their potential within STEM fields. Recently, she engaged her students in the NASA TechRise Challenge, International SeaPerch Space Exploration Challenge, and the SystemsGo Rocketry Program. She uses Challenger Center and AIAA educational materials throughout her lessons and takes students on field trips to connect their learning experiences within the classroom to the real world. Medina is a Space Foundation teacher liaison and an ambassador for both Space Explorers and SeaPerch (Robonation).

Taylor Whisenant, K-12 STEAM teacher at Athens Renaissance School (ARS) (Athens, Ala.). With a background in special education, particularly in autism spectrum disorders, Whisenant is a champion for equity and access to quality STEM education programs for all students. During her first year at ARS, she developed a robotics program with eight FIRST® Robotics teams spanning the K-12 age groups. The program has grown to 14 teams now. Whisenant is a University of Alabama in Huntsville Alumni of Achievement Honoree and a FIRST® Inspire the Future Educators Recognition Program Honoree. She is also a program delivery partner for FIRST® LEGO® League.

“With educators like Caroline, Aymette, and Taylor, STEM experiences are not only introduced to students, but they are brought to life. They go above and beyond to ensure that students of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to see the world of possibilities that STEM careers offer,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO of Challenger Center. “We are thrilled to award each of these teachers with the 2023 Trailblazing STEM Educator Award.”

The U.S. aerospace and defense industry leads the world in innovation, while still facing challenges of staffing a properly skilled and qualified workforce. Crucial gaps in diversity, equity, and inclusion must be addressed – more STEM-literate graduates are needed, greater participation is needed by women and ethnic minorities, and early retirements are creating a growing knowledge gap.

“These three Trailblazing STEM Educator Award winners are awesome educators! It is our honor to recognize them with this award. We believe teachers are invaluable to their communities, bringing their passion for learning to inspire their students. They are enabling a diverse and robust STEM-literate next generation. Together, they are shaping the future of aerospace,” said Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA.

The three winners will be recognized at the 2023 AIAA Awards Gala, scheduled for May 18 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.* The evening celebrates the most influential and inspiring individuals in aerospace. Tickets are available now. The three winners also will be celebrated in their local communities in the coming weeks.

Each winner can select from Challenger Center’s suite of hands-on, simulated learning experiences based on their classes’ needs. Center Missions, delivered at Challenger Learning Centers around the globe; Virtual Missions, delivered by Challenger Learning Center Flight Directors to students in and out of the classroom; and Classroom Adventures, digital experiences delivered by teachers in their classrooms, bring classroom lessons to life through exciting Earth and space-themed journeys.

*Please Note: This event is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.

About Challenger Center
As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About AIAA
The American Institue of of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, andInstagram.

Contacts:

Challenger Center
Sara Espinosa, Director, Communications
[email protected]
202-827-1575

AIAA
Rebecca Gray, Senior Manager, Communications
[email protected]
804-397-5270

AIA, AIAA Join Space Industry Coalition to Develop Skilled Technical Workforce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2022 – Arlington, Va. – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will join the new initiative to develop a skilled technical workforce announced by Vice President Kamala Harris at today’s National Space Council meeting at NASA Johnson Space Center.

“Exploration is part of America’s DNA and space is one of the most exciting frontiers. People power these missions, so expanding the space talent pool for all types of jobs is crucial,” said AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning. “Because demand for workers is rising, the supply needs to do the same. This initiative will allow industry to share ideas that are working and test whether they can be scaled to address this growing workforce need.”

Both organizations will be a part of a new coalition committed to working together to ramp up the space industry’s capacity to meet the rising workforce demand in critical areas of manufacturing, maintenance, quality control, and testing.

“During the past few months, this industry coalition has proven its commitment to meaningfully contribute to meeting the STEM workforce needs of today and tomorrow. Engagement by the National Space Council, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Department of Labor has helped structure the possibilities and provide key accountability for success. We are thrilled to see how together we are shaping the future of aerospace,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher.

To learn more about participating companies and the outcomes of today’s National Space Council meeting, click here.

AIA Media Contact: Tom Mattocks, [email protected], 336.264.5516 cell
AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.527

About AIA
For over 100 years, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has been the voice of the American aerospace and defense industry. Our work as an advocate and convener is essential to shaping policy, shedding light on the industry’s impact, and empowering its future. Our CEO-level officers from across our more than 300 member companies guide these efforts, strengthening the industry’s ability to effectively support America’s national security and economy. Together, we advocate for effective federal investments, accelerated deployment of innovative technologies, policies that enhance our global competitiveness, and recruitment and retention efforts that support a capable and diverse 21st century workforce.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Charters Two New Student Branches

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is excited to announce the addition of two new AIAA student branches at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, and the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. These universities join more than 240 AIAA student branches around the world.

