For Release: June 29, 1998
Catherine E.
Watson
Phone: 864-6122
Dr. Shelley
Canright
Phone: 864-3313
Release No. 98-031
NASA Trains Math and Science Teachers Using Hands-On
Workshops
Twenty-five elementary school teachers from around the U.S. have
come to NASA Langley to complete a 10-day honors workshop sponsored
by NASA and the National Science Teachers Association.
Each teacher successfully competed with hundreds of other
educators for one of only 25 spots in the NASA Educational Workshop
for Elementary School Teachers (NEWEST). Nearly 100 other
elementary educators are attending similar workshops at four other
NASA centers across the nation.
The NEWEST program was designed in the wake of a national study
that indicated if students had not developed an interest in math or
science by the third grade, their chances of doing so decreased
over time. The NEWEST program was created to encourage students'
enthusiasm for math and science by engaging their teachers in an
exciting program that can be easily transferred across the
elementary curriculum.
The NEWEST program is a unique combination of scientific and
technological information, and hands-on experience. During the
two-week workshop, teachers will learn about the latest NASA
projects; visit NASA facilities; attend seminars by NASA
researchers, engineers and technicians; and study topics ranging
from aeronautics to interplanetary exploration. A portion of the
program is devoted to NEWEST Sharing, in which teachers share ideas
and strategies for translating their experiences into invaluable
classroom material.
Educators are encouraged to spread their new-found knowledge
beyond the classroom to other educators and to their community,
yielding a heightened awareness of the importance of a strong math
and science base in our increasingly technological world.
Photo and interview opportunities are available.
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