Students spent the day touring the impressive 183,000 square foot facility that houses more than 400 space artifacts, including the Saturn V, a 36-story tall rocket used in the Apollo missions, and one of only three left in existence. The group also took a tram that transported students through the Johnson Space Center, home of mission control and astronaut training facility. To top off the experience, students participated in a special question and answer session with real life astronaut, Dr. Donald Thomas.
The trip was the result of a generous Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation grant awarded to GT Science Teacher, Melissa Daughtery to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum at the GT Academy. Before the trip, Mrs. Daughtery provided her students the opportunity to study and create with hummingbird duo robotics, and build individual solar cars, both projects paralleling what the students experienced at the space center.
“It was so neat to see the students recognize and connect the dots from their own projects in class to what they were seeing at the NASA exhibits,” shared Daughtery.
The students returned from the trip overflowing with excitement and eager to share the highlights of their experience.
“My favorite part of NASA was getting to see the Saturn V, because I got to see a real rocket ship and a piece of history,” shared Dezilyn Cosby.
“I enjoyed the tram ride that took us to the astronaut training facility for a behind the scenes look at space exploration,” added Kenneth Kelley.
“I had so much fun learning about the new space robots that can turn pages of a book without ripping them,” said Lukus Coronado.
Beyond their excitement, students were overwhelmed with gratitude for all Mrs. Daughtery did to make the incredible trip possible.
“I am so thankful to Mrs. Daughtery for getting us that grant. Without her hard work and determination, we never would have gotten the opportunity to go. I am so appreciative of her commitment to her job,” said Karla Landa.
“I am so grateful that Mrs. Daughtery gave my classmates and me the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience NASA,” shared Luis Santos.
Mrs. Daughtery received the grant from the Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to encouraging excellence in education by promoting and funding effective programs and ideas in TISD.
On behalf of TISD, thank you to the Excellence Foundation for providing funding for our teachers and students to engage in such dynamic learning experiences, and to Mrs. Daughtery for organizing such a stellar and memorable trip for our students!