Science and Math Initiative

NASA Astronaut Kicks Off Saturday Science Series

How does it feel to sit atop a rocket and be blasted into space?  How many times does the sun rise and set per day near the Hubble Space Telescope? Students filled the Wilmette Junior High auditorium on Saturday, April 21, 2007 to learn the answers to such questions, and to glimpse at the wonders of the universe.

Thanks to a new science series sponsored by the District 39 Educational Foundation, NASA's Chief Scientist and four-time space traveler, Dr. John Grunsfeld, wowed a crowd of over 200 students, parents, teachers and community members with an inspiring presentation. Dr. Grunsfeld described in detail his adventures and knowledge of space travel over the course of his four space shuttle missions, and outlined the intense preparations he is undergoing for his upcoming shuttle launch in 2008.

Dr. Grunsfeld covered many topics, including the knowledge we have gained from previous space missions, and 17 years of data collected by the Hubble Space Telescope. He discussed the vast amount of research and study that remains in the future exploration of space. He spoke of the critical roles to be played by our current generation of students, encouraging budding scientists in our audience to continue developing their math and science skills so that they will be well prepared to meet some of these challenges.

Prior to this presentation, Dr. Grunsfeld was the speaker at a luncheon honoring 12 outstanding Wilmette Junior High science students. These students have been selected to compete with other students from the State of Illinois. The students have worked diligently throughout the year on individual science projects as part of an extracurricular program called SEEK, Science Enrichment Education for Kids, led by WJHS science teacher Ron Sheade. It was a memorable event which generated a lot of excitement among our students about the many opportunities in the field of science.

This event marks the District 39 Educational Foundation's launch of a new Science Saturday Series. The foundation has launched a Science and Math Initiative designed to broaden and bring to life the spirit of scientific inquiry and exploration in our students. Stay tuned, as the District 39 Educational Foundation is very excited about future events for this Science Series.