NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Middle and high school teachers nationwide comment on NES, and on the value it adds to their own teaching techniques, as well as to their students’ interest and performance.

Teachers across the country in grades 4-12, regardless of school size, type, or geographic location, see the benefit of participating in the NASA Explorer Schools, or NES, project. NES teachers have access to free NASA classroom materials and student engagement activities, as well as educator support resources, through the NES Virtual Campus. NES classroom resources help teachers increase student interest and achievement in STEM subjects.

The NASA Explorer Schools project invests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM educators to inspire and engage future scientists, engineers, and technicians NASA needs to continue our journey.

Click on the stories below to read about the NASA Explorer Schools project firsthand from one of our participating teachers!

Name: Joan Labay-Marquez 2010-2011 School: Curlington Elementary Grade: K-6 Subject: Gifted and Talented Pullout Program Teaching Experience: Five Years In Their own Words: "The NES resources and materials are created and designed by NASA educators and specialists and provide all students the opportunity to explore STEM in a fun and engaging way."		Name: Cris DeWolf 2010-2011 School: Chippewa Hills High School Grade: 9-12 Subject: Science Teaching Experience: Twenty-seven Years In Their own Words: "There are many lessons to choose from in the lesson library so no matter what a teacher's experience level anyone should be able to find something that they could easily use or adapt for their classrooms."
Name: Chick Knitter 2010-2011 School: Hobgood Elementary School Grade: 6 Subject: Math and Science Teaching Experience: Eighteen Years In Their own Words: "Overall, it's a 'win, win' for you and your students! The NES content and website is user-friendly and designed to meet the needs (prior content knowledge, procedures of activities, etc.) of a teacher, especially in regard to time constraints."		Name: Deidre Mangin 2010-2011 School: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School Grade: 5-8 Subject: Integrated science curriculum Teaching Experience: Nine Years In Their own Words: "I would definitely encourage other teachers to participate in the NES project. There is a diverse offering of materials. I also appreciate the opportunities for teacher and school recognition."
Name: Elizabeth Petry 2010-2011 School: Mack Benn, Jr. Elementary School Grade: 1-5 Subject: Gifted Resource Teacher Teaching Experience: Fifteen Years In Their own Words: "I like how NES gave me authentic teaching opportunities that I could share with my students. And I especially liked the professional development teacher video collections that I could watch on-demand."		Name: Denise Duke 2010-2011 School: Forest Lake Elementary Grade: Elementary Subject: All Subjects Teaching Experience: Nineteen Years In Their own Words: "The NES materials have increased my students' interest and knowledge in science and will have an impact on how they will learn in the future."
Name: Kaci Heins 2010-2011 School: The PEAK School Grade: 5th Subject: All Subjects Teaching Experience: Six Years In Their own Words: "I thought it was so great to get rewarded for the implementation of the materials. We don’t always feel appreciated for our hard work in the classroom."		Name: Mary Inglish 2010-2011 School: Woodrow Wilson Middle School Grade: 8th Subject: Science Teaching Experience: Eleven Years In Their own Words: "I was drawn to the extensive resources available with educationally rich and fascinating information about NASA that could apply to everything and got students interested and motivated in STEM careers."
Name: Donna Rand 2010-2011 School: East Hartford-Glastonbury Magnet School Grade: K-5 Subject: Science Teaching Experience: Thirty Years In Their own Words: "I found the NES materials generated excitement for inquiry, science exploration, teamwork and real-life science challenges where students applied science concepts to solve real problems."		Name: Wendy Dlakic 2010-2011 School: Sleeping Giant Middle School Grade: 8th Subject: Physical Science and a STEM Elective Course Teaching Experience: One Year In Their own Words: "The Web seminars offered me an excellent opportunity to learn more about the specific units that NES offers that tie in well with my curriculum."
Name: Kim Forbes 2010-2011 School: Ferndale Middle School Grade: 6-8 Subject: Technology and Engineering Education Teaching Experience: Six Years In Their own Words: "I liked being able to pick and choose the lessons I wanted to teach. I also appreciated the professional development opportunities with their step-by-step instructions on how to use the lessons in her classroom."		Name: Amanda Blough 2010-2011 School: Corpus Christi Catholic School Grade: 4th Subject: Science, Mathematics, Religion and Integrated Language Arts Teaching Experience: Eleven Years In Their own Words: "I think participating in the NASA Now events and live chats were just as exciting for me as they were for the kids. The summer teacher recognition was also a huge incentive."