BRADENTON -- On Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. students at Abel Elementary will explore the final frontier of space and be reminded that they live in a vast universe where anything is possible through learning and application.
But first students should know that math and sciences is a very ”cool“ combo and pursuing them in a career could land them on the moon.
 |
| Mike Barber said the "Space Day 2010" event reminds kids there are more careers out there besides entertainment and talent. |
Spokesman for Manatee County School District Mike Barber said that Abel Elementary and the Lockheed Martin Corporation partnered to create ”Space Day 2010“ at the elementary school.
He added that over 1,000 Manatee County District elementary students will get a fun look at exciting career opportunities involving science and math. A Manatee County Commission Proclamation will be formally introduced at Abel declaring Friday as ”Space Day“ in Manatee County.
”A lot of kids are not really going in the direction of math and science,“ Barber said. ”There hasn’t been as much emphasis on the space program lately, either. It’s taken for granted, in a way.“
Students will experience 40 hands-on activities and exhibits all designed to generate student interest about careers in science, technology, engineering and the environment.
Barber said that the exploratory stations include a Shuttle Simulator, a Traveling Space Museum, a Space Suit Demonstration, Water Rockets, Anti-Gravity Boots and Astro-Jeopardy, to name a few.
In addition, students from Kinnan Elementary School will also join in the festivities, as their principal Chris Bayer joins Abel’s principal, Judy Bayer, who is also his wife.
Lyn Hodges, a noted educator, writer and international consultant on environmental issues will be the day’s featured Keynote Speaker.
Other sponsors and organizations that will be on hand to take part in the festivities include NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, G. WIZ – The Science Museum, the South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue.
”If students pay attention to other areas in school and not just on entertainment and talent,“ Barber said, ”they may find math and science can be a lot of fun.“
Whether or not the day inspires a lot more school books to open and stay open, Barber’s not completely sure. But he did say that it’s one of the events that kids at both schools look forward to all year long.
”Children are the workforce of tomorrow,“ said Gary Cambre, Communications Manager for Lockheed Martin’s Tallevast office. ”Space Day is designed to recognize our country’s achievements in space and planetary exploration while exciting our students about careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
”The success of our nation depends on future generations that are interested in and prepared for careers in these fields.“
Erica Newport is a daily reporter for The Bradenton Times. She covers art, culture and community. If you have a story that might interest Erica, please e-mail her using erica.newport@thebradentontimes.com address. She also takes your questions related to our weekly theme days and provides advice and opinions for our readers.
Please use this e-mail address for Ask Erica: ask.erica@thebradentontimes.com.
Comments
No comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.