Both universities are unique additions to AIAA’s student branch community. The AIAA Cedarville University Student Branch is under the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Cedarville University is developing an aerospace engineering minor degree program. Establishing the AIAA student branch is a stepping-stone toward achieving its goal of expanding to a Bachelor of Science degree program.

The University of Calgary offers a minor in aerospace engineering at its Schulich School of Engineering. The AIAA student branch was established to foster more interest in aerospace engineering, as it has become a target area of growth for the Government of Alberta.

“Membership in an AIAA student branch is a valuable foundation for a budding engineer’s journey from classroom to career,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA Executive Director. “AIAA student branch members meet and collaborate with fellow students who share their passion and commitment to aerospace. Student branch membership is an important part of how AIAA supports young people today who will shape the future of aerospace tomorrow.”

AIAA currently has more than 240 student branches, including 40+ international student branches, with a total active membership of over 8,000 students worldwide. The universities must be accredited by ABET or an equivalent regional accrediting body to start a student branch. Find a complete listing of AIAA student branches in our online directory. For those interested in forming an AIAA student branch, use these resources to begin the process.

Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

AIAA, Estes Industries, and NSTA Launch New Aerospace Education Initiative, Exploration Generation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free K-12 Instructional Resources and Professional Learning Available to Educators Nationwide

April 18, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Estes Industries, and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have joined together to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through a new, multi-year initiative that will bring research-based aerospace education to thousands of classrooms nationwide.

Launched today, Exploration Generation (ExGen) will provide K-12 educators with free lesson plans and curriculum storylines to help guide students as they explore various concepts in aerospace, engineering, and rocketry. High-quality professional learning experiences will also be developed to support teachers’ use of the ExGen instructional materials.

“We are excited about our collaboration with Estes and NSTA to inspire a new space age generation. Our shared commitment to strengthening the aerospace profession is driving us to inspire the future workforce,” said Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA. “We all recognize the need for a diverse and robust STEM next generation who use what they learn today to innovate and invent tomorrow. These new resources will help even more educators join us in shaping the future of aerospace.”

Even as the U.S. aerospace and defense industry leads the world in innovation, it faces challenges with the workforce: a skills gap among STEM-literate students entering the industry, a need for greater participation by women and ethnic minorities, and a growing knowledge gap from early retirements. Based on the “2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report,” nearly 50% of respondents believe an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion by aerospace industry employers will help increase the pipeline of skilled, competent aerospace professionals.

To help educators provide a more collaborative, student-centered learning environment where ideas are accessible and engaging for all students, each lesson plan, called NSTA Daily Dos, and the curriculum storylines, called NSTA Units, are grounded in sensemaking. Through this approach, students actively engage in a learning experience to make sense of phenomena in a way that aligns with their natural curiosity.

“Now more than ever, it is important for students to have access to high-quality learning experiences that expand their perspectives about science,” said Erika Shugart, Ph.D., executive director, NSTA. “Aerospace and rocketry provide unique opportunities for educators to engage students in STEM concepts. We are thrilled to collaborate with AIAA and Estes to provide educators with phenomena-driven, research-based instructional materials that spark students’ curiosity and motivate them to figure out for themselves why things happen and how the world works.”

In May, ExGen will unveil its first three Daily Dos developed for the middle school level. The NSTA Unit, designed for grades 6-8, will be available in October. ExGen will expand with additional resources for elementary and high school educators next year. Professional learning for educators will begin this fall with additional programs available in the future.

To ensure this program is widely accessible to as many students as possible, Estes will match the AIAA contribution to the program in the first year of launch through in-kind donations to participating schools and continue in all subsequent years.

“We wish to help all interested participants in the implementation of this curricula and break financial barriers as much as we are able,” said Nicole Bayeur, director of education, Estes Industries. “It is our top priority that education is just and equitable for all.”

In addition, Estes will manage a grant program to provide eligible Title 1 schools with funding to purchase the supplies needed to facilitate these lessons in the classroom. Details on how to apply will be announced later this year.

Media Contacts:
Rebecca B. Gray, AIAA, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell
Michelle Passey, Estes Industries, 719-372-2098, [email protected]
Kate Falk, NSTA, 703-312-9211, [email protected].

