A Night of Education and Inspiration For All at the Visitor Center (cont'd)

According to Henderson, the list of helpers include the Smithsonian Staff, the Federation of Galaxies Explorers, personnel of Code 235, members of the Hubble team, the Visitor Center staff and countless others that stopped by to lend a helping hand.

Earlier in the day the Visitor Center had hosted more than 40 teachers for a workshop to introduce to some and reacquaint others about the education resources of the Education Resource Center (ERC). Housed on the second floor of the Visitor Center, the ERC is responsible to have available resources for educators of 11 states and the District of Columbia that make of the northeast region of the United States.

	Bernadette Williamson-Taylor (left) talks about the education resources available.

"Being a former teacher I know how frustrating it can be trying to find materials of interest for your students," said Bernadette Williamson-Taylor, manager of the ERC. "I really love that I can provide teachers with additional resources."

Williamson-Taylor's responsibilities include informing educator about NASA resources to enhance their curriculum and provide support to NASA programs such as the Explorer Schools. She is also responsible for conducting workshops on how to handle lunar and meteorite samples.

"I've also seen a noticeable increase of teachers who have traditionally not taught math or science seeking Bernadette's assistance," said Henderson. "This is all a part of NASA inspiring the next generation as only NASA can and I feel good about that."

Photos by Larry Gilbert/293

Telescopes were available to view the moon, Mars and other distant images.

Upcoming activities for the ERC include a Teacher's Workshop on Oct. 11 and a lunar and meteorite certification on Nov. 14, which will include learning more about the six Apollo moon landings. For more information you can call Bernadette at 301-286-8570.

The web site address for the Visitor Center, which includes the ERC, is http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/vc/.

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.

Space Chats has become a monthly event. Visit the Goddard website at http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov and click on 'Space Chats' for more details and updates and to register. You can also contact Michelle Jones in the Public Affairs Office at 301-286-8102 for information.

Henderson invites all from inside and outside the Goddard gate to come by and visit your Visitor Center. If you have comments and suggestions for him just call 301-286-7031.