Across the country, there is a growing concern regarding the number of students entering science, technology, engineering and mathematic careers. We know that one way to reverse that trend is to make science and math fascinating and applicable for the students. And, in order to engage the students, we have to have educators who are excited about what they do and can bring unique learning opportunities into their classrooms.
In order to address this concern, the Northrop Grumman Foundation has teamed with the Zero Gravity Corporation to develop the Weightless Flights of Discovery program. The Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery program is designed to inspire students to pursue science and technical careers by inspiring their teachers first. Practicing classroom middle school teachers and future middle school teachers have the opportunity to participate in hands-on science workshops and perform and experiment in a parabolic or "zero-gravity" aircraft flight that creates temporary weightlessness comparable to what humans would experience during space travel to the Moon or Mars. It also mimics how astronauts train for space flight.
2008 will mark the third year of support to the Weightless Fights of Discovery program and will give 240 teachers and future teachers in four different communities the opportunity to participate in this incredible program.
Eligibility
If you are a math or science teacher at an accredited public middle school or a college student majoring in education at a university near locations where flights will take place (see list below) you may submit an application to participate in the Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery program. Special consideration will be given to educators in underserved communities and at schools with underperforming math and science scores.
2008 Locations include:
San Jose, California
Workshop – August 2
Flight – September 18
Space Coast, Florida
Workshop – August 14
Flight – September 30
Atlanta, Georgia
Workshop – August 23
Flight – October 7
Chicago, Illinois
Workshop – September 27
Flight – October 21
Requirements
Obtain and submit a letter of recommendation, on school letterhead, from the school principal or the math or science department head. If you are a future teacher enrolled in an education program, please obtain and submit a letter of recommendation, on school letterhead, from your department head.
Have the ability to obtain release time from school to participate in the workshop and flight.
Complete and submit the Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery application.
Complete a post-flight analysis survey.
The Process
Applications for the Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery program will be accepted from April 17 through June 20, 2008 (or until all participant slots have been filled). Interested teachers and future teachers should complete the Northrop Grumman Foundation Weightless Flights of Discovery online application and e-mail a letter of recommendation from the school principal or department head to NGCommunityRelations@ngc.com.
After all of the applications have been reviewed, participants will be selected based on their meeting the eligibility criteria and information contained in the application. Notification of selections will be made by July 1 , 2008. Should you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Northrop Grumman Foundation at 1-888-478-5478 or by e-mail at NGCommunityRelations@ngc.com.
