NASA brings Gadsden County to space

Before the end of the school year, Gadsden County students received a special visit from an out-of-this-world professional.

Elementary-grade students from Gadsden County (and a few from Leon County) gathered at the Havana Magnet School on Kemp Road to hear a presentation from members of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center.

Guest speakers discussed STEM careers, and how childhood interests could play a pivotal role in future careers.

The presentation was arranged through the office of United States Representative Al Lawson, who was present at the event.

Special guest speaker for the event was Dr. Tracy Caldwell Dyson, a NASA astronaut who joined the students through a virtual panel.

Even while separated by a computer screen, Dr. Dyson engaged with Gadsden County students, welcoming all sorts of questions ranging from career how-tos to the questions every 8th grader in attendance was eager to have answered…like what sort of food astronauts eat and how the restroom facilities are used on the International Space Station.

The event was aimed at encouraging students to think about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers when thinking towards their futures.

“STEM fields provide several life-changing opportunities for individuals,” said Rep. Lawson. “It is important to expose students at a young age to the various avenues of success through the exploration of science.”

Dr. Dyson spoke of her own childhood experiences that led to a career with NASA, such as a passion for space and the natural world, as well as being handy with tools and building things.

“The things you are doing right now, the interests you have right now, those are things that will serve you in your future,” said Dr. Dyson.

Dyson encouraged the students in attendance to work with their hands, get outside and explore the world, and to always maintain a sense of curiosity.

Students also got a sneak peek into Project Artemis - a human spaceflight program that NASA is leading, with the hopes of returning astronauts to the Moon…and potentially beyond.

Dr. Dyson and Barbara Brown, the director of research and technology at the Kennedy Space Center, stressed the importance of young people remaining interested in space exploration - as their generation may be the ones to lead humanity back to the Moon, to Mars, and to the stars.

Ashley Hunter - editor@gadsdencountytimes.com

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NASA brings Gadsden County to space

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Death Notice – La’Shine Brantley

Florida ranks 4th Best for beekeeping – Local beekeeper weighs in on the benefits of beekeeping in the Sunshine State

Florida ranks 4th Best for beekeeping - Local beekeeper weighs in on the benefits of beekeeping in the Sunshine State

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