Challenger Center - Moon to Mars Launches Daily
Space Science Education Organization Enthusiastically Supports Education Findings Issued in Report from Presidential Commission on Space Exploration
ALEXANDRIA, VA (PRWEB) June 21, 2004 -- Challenger Center for Space Science
Education congratulates the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S.
Space Exploration Policy for the release of their report on the nation’s new
vision for journeys in space. Challenger Center, founded by the families of the
astronauts tragically lost during the last flight of the Challenger Space
Shuttle, supports the Commission's findings that education, particularly of the
next generation of explorers, is a crucial component in transforming the
President's vision into history.
The Commission concluded that space
exploration "offers an extraordinary opportunity to stimulate mathematics,
science, and engineering excellence for America's students and teachers." They
also issued a recommendation that teacher training in these subject areas must
become a priority: "Such efforts should…emphasize approaches that allow students
to experience first-hand the thrill of discovery and innovation."
June
Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D., widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee, Founding
Chairman of Challenger Center, and an invited participant who provided testimony
at one of the Commission's public hearings, said, "Challenger Center largely
exists to introduce today's students to the wonders of space exploration. It has
always been our mission that an initial glimpse through a window on the universe
would inspire them to become tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and teachers. We
are over the moon that the President’s Commission believes that education must
play a part in future space exploration, and we enthusiastically offer the
resources of Challenger Center and its education programs to assist."
Bill Gutsch, Ph.D., President and CEO of Challenger Center, said, "As
someone who grew up during the Apollo era and later became a scientist, I know
that the President's vision to return to the Moon will inspire a new generation
of students to do the same. At Challenger Learning Centers throughout the
nation, we've been sending students to the Moon and Mars for 18 years, but we
look forward to seeing some of our previous guests one day visit the real thing
and take another 'small step' for mankind."
About Challenger Center for
Space Science Education
Challenger Center is an education organization
created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts tragically lost during the
last flight of the Challenger Space Shuttle. Dedicated to the educational spirit
of that mission, Challenger Center develops Learning Centers and other
educational programs that continue the mission to engage students in science and
mathematics education. These programs use the excitement of space exploration to
create learning experiences that foster lifelong learning in mathematics,
science, and technology, and develop critical communication, decision-making,
team-building, and collaborative skills. For more information, visit www.challenger.org.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/6/prweb135379.htm