ATPE members and science teachers from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) ISD took one giant leap to Florida to learn about the future of space exploration and education from NASA scientists and engineers. Elementary science coordinator Susana Ramirez, second grade teacher Michael Sweet, and science lab instructor Celena Miller joined a cohort of 30 science educators from across the country in South Palm Beach for a week of advanced professional development, learning, networking, and hands-on training in cutting-edge technology led by NASA.

The program, the Next Giant Leap, took place July 27–31 and was designed for alumni of LiftOff, a weeklong professional development course for science educators presented by the NASA Texas Space Grant Consortium. Next Giant Leap coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. ATPE spoke with Sweet and Miller about their week in Florida, their previous experience with LiftOff at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, and how they’ve taken what they learned into their classrooms.

Can you share a little about your first experience with the LiftOff Summer Institute?

Miller: The summer institute provided the jumping board for my involvement in NASA education, curriculum writing, and other opportunities. It was a life-changing experience that became the catalyst for my love of the space sciences. It was not only a professional development opportunity where we learned lessons we could integrate into our classrooms, but also an event that took us behind the scenes of NASA, which most don’t get to experience.

Sweet: I had previously attended the NASA LiftOff Summer Institute in 2011. That first experience was amazing. There were a few speaking sessions with astronauts, and I got to take a bunch of amazing pictures, including one at Mission Control. I was able to build connections with teachers where we got to just be together and talk about different ideas on how to improve both our teaching and our students’ experiences.

What made you decide to apply for the returning alumni program?

Sweet: Margaret Baguio [program manager for education and outreach at the Texas Space Grant Consortium] sent an email. July was the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, and that was the whole reasoning behind the returning alumni program: to celebrate the anniversary of the mission and bring everyone together.

Miller: I have always been interested in the Apollo program. Having our “race to the moon” as a jumping-off point, I thought, “What better way to learn more about the program!”

What are some of the things you learned during your week in Florida?

Miller: We learned about the Mars 2020 mission, Artemis [NASA’s lunar exploration program], and more. We also came home with 30 ready-to-use lessons for our classrooms.

Sweet: Every teacher had to present a lesson dealing with Earth/space science. There were many interesting lessons, such as some on density and buoyancy because of rockets and how they land. There were a lot of lessons dealing with rocketry, travel, and flight. They also had lessons for us to take into our classrooms and give our students experiences beyond paper and pencil lessons, like incorporating 3-D, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

How have you incorporated what you learned into your classrooms?

Miller: I’ve used many of the LiftOff lessons as enrichment in the beginning of the year, when covering force and motion topics or magnetism, and during many Earth and space science lessons.

Sweet: I’ve done a few of the STEM activities with my second grade students. We did an activity where students try to get an egg to land without breaking, for example, and the students loved that activity because it’s not something they regularly do during lessons. They were able to think outside of the box, creatively. I plan on implementing a different NASA activity in my classroom every six weeks. I’m calling it a “STEM Extension,” and we’ll do it every Friday.

What was your favorite part of this experience?

Miller: My favorite part was the chance to network with 30 other like-minded individuals who share a passion for teaching and Earth/space science. Professional development opportunities like this recharge your teaching batteries, and they help you create lifelong friendships.

Sweet: My favorite part of the experience was getting to talk to other teachers about things they do in their classroom. Usually when you go to professional development conferences, you’re around people like you. Here, everyone was interested in Earth/space science, we’re all science teachers, and we had a lot to talk about. We’re building new relationships with other teachers from all over the country where you can bounce ideas off each other.

Would you encourage other ATPE members to seek out this program?

Miller: I would absolutely encourage any teacher who has a love of learning to attend this program. It’s a life-changing program where you will learn STEM lessons, meet new people, and create lifelong bonds of support in this teaching profession.

Sweet: I think it would be a great experience for anyone. This is like professional development that you’re not used to. You’re not just going to a conference to sit in sessions, listen, and not really talk to anyone. Here, with NASA as your guide, you’re building real relationships with other teachers. It’s important to have like-minded people around you because they can help you grow.

The NASA LiftOff Summer Institute and the returning alumni program are free to selected Texas educators through the Texas Space Grant Consortium. Applications and eligibility requirements are available online at tsgc.utexas.edu/liftoff.