GRC NEWS RELEASE 99-96




99-96



For Release: December 10, 1999



Barbara L. Kakiris
NASA Glenn Research Center
(Bus: 216/499-2513)



Lori J. Rachul
NASA Glenn Research Center
(Bus: 216/433-8806)



<h3>NASA Glenn Introduces a New Era in Education</h3> 

A futuristic, state-of-the-art educational experience begins today at 
NASA Glenn Research Center with the unveiling of its newest 
Aeronautics Educational Laboratory (AEL). The AEL will open the skies 
to students as they explore the world of math and science using the 
latest computer technology.



"This Aeronautics Educational Lab is the result of Administrator 
Goldin&rsquo;s vision and ability to energize NASA employees to 
stretch themselves and make things happen to benefit our national and 
international community," said Glenn Center Director Donald J. 
Campbell.



An AEL is a state-of-the-art classroom, utilizing ten unique 
workstations that provide an educational setting for students and 
teachers to participate in various future-oriented scenarios using 
NASA programs as themes. In addition, Glenn&rsquo;s AEL will also 
serve as a technology development center for new scenarios and field 
testing new equipment.



The present AEL scenario involves participants in designing an 
aircraft and completing a cross-country flight. Coming soon will be a 
scenario where participants learn about microgravity that includes a 
virtual reality docking with the International Space Station.



"Our goal is to inspire students and educators in the areas of math, 
science and technology so that they may reach their full potential as 
we enter into the 21<sup>st</sup> century," said John H. Hairston, 
director of External Programs at Glenn. "AEL is a leap in classroom 
computer technology that puts cutting-edge technology in the hands of 
students."



"Within a few years, we hope to see hundreds of AELs linked together 
through distance learning, joint missions and simulations creating a 
totally new educational experience," said Dr. R. Lynn Bondurant, AEL 
project director.



AELs are modeled after the highly successful Mobile Aeronautics 
Education Laboratory (MAEL), which was created through a partnership 
between Glenn and Cuyahoga Community College and was dedicated in 
1996. Since that time, the MAEL has traveled coast-to-coast visiting 
schools, museums and participating in conferences. The demand for 
MAEL visits exceeded its availability, leading to the creation of 
permanent AELs at multiple sites so that students and teachers can be 
directly involved in real science and technology.



The AEL will support Glenn&rsquo;s Office of Educational Programs and 
Visitor Center endeavors to foster enthusiasm in school-age children 
for science, mathematics and technical fields.



More information about the Aeronautics Educational Laboratory or the 
Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory program may be found at: 
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/MAEL

	
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