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Teachers Immersed in Modeling and Simulation Training

2019 Modsim teachers in the 14x22 wind tunnel
Credits: NASA/David C. Bowman
2019 Modsim teachers in the Structures and Materials Lab
Credits: NASA/David C. Bowman

NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia and Radford University sponsored a one-week engineering and science modeling and simulation (MODSIM) workshop for secondary education mathematics teachers. Twenty-five local teachers spent the week at Langley immersed in modeling and simulation applications to develop standards-based lesson plans and instructional products that enhance students’ understanding of real-world mathematics and inspire them to consider this STEM field that will shape future innovation.

The selected educators toured Langley facilities, attended multiple presentations by NASA engineers and scientists and completed hands-on activities with the Office of STEM Engagement and Radford University professors.

“These experiences culminate into a robust, authentic opportunity to create lessons geared towards student engagement,” said Rosemary Smith, a NASA education specialist who helped coordinate the workshop. The goal of the program is to help build an educator workforce that is skilled in teaching innovative design and simulation-based engineering by increasing teacher mastery of MODSIM and assisting in creating lesson plans integrating MODSIM into high school mathematics.

“I really enjoy the tours and classes because we are able to see and talk about what is currently happening at NASA Langley. It helps with community relations and bringing the information to our classrooms,” said Kaye Pickett, one of the teacher attendees.