Notice to Teachers in
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Assisted by the U.S. Department of State

INSTITUTE SPONSORS AND LOCATION

The Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools, is encouraging applications from teachers, grade one through grade twelve, who can be in the United States for an in-service training institute to be held at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, from Monday, June 16 to Thursday, June 26, 2008. The major emphasis for this program is geared for a curriculum used by middle school teachers, however teachers at all levels are welcome to attend as portions of this institute are suitable for all grade levels and the other portions can be adapted by the instructor.

The Aerospace Science Institute will be sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools (A/OPR/OS), and conducted in conjunction with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Titusville, FL. KSC is responsible for NASA's Shuttle Launch Services, human space flight program, planning and implementing the human exploration and development of space.

TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES

This intensive program combines classroom instruction by NASA technical experts, with an evening event with former or current astronauts. The program also includes significant hands-on instruction from NASA educational specialists who will demonstrate techniques for taking this information and knowledge effectively into the classroom. A series of enrichment activities including visits to the Kennedy Space Center's Saturn V Complex and an evening session with experts on space history are included. Daily sessions are held between 8 am and 5 p.m., with some evening and weekend activities. Pants must be worn on most days since NASA has regulations requiring this dress code.

A variety of topics concerning the human exploration and development of space will be covered, with particular focus on the International Space Station and the role-out of the shuttle replacement vehicle scheduled for 2012. Participants will receive information in many areas, including:

• §The Space Shuttle Program
• § The International Space Station Program
  § Strategies/plans for lunar and Mars exploration
  § Aeronautics principles
  § Orbital mechanics principles
  § Rocketry
  § Space Environments
  § Space Materials, including their selection and testing
  § Living and working in space, including the effects of microgravity on the human physiology, design of crew modules for space living, space food, space suits and space tools.
  § Astronaut training techniques
  § Life support systems, including the growth of plants in space for long-duration flights
  § Solar energy principals
  
  Please be advised that some of the NASA locations may be restricted due to security requirements. The Institute plans activities and events with some space-related contractors not located at Kennedy Space Center such as the Florida Solar Energy Center.

  Participants will also receive detailed instructions on the use of the Internet to access all NASA educational and informational and educational assets and data repositories. In addition, a large quantity of NASA informational and educational material is provided on CD-ROM to each participant (text materials, photos, brochures, teacher guides, videos, poster, etc.) during the session. Materials can be shipped to participants after the institute is completed, if necessary.
  
  OPTIONAL GRADUATE CREDIT

  All participants can elect to receive three semester hours of graduate credit from the University of Central Florida after completion of the Institute and a tuition payment in an amount not yet determined. However, credit is optional and in no way will affect selection or participation.
  
  ACCOMMODATIONS AND STIPEND
  

  All participants are housed in condominiums at the LaCita Resort in Titusville. Accompanying dependents are not allowed and cannot attend the sessions at the Kennedy Space Center. Participants will share condominium facilities and bedrooms/bathrooms. Separate beds are provided. A stipend of $250 is provided for each participant to assist in the cost of meals. There will be no cost to participants for housing.  Transportation will be provided by vans from the Orlando International Airport in Florida at designated times on Monday, June 16, 2008. There will be a dinner on Monday night (June 16, 2008) at 7:00 p.m. Please make your reservations to arrive by 2 p.m. on Monday at the latest.  Participants will meet at the fountain in the Hyatt Airport Hotel for pick up. Transportation to and from KSC and the planned activities is provided on a daily basis. The contract does not provide funds for transportation for any other purpose.