1. NASA Explorer School Phenix City Intermediate School
Phenix City Public Schools
Phenix City, Alabama

2. NASA Explorer School (NES)
Partners with NASA through the Marshall Space Flight Center for 3 years
First of its kind
Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Tennessee

3. Team
Alabama Team representatives: Joe Blevins, April Harrell, Robin Thomas, Carolyn Kimball, and Shirley Garrett
National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Education Facilitator: Terry Sue Fanning
Program Director of NASA Explorer Schools: Peg Steffen
Aerospace Education Services Representative: Will Robertson

4. First Year Objectives

5. Increase student interest and participation in science, math, and technology
Introduce NASA materials into existing curriculum
Extend the use of technology in the classroom to support learning
First Year

6. Increase student knowledge about careers in science, math, and technology
Introduce students to career opportunities during regular school time and with families after school
Identify available experts and resources in the community, as well as on-line/distance learning resources
First Year

7. Increase student ability to apply science, math, and technology concepts
Develop opportunities for inquiry learning activities
Acquire collaborative tools (i.e. robotics and aeronautics) and identify outside expert resources
First Year

8. Increase the active participation and professional growth of educators in science, math, and technology
Provide teachers and staff with opportunities to attend in-services and/or conferences for implementing the plan, including “make and take” workshops and job embedded activities
Develop collaborative opportunities for team building and networking within and outside of our school
First Year

9. Increase family involvement in student learning
Develop extensions of school activities to the home environment
Plan special events that encourage family participation
First Year

10. Resources http://nasaexplorerschool.gov http://education.nasa.gov

11. Specific Activities for First Year
Website announcements and links
Development of technology and science lab which will include distance learning equipment.
Add “NASA Night” as part of our parental involvement special events.
Purchase equipment, software, and services to support inquiry learning activities
Paint walls (Murals)
Name buildings (I.e. Galaxy Hall, Mission Control, Milky Way Café)
Mission Patch, mascot, and sign created
Billboard notifying community of NES Grant
Newspaper article and TV News coverage

12. Second Year Objectives

13. Increase student interest and participation in science, math, and technology
Integrate NASA materials into existing curriculum
Extend the use of technology in the classroom to support learning
Second Year

14. Increase student knowledge about careers in science, math, and technology
Engage students in career explorations during regular school time and with families after school
Utilize experts and resources in the community, as well as on-line/distance learning resources
Second Year

15. Increase student ability to apply science, math, and technology concepts
Provide opportunities for inquiry learning with an emphasis on analysis, synthesis, and problem solving
Increase the access to collaborative tools (i.e. robotics and aeronautics) and outside expert resources
Enable students to use NASA mission data during investigations
Second Year

16. Increase the active participation and professional growth of educators in science, math, and technology
Provide teachers and staff with opportunities to attend in-services and/or conferences for implementing the plan, including “make and take” workshops and job embedded activities
Extend the collaborative opportunities for team building and networking within and outside of our school
Second Year

17. Increase family involvement in student learning
Develop extensions of school activities to the home environment
Encourage family participation through special events
Second Year

18. Third Year Objectives

19. Increase student interest and participation in science, math, and technology
Integrate NASA materials into existing curriculum
Extend the use of technology in the classroom to support learning
Third Year

20. Increase student knowledge about careers in science, math, and technology
Engage students in career explorations during regular school time and with families after school
Utilize experts and resources in the community, as well as on-line/distance learning resources
Third Year

21. Increase student ability to apply science, math, and technology concepts
Provide opportunities for inquiry learning
Increase the access to collaborative tools (i.e. robotics and aeronautics) and outside expert resources
Third Year

22. Increase the active participation and professional growth of educators in science, math, and technology
Provide teachers and staff with opportunities to attend in-services and/or conferences for implementing the plan, including “make and take” workshops and job embedded activities
Extend the collaborative opportunities for team building and networking within and outside of our school
Third Year

23. Increase family involvement in student learning
Develop extensions of school activities to the home environment
Encourage family participation through special events
Third Year

24. As only NASA can!