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

About Estes Industries
Estes Industries was founded in 1958 by Vern and Gleda Estes and found a home soon after in Penrose, Colorado (the model rocket capital of the world). Through more than six decades of hard work and innovation, Estes has grown to be the leading manufacturer of model rocket engines, kits and accessories. As of April 2018, Estes Industries is once again a family-run business, committed to enabling safe, successful flights for customers everywhere.

Estes is committed to delivering interdisciplinary STEM resources and tools to educators that give them the skills and confidence necessary to elevate learning. Estes has been a leader in STEM education for 63 years, reaching 500,000 students annually. To learn more about Estes Industries, LLC please visit www.estesrockets.com.

About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

Exploration Generation Unveils New Rocketry-Themed Storyline Unit for Middle School Educators Nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Instructional Materials Utilize the Excitement of Rocketry to Drive Student Engagement While Providing Equitable STEM Experiences in the Classroom

October 18, 2022 – Arlington, Va. Exploration Generation (ExGen), co-founded by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Estes Industries, and NSTA, today unveiled its new rocketry-themed middle-level unit for educators. Designed for grades 6-8, the ExGen Model Rocket Safety Storyline Unit is available now, free of charge, at https://www.nsta.org/exploration-generation.

The storyline unit, which consists of seven unique NSTA Daily Do lesson plans, puts middle school students at the center of learning to investigate an anchoring phenomenon–successful and unsuccessful model rocket flights–while exploring science concepts including forces and motion, and chemical reactions. Designed to continually spark curiosity and prompt questions from students, the unit helps educators provide a more collaborative learning experience where ideas are accessible and engaging for all students.

“AIAA recognizes that our nation’s educators are key to preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA. “We are excited about taking this next step in the ExGen program – getting more materials into the hands of educators to do what they do best – inspire!”

AIAA, Estes, and NSTA joined forces to launch the ExGen program earlier this year to directly address the need for a more diverse and robust STEM-literate workforce, particularly in the aerospace and defense industry. ExGen provides K-12 educators with engaging, classroom-ready lessons and resources to help immerse students in real-life applications of STEM while exploring various concepts in aerospace, engineering, and rocketry.

Next week, the new instructional unit and recently launched ExGen Model Rocketry Forces Playlist will be featured at a special session during the 2022 ASCEND, apex event in Las Vegas and online. During the session, aerospace industry professionals and space enthusiasts will learn about the importance of phenomena-based, equitable STEM K-12 educational experiences. Through hands-on engagement, they will experience what it’s like to learn in today’s classroom to better support K-12 workforce development initiatives.

“We need to bridge the gap between what is happening in the classroom and the needs of the STEM workforce. This is crucial to the success of students and the future of our nation’s aerospace initiatives,” said Nicole Bayeur, director of education, Estes. “Through events like ASCEND, doors can be opened to get K-12 education into the conversation as we think about the development of our future leaders.”

On November 9 at 7 p.m. (EST), middle school educators can join a free web seminar, Exploration Generation: Sensemaking in Rocketry, in conjunction with the release of the new materials. In addition to learning about the resources, participants will discover how using a sensemaking approach to teach model rocketry can help to inspire students to pursue careers in aerospace and STEM.

“The best foundation for successful science learning is a phenomena-based approach, in which student thinking and sensemaking drive the questions. Providing students the opportunity to build their ideas through experiences bridges their initial perceptions to scientific understanding, which helps them make relevant, lasting connections between science and their everyday lives,” said Erika Shugart, Ph.D., executive director, NSTA. “The amazing ExGen rocketry-themed resources provided through this collaboration help middle school teachers deliver authentic, highly engaging learning experiences that motivate students to explore beyond the classroom.”

This year, five $1,500 grants will be given to educators or administrators at Title 1 schools to fund engaging and inclusive STEM and aerospace-related projects. Applications for the AIAA Exploration Generation Title I Grants are being accepted through October 31 at https://edu.estesrockets.com/grants/aiaa-grant/.

ExGen will continue its expansion, offering additional resources for elementary and high school educators in 2023 and 2024. To access ExGen’s free instructional materials, rocketry basics, safety resources, and funding opportunities, visit https://www.nsta.org/exploration-generation.

Contacts
Rebecca Gray, AIAA, [email protected], 804-397-5270
Michelle Passey, Estes Industries, [email protected], 719-372-2098
Kate Falk, NSTA, [email protected], 703-312-9211

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Tag: Education

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