Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery

The Program Objectives Introduce educators to the ZERO-G experience Inform participants of unique features of this program which will allow them to develop new strategies for their classroom Discuss ways to integrate the use of the ZERO-G experience into the classroom Provide teachers with a ZERO-G experience they can share with their students

Background: Zero Gravity Teachers can experience extended periods of weightlessness without going to space. Parabolic flight is the same method NASA has used to train its astronauts for the last 45 years and the same way Tom Hanks floated in Apollo 13.

How it Works The weightlessness experienced is actually equivalent to the type of "free fall" you experience when sky diving. In this case, the body of the aircraft surrounds you and protects you from the on-rushing wind. At the end of the free fall period, the aircraft also scoops you up and carries you back up to the top of the arc to begin the free fall process again.

How it Works

The Parabolas

“Floating” Area

The Plane (G-Force 1) G-Force One (aircraft): Amerijet Boeing 727-200; Origin: La Guardia; Speed 476 kts; Altitude: 33000 ft

Flight Path

Horizon View

Zero-Gravity

Results of Experience Teachers are now better prepared to deliver instruction to meet the needs of their students. Experience tied to the requirements set forth in the National Science and Math Standards. Enhanced understanding of the content and demonstrate that they can interrelate and interpret important concepts associated with microgravity; and can conduct scientific investigations and make the appropriate mathematical calculations. As a result, teachers will be able to successfully convey to students the major concepts, principles, theories, laws, and interrelationships of their experiences in microgravity as recommended by the National Science Teachers Association.

THANK YOU! Special thanks to the Northrop Grumman Foundation and Zero-G Corporation! They provided educators with a once in a life time experience.