Sponsors Space Camp Held In Huntsville, AL

Five students and one teacher from Walter R. Sundling Junior High in Palatine, IL, took part in the ultimate space adventure this summer with help from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. The students and teacher received a sponsorship from the foundation to attend Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, AL.

Student campers participated in activities such as rocket building and launching, experiencing weightlessness in an astronaut-training simulator and simulating space travel preparation. The teachers attended the Space Academy for Educators, a program designed to provide them with the tools to enhance how they use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts in the classrooms.

"It was unbelievable, probably one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had," said Laura Turek, who teaches scientific method and biology at Walter R. Sundling Junior High. "One thing they emphasized is that nothing can happen in science with just one person. I learned a lot about the importance of team-building and problem-solving and how to integrate those concepts into my classroom."

The Space Camp sponsorship, which is part of Northrop Grumman's K-12 Initiative, aims to advance excellence in STEM education by encouraging and supporting students and teachers from elementary school through high school. "We are pleased to provide this opportunity for local students to experience a premier educational program that couples classroom instruction with hands-on activities while teaching teamwork, decision-making and leadership," said Jeff Palombo, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems division. "This is an excellent way for these students to advance their learning and be inspired by some of the country's leading scientists and engineers."

This marks the fifth year that the foundation has funded Space Camp sponsorships. This year's sponsored space campers included 17 middle school teachers from eight states and 65 middle school students from 10 states and the District of Columbia. Two students and one teacher were from the United Kingdom

FMI: www.spacecamp.com