Education Theme For Visitor Center To Inspire The Next Generation

	Exhibits inside the Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at Goddard appears to have fully embraced NASA's newest enterprise, Education. Actually, according to Maurice Henderson, of Wright Solution and program manager for the center, "It has always been our goal to have education as the lead element in all that we do here."

"Here at the center we want to create a lasting connection through activities that represent the science that NASA does," said Henderson. Some of the new initiatives are designed for more community involvement and include hosting model rocket launches, information sessions on such topics as space tools and the Hubble Space Telescope as well as hosting the Federation of Galaxy Explorers. There will also be on going activities for educators to include workshops for teachers scheduled to begin this month.

Inspiring the next generation for the Visitor Center also includes inspiring those that can inspire the next generation. The Visitor Center is home to a NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) responsible to support the northeast corridor of the United States. According to Deborah Barr, ERC manager, their goal is to provide virtual and hands on services and support to include workshops and materials for educators. NASA materials are available to all K-12 educators, colleges, museums and planetariums to aid in the development of new educational programs or as a supplement to existing programs.

A series of summer lectures are planned for Goddard's internal and external community through the Visitor Center. "We are very interested in inspiring the next generation and realize that also includes designing programs to educate parents as well," said Henderson. "We want to encourage parent participation in all of our kid activities."

	Photo of entrance to Earth Exhibit.

Henderson said that he has seen a steady increase in the use of the Earth Science galley for educational conferences. The refresh of the auditorium has prompted an increase use for meetings and conferences. There is also a theater equipped mini stage for puppet shows and other presentations.

The center staff has also designed a new web site. It provides an active calendar with information about on going programs and includes the reservation process for individuals or groups interested in meeting at the center. The web site address for the Visitor Center, which includes the ERC, is www.gsfc.nasa.gov/vc/.

Visitor views Ice as Art exhibit. Photo Credit: Chris Gunn/293

During May the center hosted a reception for the opening of its art gallery, Ice As Art exhibit by Peter Wasilewski. Henderson said there are plans for more such events in the future.

Hours of operation for the center are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The center is open on weekends by appointment only. For more information you can call the center at 301-286-9041 or 301-286-7031.

Schedule of Events, Visitor Center:

June
Teacher Workshops 10 a.m. 10, 17 & 24
Federation of Galaxy Explorers 7 p.m. 18

July
Puppet Shows 10 a.m. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Model Rocket Launch 1 p.m. 6
In and Out Of Control 10 a.m. 8
Teacher Workshops 10 a.m. 9, 16 & 23
Sun Spotter 11 a.m. 10 after solar moon
HAMEX Rover 1 p.m. 15
Aerospace Technology 10 a.m. 18
Build & Launch Model Rocket 3 p.m. 18
Space Tools 1 p.m. 23
Hubble Space Telescope 1 p.m. 24
Egg Drop Competition 10 a.m. 25
Invisible Light in the Milky Way 10 a.m. 29