Do you ever wonder what it feels like to be in space? Just ask Ms. Cordes and Ms. Barajas, two science teachers at Rivera. Along with 28 other math and science teachers from California and Nevada, they participated in a unique initiative that places them on micro-gravity flights to test Newton's Laws of Motion and in-turn energizes their students in the formative middle school years.
The Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery program was created in response to a shortage of college graduates in the STEM disciplines within the United States, a development that bodes ill for the nation's industries that depend on talented scientists and mathematicians. The program targets middle-school math and science teachers primarily because studies have indicated that a child's interest in pursuing a certain career in the areas of science and math is sparked at the middle school level. Northrop Grumman developed the Weightless Flights of Discovery to engage teachers, because they serve as key influencers in the lives of students during these crucial years.
"Our nation's leaders, including President Obama, through his 'Educate to Innovate' initiative, recognize the need to strengthen STEM education in the United States," said Sandra Evers-Manly, president of the Northrop Grumman Foundation. "This program, along with others supported by the Northrop Grumman Foundation are very much aligned with this important national goal."
Demonstrating the program's overall impact, a poll conducted in 2009 of 230 teachers who participated in the first three years of the program revealed that 84.7% reported an increase in the number of students interested in pursuing science- and math-related careers; and 92.3% reporting a notable increase in their students' overall interest in science.
Rivera's teachers are now showing that not even the sky is not the limit!
Here's a video from ABC News. See Ms. Cordes floating!