Schools
St. James Pupils Chat Live with Astronauts in Space
Students use new technology to speak to NASA astronauts on the International Space Station.
Fifth- and sixth-grade pupils at St. James Catholic School tuned in to spend time with NASA astronauts on the International Space Station using new Smart Board technology.
This was the first long distance Google event that was live for students internationally, according to school officials.
In the opening, St. James pupils heard from former astronauts on Feb. 22, when students from around the world also asked questions for 20 minutes during the event.
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Astronauts Kevin Ford, Chris Hadfield and Tom Marshlaurn fielded the questions from 240 miles above the earth on the orbiting laboratory, making it clear that math and science are critically important. The astronauts also shared the concept that the earth is a living, breathing organism that needs to be cared for from a global perspective.
One of the questions asked was how students could participate in the NASA program. Student Eddie Brezny learned that students were already in the program just by watching the telecast.
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Students shared their thoughts about the experience.
“We learned that astronauts are very busy with experiments,” Abby McCullough said.
“This was a very interesting and fascinating event to see," Helen Rothfus said. "I thought it was so cool to hear that there are 16 different sunsets and sunrises within one orbit of the earth.”
“It is fascinating that people would devote their life to learn more about the earth and our beautiful universe in hope of helping our generation,” said Jack Cullo.
“I have so many more questions to ask the astronauts now," said Haley Hamilton, who summed up the event. "I am fascinated at the fact that they are presently in a station orbiting the earth. I would love to be able to do something like they are doing. I wonder what inspired these astronauts to make this amazing journey.”
Information provided by St. James School. Have news to share? Email larissa.dudkiewicz@patch.com
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