I spent a wonderful afternoon learning more about a resource that every educator in Florida should be aware of: The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. I have been to the Center years ago, but I was amazed at the changes that have taken place. Billy Specht, Manager of Education took me on a tour of the facilities and shared the new teacher resource materials now available to teachers. Wow!
I rode the new Shuttle Launch Experience, a high quality simulator experience that had me convinced I was pulling Gs! This is a great experience and not to be missed. I also visited Astronaut Encounter where I listened to a presentation and met retired astronaut John Blaha. Mr. Blaha has logged 161 days in space on 5 space missions. He served as pilot on STS-33 and STS 29, was Spacecraft Commander on STS-58 and STS-43, served on Mir-22 as Board Engineer 2, and was a Mission Specialist on STS-79 and STS-81. Astronaut Encounter allows visitors to meet an astronaut on every visit!
I came away with the new teachers packet that is filled with classroom information. And finally I visited the Astronaut Hall of Fame and got to see the interactive Student Astronaut Training Experience (ATX). All of this is an incredible field trip experience that I would highly recommend. For more information contact them at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
The first picture is me with astronaut John Blaha. The second is me with Billy Specht, Manager of Education and Vicky Santamaria, Education Sales Manager. I want to thank both of them for a wonderful visit.
And for the teachers of Florida and Georgia a special treat! You may go online and request an application for an Educator Study Pass. Bring the completed application with a valid teacher ID card or teaching certificate and you will receive a free pass to the visitor center for one year. This entitles you to ride the Shuttle Launch Experience, meet an astronaut at Astronaut Encounter and have access to the teacher resource library and educational center facilities.
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