Learning From An Astronaut

Our last post was about classrooms connecting via Skype with Jane Goodall to learn about helping our planet. Today, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students used Skype for a powerful conversation with Ricky Arnold, a NASA astronaut who recently returned from 6 months on the International Space Station.

Tasha Grey, 6th grade teacher, and Allan Miller, digital learning leader, are returning to a unit they began last year by having students dig deep into current NASA research projects. They had put in a request to the astronaut office back in February seeing if any astronaut might be willing to Skype with CCS students to give them some first hand insights into life on the ISS and their role conducting these research projects.They found out late last week about the call today with Ricky Arnold. Ricky is one of three teachers that were selected as part of the Educator Astronaut program back in 2003 and his tour on the ISS was really focused on outreach and education.

The Charlotte students did a fabulous job asking questions they had prepared ahead of time. And Ricky responded in such a way that everyone attending could easily understand. After a question about what it takes to become an astronaut, he said that in order to be an astronaut or work for NASA, you should study math and science, find what you enjoy and bring that skill to NASA when you're ready. He said one of the most surprising and exhilarating things about going into space is the view of Earth from there. It helped him appreciate that "all of the history of life has taken place on this beautiful, fragile place we call home. We have to take care of it; it's all we have."

In response to questions the students asked, he shared that your body has to take time to adjust to life in space and also needs to do the same upon return to Earth. It took months for him to be comfortable going on hikes in the US after returning. He was not sure-footed nor comfortable in high places on hikes for a while. 

In terms of food, he mostly missed fresh fruits and vegetables. They grew some lettuce, but it didn't taste right. 

He closed by telling students that we all have gifts, some not yet uncovered, which you won't know you have until you try things. Allow yourself to face challenges and accept them. It it doesn't work, try again. 

It's great advice for all of us.