Ms. W Goes to NASA Space Academy

Flying High as School Starts

2008-09-13T12:34:00.001-07:00

Wow! School started and we are flying high. K-5 is busy learning about the Earth's tilt and how it affects the seasons. 101 is learning all about the planets. 2nd and 3rd grade created mission patches after learning that each NASA launch has its own patch. 2nd grade will continue to learn about planets, stars and the sun before focusing on Planet Earth. 3rd grade will begin measurement. I wonder how hard it would be measure your friend for a space suit? Hydroponic gardening is also beginning in 2nd and 3rd grade. So many exciting things to look forward to.

3-2-1-Blast off to a new year

2008-08-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

It is time to start a new year and the science room has become a space room. Star paper and planets will get everyone in the right mood to focus on aeronautics and astronautics. We will be working on many of the Space Academy projects as well as focusing on Earth Materials, Measurement, Flight and Rockets. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

Returning to Earth and PS120

2008-07-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

The return to PS120 was more than I expected. My students were so excited to find out about what I had experienced. I gave 3 assembly programs and I expect to give more when I return in September. My co-workers also are excited and some are considering applying for the program. Summertime is here! I will add to my blog occasionally over the summer and will continue in the Fall. If you want to write: ms.weisen@gmail.com

Astronaut Sims

2008-06-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 22 was a busy and exciting day. Graduation day...but first we have to pass the astronaut simulator. Imagine a machine that makes you feel like you are on the moon. Yes... I could float at 1/6th gravity. I sailed through the air. Then the Freefall. It is hard to tell which way is up when you are turning every which way. Finally, we all graduated and got our wings. Tomorrow, I travel back to New York to truely begin my adventure. Sharing my experience with all the students at PS 120Queens.

Aviation Challenge

2008-06-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Sat. June 21. I experienced the Aviation Challenge. We had a simulated helicoptor crash and rescue and a zipline parachute drop into the lake. I was place in a large barrel that was supposed to be the body of a helicoptor that crashed in water- I had to swim out and over to the rescue basket to be lifted out. After that I was attached to a pilot harness and attached to a zipline. I traveled 300 feet or so and landed in the water. It was very exciting and I have lots of pictures and video to share.

A Very Busy Day

2008-06-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today was the first of two simulations on the Space Shuttle. I was the mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery. My job was to leave the shuttle and repair the Hubble Telescope. I had to put on a space suit that an astronaut uses to walk in space. It was a great experience and I understand the pressure that the astronauts feel to get a job done correctly. I also found out about a lot of information about Mars and the NASA's work to get people traveling to Mars and I built a rocket ship that blasted off. There are still many more adventures to do and I can't wait to be able to do many of the experiments back at PS120.

The Lunar Has Landed

2008-06-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today had been exciting. First I went on Space Shot- a ride that simulates take off. My team- Team Exploration- did some team building games that I hope to share with my students when I return. We spent time in the Space and Rocket Museum and I learned about the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Missions. The new mission- Aries- will go to the moon and later attempt to take astronauts to Mars. How exciting would that be? Tomorrow is my first Mission on the Simulator Discovery and I will learn about rocket construction. It has been very exciting so far and tomorrow I will share some more.

Ms. W Has Arrived

2008-06-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Today, June 17, 2008, I arrived in Huntsville, Alabama for my first day in Space Academy. I received an awsome flight suit with NASA and US Rocket and Space Center patches on it. I am part of TEAM EXPLORATION. We are 15 teachers working together on different Space related projects. It is very interesting to meet teachers from all over the country.

One Week and Counting

2008-06-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

One more week before I leave. There is so much to do. I have to pack my suitcase for the airplane flight. I will take an extra suitcase since I have been told I will be bringing a lot of fun stuff back to share with everyone. I am getting excited but also a little nervous. I will be meeting new people from all over the world. I wonder what it is like to be a teacher in another state or another country? I guess I will find out.

Countdown Continues

2008-05-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

20 day and counting-
To prepare, I have been reading some books about early space exploration. I have also been keeping a hydroponic garden in my science room. I am growing bean plants without soil and now there are beans growing. I want to take those seeds and sprout them. Maybe they will grow into bean plants. What do you think?
Also- check out the Phoenix Mars Lander site!

Landing on Mars

2008-05-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

How exciting is it that NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander will be landing on Mars on May 25, 2008? It has taken 3 months for the lander to get there and it will be scooping up soil for the Red Planet. There will be a new blog starting on May 19 to share what is happening. Visit the website regularly.

Countdown to Space Academy

2008-05-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

The excitement is building. I am scheduled to fly to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama on Tuesday June17th, 2008. I will be participating in astronaut training exercises for teachers. I will be involved in kid based activities, NASA's engineering design challenges, simulated space missions and water survival training. I will return to PS 120 on Tuesday June 24 ready to share my adventures with everyone. As the date gets closer, I will share more exciting news with everyone.