Apr. 11—Two South Dakota teachers have been selected to participate in a NASA Liftoff Summer Institute program.
Bree Oatman, a high school science teacher at Lower Brule High School, along with Mike O⁘Connell, a middle school science teacher at Chester Area School, were chosen to attend this nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA⁘s Texas Space Grant Consortium and the University of Texas Center for Space Research. There were about 60 educators selected nationwide. In addition to winning a spot at the institute, Oatman was also recently named a recipient of a $5,000 grant, the Kelly Lane Earth and Space Science Grant. The grant is awarded by the South Dakota Space Consortium to math and science teachers in South Dakota to enhance professional development.
The workshop, held from June 24-28, is a professional development training course for teachers. It emphasizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experiences by incorporating a space science theme supported by NASA Missions. The training takes place in Houston, Texas.
The theme for this year⁘s workshop is Growing on Earth for Space Exploration. Teacher participants will be provided with information and experiences through speakers, hands-on activities and field investigations that promote space science and enrichment activities for themselves and for others.
According to the program⁘s website, participants will increase their understanding of specialized environments for growth and development, on Earth, in microgravity, and beyond.
Oatman specifically is excited because the theme ties in well with units she planned to teach on, such as microgravity, how plants grow when there is less gravity and pollination without insects.
"I⁘m very excited that this year⁘s focus is on plants," Oatman said. "I⁘m an uber nerd and it all sounds like so much fun."
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