Millwood School teacher participates in NASA program

During the 2010-2011 school year, Mrs. Bridget Evans and her 5th grade class participated in the NASA Explorer Schools Project which encourages student participation in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related study.

Because of her work with the Explorer School Project, Mrs. Evans was chosen by NASA as one of just 14 teachers from across the country to participate in a Coastal Ocean Research Study at the Wallops Island Research Facility.

In July, Mrs. Evans traveled to Wallops Island to practice the science and research techniques used by NASA to study the coastal oceans, ocean color and Earth’s biosphere from space. During her one week stay, Mrs. Evans used satellite data and hands-on shipboard measurements to assist researchers in the collection of oceanic data off the coast and in the wetlands of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Back in the lab at the end of each day, Mrs. Evans helped to analyze and communicate the collected data.

Highlights from her trip included opportunities to work on NASA research with NASA researchers and the observation of the autonomous research vessel Oasis in action. "I loved being out on the water. On one particular trawl we pulled in colorful sponges, several squid and a very pregnant male seahorse. We counted our catch and set them all free, of course."

Researchers at NASA hope this work will lead to a better understand of why our coastal oceans are so important in understanding global climate.

During her stay, Mrs. Evans had the opportunity to meet an astrophysicist by the name of Dr. Doug Rowland. Dr. Rowland is a lead investigator on several NASA projects which monitor the ionosphere. Dr. Rowland has graciously agreed to work closely with Mrs. Evans over the course of the next year. It is her hope that this collaboration will help students better understand how researchers use the scientific method and algebra in their careers.

source: Millwood School