INSPIRING KIDS, IS FOCUS OF PLANNING CONFERENCE: JANUARY 24-26, 2005

In February 2004, NASA released A Vision for Space Exploration, a strategic plan for exploring scientifically valuable destinations across our solar system. To successfully accomplish the vision, NASA is taking bold steps to "inspire the next generation of explorers" by hosting a NASA Explorer Institutes (NEI) professional development conference in collaboration with NASA's Langley Research Center and 4-H leaders in North Carolina, January 24-26, 2005, at the Radisson Governor's Inn, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Sponsored by NASA's Office of Education, NEI is a new national program to encourage and support projects that will improve the public's understanding and appreciation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The program is designed to enhance scientific and technological literacy, mathematical competence, problem-solving skills and the desire to learn.

Through direct interaction with NASA astronauts, scientists and experts from the education community, the conference will allow 4-H leaders to gain a better understanding of NASA's vision and its mission, while exposing them to countless NASA educational resources. Participants will develop program models for collaboration with NASA and 4-H nationally.

"This collaboration is one of a series of innovative approaches being developed by NASA to engage and inspire the next generation of explorers through the Vision for Space Exploration," said Jim Stofan, Director, Informal Education Division at NASA Headquarters, Washington.

Workshop speakers include NASA veteran Astronaut Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz, Dr. Julia Hains, Purdue University, Dr. Richard Byles, Virginia Air and Space Museum, Dr. Chris Brown, NC Space Grant, and NASA Langley staff.

The conference completes a six-part series of workshops that were selected by NASA to engage the informal education community and stimulate student, educator, and public interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through NASA-sponsored educational opportunities.

For more information about NASA's educational resources and the Explorer Institutes Program visit:

www.education.nasa.gov

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