Teacher Selected for NASA Program
NASA has selected 11 educator teams for its 2016 Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program. Chagrin Falls middle and high school science teacher Alison Hinesman is one of those educators.
The program is a professional development opportunity for educators designed to improve teaching methods and to inspire students. As part of the preparation, the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors complete a graduate credit astronomy course and are partnered with professional astronomers to participate as the scientists conduct research on board NASA’s flying telescope, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).
“I am beyond ecstatic for this opportunity,” said Alison Hinesman. “I can’t wait to share my experience with my students and continue to grow their interest in science.”
SOFIA is a modified Boeing 747SP jetliner fitted with a 2.5-meter telescope that uses seven instruments to study celestial objects at infrared wavelengths during a 10 hour overnight mission. It flies at altitudes between 39,000 and 45,000 feet above more than 99 percent of the water vapor in the atmosphere in order to collect these readings.
“NASA’s SOFIA observatory provides a fantastic opportunity for educators to witness scientific observations being conducted first-hand so they can better understand and appreciate the research process,” said Hashima Hasan, SOFIA program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “SOFIA presents a unique opportunity for educators to interact with researchers making observations on board the SOFIA airborne observatory. The educators can then take what they learn back into their classrooms and communities to convey the value of scientific research as well as the wide variety of science, technology, engineering, and math career paths available to students.”
Hinesman will be partnered with Ebony Moreen from Heritage Middle School in Painesville. These ambassadors, who are expected to fly during fall and winter 2016, join three previous Airborne Astronomy Ambassador cohorts for a total of 106 educators selected from 31 states and the District of Columbia. Hinesman and Moreen spent a year on the “wait list” to become full-fledged team members.
SOFIA is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., manages the SOFIA program. The aircraft is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center’s facility in Palmdale, Calif. As an ambassador last year, the teachers talked about the program with their classes and introduced some topics that SOFIA researches — specifically, ninth-grade physical science studies of the electromagnetic spectrum and the star cycle. They talked about how SOFIA uses infrared technology to research the star cycle, making a connection between those two scientific disciplines.
The application process was lengthy.
“We had to put together an outreach program proposal and how we planned to provide enrichment within our districts. It also had to discuss how we were going to reach out to local colleges and universities to talk with their teacher candidates,” said Hinesman. “Additionally, we hope to provide programming for local Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or other community programs that would like us to share our experiences. It’s a very selective program and to be asked to join is a huge honor.”
Second-Grade Ice Skating Trip
Gurney Elementary School physical education teacher Justin Cannon recently took the kindergarten and second-grade classes on the annual ice skating trip to The Pond. The trip was two-fold, as the students were able to build peer leadership by working with their “buddy classes” while also learning that there are sports they can do in the winter to stay active.
The Pond staff, led by Elisa Nash, along with parent helpers, assisted the 45 students get laced up to master ice skating. The ice rink was split up between “expert” skaters and beginners, with lessons for both and up to five skating instructors for each group. First time skaters, or those students who were a little timid on the ice, were given walkers to help them stay standing. However, by the end of a one-hour lesson, most of the students were skating without the walkers.
“I do this trip to show kids how they can stay active even during the cold winter months, which we normally have here in Cleveland,” said Cannon. “Winter sports often get overshadowed, but this in addition to snow shoeing, which I do with the kids, have become favorites.”
Gurney Spring Book Fair
From March 9-17, Gurney Elementary School hosted a groovy 1960s-themed spring book fair under the direction of Mrs. Czerr, library aide.
“The book fair was a great opportunity for students, teachers and parents to increase their libraries,” said Kelly Purcell, Gurney Elementary information literacy teacher. “All funds raised through our Gurney book fairs stay directly in our Gurney library. We use that money to buy or replace books.”
Pasta for Pennies
The Gurney Service Learning Club, an organization of third-graders who give of their time and talent to help those in the community through a series of service projects, conducted a Pasta for Pennies fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The students counted all the coins and were happy to report that the school raised $6,461.63.
Top grade level winners will receive an ice cream treat. They were Jacquelyn Gebler, Justin Wise, Dayna Vilk, Jillian Langer and Lisa Todaro. A pasta lunch award will go to the grand winner, Sheri Halagan’s third grade class, which raised $1,024.11.