NASA Initiative Realized With Inspiring The Next Generation

On Thursday, April 24, Goddard will host the first ever Inspire the Next Generation at Work Day, from 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. with opening and closing events in the building 3 Goett auditorium. The day of activities will include a visit by astronauts Leland Melvin and Roger Crouch, demonstrations, tours, workshops and the opportunity for Goddard employees to have their child(ren) visit their workspace.

According to Ron Erwin, Technology Education Specialist at Goddard, this is a replacement program from last year's 'Take Your Daughter to Work Day'. With NASA's renewed emphasis to inspire the next generation, this initiative is Goddard's effort to meet NASA's mission statement and inspire as only NASA can.

"Inspiration is born of the desire to achieve greatness; the understanding of one's ultimate goals and a belief that one can achieve those goals," said Erwin. "The goal at Goddard is to create opportunities for learning outside of the classroom where science, mathematics, and technology applications that were once abstract concepts can become real and exciting within a hands-on setting," add Erwin.

According to Erwin the goal is to support new dreams that can begin conversations about the changes young people hope for and working adults yearn to be a part of. "This can take place at each of our work places that can allow children to explore Space Science, Earth Science, Engineering, related technical support fields and much more," said Erwin. "This day is an opportunity for your child to learn, examine and to share their expectations for the future with you, so together, you may have an opportunity to join in expanding their dreams and hopes.

Throughout the day there will be many group activities that kids can participate to include visual observations, puppet shows, egg drop demonstrations, hands-on digital imaging and many other activities. You should have already pre-registered your child at website http://InspireNext.gsfc.nasa.gov. You can call Maurice Henderson, activities coordinator at 301-286-7031 for more information. There is still a need for volunteers to assistance during the day. You may call the activities coordinator to sign up as a volunteer.

The hope is that all of Goddard's employees will participate in the planned activities, at least as a volunteer. Erwin said that by joining us in activities that compliment your efforts in reaching goals of supporting the dreams of your child(ren), we could be assured that we have attempted to make a difference.

Erwin also wanted to emphasis to everyone that due to heightened security criterions, it is imperative that parents escort their child(ren) at all times during the entire day.