NASA Workshop Attracts Educator From Arvada, Colorado

    HAMPTON, Va., July 15 /EMWNews/-- NASA's Langley Research

Center hosted its fourth annual MY NASA DATA workshop June 22 to 27,

attracting 21 educators from regions across America.



    Lynee Zajac-Beck, Earth science and astronomy teacher at Arvada West

Senior High School, Arvada, selected the MY NASA DATA (MND) workshop for

professional development because the training included using real data

collected by NASA satellites, weather balloons and other sources.



    The MND program offered educators in math and science relevant tools

for teaching that are both standards-based and challenging for students.

This year's workshop goals allowed teachers to access and explore NASA

Earth system science data and develop lesson plans to share these data with

their students.



    "With such a terrific reputation for excellence," Zajac-Beck says,

"NASA is always my first choice when considering professional development

opportunities."



    Even more important to Zajac-Beck is that students are very receptive

to lessons applying directly to their world.



    "Our district standards call for climate change studies for freshmen

Earth science studies, but the data analysis and inquiry techniques can be

incorporated throughout the grades," Zajac-Beck says.



    "There is an educationally effective blend of content lectures, tours,

directed practice, and self-guided exploration of the technology," says

Susan Moore, a member of the MND team. "Enthusiastic about their

profession, our team of teachers have developed networking opportunities

and lesson collaborations among one another."



    The importance of scientific inquiry and reflection to advancing

student knowledge was a common thread in this year's discussion. These

processes are important skills in scientific studies and are not techniques

children learn from a textbook. Scientific inquiry and reflection motivate

students to think in deeper levels.



    Lin Chambers, an atmospheric scientist at NASA Langley who developed

the MND program, is pleased with the growth and progress she sees in the

program.



    "Being the fourth workshop, we have definitely learned from past

experience," Chamber says. "We can provide a quality experience for our

teacher participants."



    To find out more about MY NASA DATA and workshop availability, go to:

http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov