NASA Explorer Schools

The NASA Explorer Schools Program is a "pipeline" strategic initiative to promote and support the incorporation of NASA content and programs into science, technology and mathematics curricula in classroom grades 4-9 across the United States. Targeting underserved populations in diverse geographic locations, NASA Explorer Schools will bring together educators, administrators, students and families in sustained involvement with NASA's education programs. Competitive applications and selection of the NES teams occur each spring. Up to 50 teams are added each year, for a maximum total of 150 teams.

The Biddeford Middle School and the John F. Kennedy Memorial School, both part of the Bidderford School System, are the only two Maine schools that are members of the NASA Explorer Schools Program. These schools were selected as part of the 2004 class.

The Maine NASA Explorer Schools have received a grant from the Maine Space Grant Consortium to support two programs. The first is a family rocketry program which is planned to take place between September 25 and October 18, 2007. The second program is a water quality testing project to monitor the water quality in the school yard pond.  This program will be implemented as part of the 8th grade science curriculum and will involve monthly water quality testing from October 2007 through May 2008.  Additional support will be provided to help the Schools develop and implement a plan that would sustain scholarly improvements in both schools. For more information on the Maine NASA Explorer Schools contact Barbara Fortier, 8th grade teacher at the Biddeford Middle School and Project Director.

You can find more information on the NASA Explorer School program and how your school can apply to the program by visiting their website

Space Day

For the past several years, the Maine Space Grant Consortium provided financial support for Space Day in Maine. Founded and launched by Lockheed Martin in 1997, the national Space Day educational initiative, which takes place on the first Friday of each May, has evolved into a massive grassroots effort dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The ultimate goal is to promote math, science, technology and engineering education by nurturing young peoples' enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe and inspiring them to continue the stellar work of today's space explorers. This global initiative has been honored with the Space Foundation's prestigious Education Achievement Award. For more information on Space Day in Maine, contact Sharon Eggleston, the Northeast Regional Coordinator for Space Day activities. Click here for more information on the 2007 Space Day in Maine.

NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC)

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine (CLCofMe) is a member of the NASA Educator Resource Center Network. The purpose of a NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) is to help teachers learn about and use NASA's educational resources. ERCs provide inservice and preservice training utilizing NASA instructional products. Through the Educator Resource Center Network, NASA provides the expertise and necessary facilities to help educators access and utilize science, mathematics, technology, and geography instructional products. All of these products are aligned with national standards and appropriate state frameworks and are based on NASA's unique mission and results. ERCs also partner with local, state, and regional educational organizations to become part of the systemic education reform initiatives in the state.

The CLCofMe is a private, non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation and is a member of the national network of Challenger Centers approved by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, an international organization founded by the families of the seven Challenger astronauts with the goal of continuing the crew's educational mission - to learn, to explore, and to inspire. Using the concept of simulation as an instructional tool, programs of the Challenger Learning Center Network create an exciting, cooperative learning environment that fosters interest in science, math, and technology. For more information on the simulations and the NASA ERC please contact the Challenger Learning Center of Maine.

NASA Interns available to present to High School Students in Maine

Through the Maine Space Grant Consortium's Aerospace Workforce Development Program, undergradute students who participated in this program working at a NASA field center are available to present their projects and experiences working with NASA researchers and engineers, to high school students across the state.

There is no cost to a school who would like an undergraduate intern to present to their students. High school teachers interested in this program should contact Jana Hall to arrange a student presenter.

2007 student project descriptions can be downloaded here

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