Aerospace Outreach Program Award Recipients

Each year, the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium awards a number of Aerospace Outreach grants to any established organization including, but not limited to: schools (K-12 and higher education), aerospace industries, and non-profit aerospace associations. WSGC is pleased to announce and congratulate the following recipients of this year's Aerospace Outreach Awards:

2009-2010

Robert Benjamin
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Project Title: New Views of the Milky Way
Synopsis: This project will help Wisconsin physics teachers bring new views of the Milky Way Galaxy into their classroom by (1) providing them with posters from the most recent NASA effort to map the Galaxy with the Spitzer Space Telescope and (2) establishing a teacher workshop on methods of mapping the Galaxy, to be held as part of the Wisconsin Association of Physics Teachers meeting on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus in October 2009. The workshop will include information on the history and current status of mapping the Galaxy (including an evening visit to Yerkes Observatory, where the spiral structure of the Galaxy was first discovered), an introduction to relevant astronomical databases (in particular the GLIMPSE survey), and a set of physics-based activities for students that demonstrate techniques astronomers use to map the Milky Way.

Barbara Bielec
BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute, Madison
Project Title: Biotechnology: Basics & Biotechnology: Beyond the Basics
Synopsis: Biotechnology: the Basics and Biotechnology: Beyond the Basics will provide teachers with training, background and curriculum materials so that they may implement hands-on biotechnology in their classrooms. Teachers will learn about NASA resources and projects that incorporate and utilize biotechnology, in order to help engage and train future STEM professionals and a scientifically literate population.

Eric Brunsell
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Project Title: ECLIpSE: Early Career Leaders in Inquiry Science Education
Synopsis: The ECLIpSE project is focused on increasing the ability of science teachers within their first five years of teaching to implement science inquiry approaches to teaching. Additionally, the project will provide networking opportunities to improve retention of early career science teachers. Ten middle and high school teachers from Wisconsin will be selected to participate. The project includes a two-day workshop, two virtual follow-up sessions, and a final in-person meeting at the 2010 Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers conference. The project will use Earth and space science data from NASA sources as a context for conducting authentic science inquiry activities. Teachers will begin by engaging in authentic inquiry activities using the JPL Solar System Simulator. Then, they will participate in sessions designed to increase their understanding of developing science inquiry activities and implementing them into their instruction. By the end of the two-day workshop, participants will create an action plan for implementing science inquiry into their teaching. Two virtual follow-up sessions will be conducted to continue to build participants understanding of science inquiry and strengthen networking opportunities. The project will culminate at a meeting at the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers conference.

Coggin Heeringa
Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Bay
Project Title: Educating Educators During IYA2009
Synopsis: Through Educating Educators During IYA 2009, K-12 teachers will be offered a variety of professional education opportunities which will coordinate with and enhance the astronomy outreach programs at Crossroads at Big Creek.

Christina Paape
Space Explorers Inc, De Pere
Project Title: To the Moon and Beyond: Lunar Expedition
Synopsis: Space Explorers, Inc. plans to facilitate a one day workshop "To the Moon and Beyond: Lunar Expedition" on a Saturday during the 2009 fall semester. The workshop will be targeted for middle school educators, and will provide teachers with personalized training, better preparing them to teach various science concepts in their respective schools. Space Explorers has created this project to improve the quality of science instruction in Northeastern Wisconsin using interactive educational software. The teachers attending the workshop will receive a set of classroom activities which they will be trained to use with their students throughout the school year. By providing unique and authentic classroom activities, teachers can begin to utilize meaningful activities in their classrooms and improve student performance in the fields of science and mathematics. To assist schools in implementing their new curriculum resources, each participating teacher will receive access to Space Explorers universal program. The universal program includes access to Lunar Expedition, Mission: Mars, Asteroid Encounter, Suborbital Sojourn, Orbital Laboratory®, and K-3 Space®. Schools will be able to run Mars Explorer and the team-based simulations, implement inquiry-based interactive applets, and explore Space Library®. While the workshop will primarily focus on the Lunar Expedition program, all of these resources will be provided and covered in detail as part of the one day workshop. The requested financial assistance through the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium is essential to the project's overall success. This support will provide professional development, individualized instructional development tools, technical assistance, and user support for up to 20 participants and their colleagues from their respective schools.

Harald Schenk
University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan
Project Title: 2009 - The International Year of Astronomy
Synopsis: The Year 2009 has been designated as the International Year of Astronomy. My students will be involved in doing a variety of Astronomical Outreach during the year.

Judy Schieble
Great Lakes Spaceport Education Foundation, Inc., Sheboygan
Project Title: Elementary Rocket Launch
Synopsis: The Elementary Rocket Launch Program (ERLP) proposes to stimulate academic interest in Science, Math, and Technology (SMT) and reinforce the student's knowledge in these areas as it applies to the aerospace field.

Lee Siudzinski
Experimental Aircraft Association, Oshkosh
Project Title: Space Week - Space Library
Synopsis: The Experimental Aircraft Association adds a new feature to its successful Space Week. Space Library, developed by Space Explorers Inc., is an interactive, on-line aerospace research encyclopedia designed to assist students to develop critical thinking skills.

Bradley Staats
Spaceflight Fundamentals, LLC, New London
Project Title: Space Travel Simplified - Part 1
Synopsis: Space Travel Simplified - Part 1 is a teacher workshop that focuses on the history, math, science, and technology of spaceflight. This workshop offers a unique approach to teaching by incorporating "real world" applications into the classroom.

Tomas Thomas
Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF), Oshkosh
Project Title: Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Centennial Project
Synopsis: The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) is planning a series of events to celebrate Wisconsin's Centennial of Flight, including the construction of a quarter-scale model "Warner" Curtiss Pusher similar to the one that first flew in Wisconsin in 1909. WAHF has teamed with EAA Chapter 60 of Beloit, Wisconsin, for the construction of the model in time for its unveiling at the Wisconsin Aviation Conference on May 4-6, 2009, in Eau Claire. The Beloit Convention and Visitors Bureau is also a partner in promoting the event and coordinating with local schools for developing in-service training with teachers to incorporate the Centennial of Flight in their student programs, including field trips to the Beloit Historical Society. The celebration will culminate the first week in November with a rededication of the Wisconsin Historical Marker commemorating Wisconsin's first flight at its original site and a program at the Beloit Historical Society with a guest speaker covering this historical event. Throughout the year, WAHF will be making presentations across the state on the Centennial covering significant aviation events and individuals who played key roles in our state's and country's progress in aviation and space initiatives.

Margaret Turnbull
Global Science Institute, Antigo
Project Title: Journey to Planet Earth: Public Outreach and Teacher Training
Synopsis: "Journey to Planet Earth" is a 5-part public education course and a 3-part teacher training workshop on the Earth, its relationship with the cosmos, the science of climate change, and how we can meet those changes in the coming decades.

Patrick Wagner
Washington County 4-H SLI
Project Title: Go GREEN: Generate REnewable ENergy
Synopsis: Our project includes a science experiment to reclaim energy generated from the flight of a rocket.  We selected our experiment as the country continues to be challenged by our dependency on fossil fuels and foreign oil.

Sherwood Williams
Northern Flight Alliance
Project Title: Wisconsin Fly-A-Teacher Program
Synopsis: Participants receive hands on aerospace activities for their classroom, instruction in the physics of flight and human factors involved in aviation as well as experience flight by riding in a Civil Air  Patrol aircraft.

2008-2009

Barbara Bielec
BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute, Madison
Project Title:  Biotechnology: the Basics & Biotechnology: Beyond the Basics
Synopsis:  Two week long courses will provide teachers with training, background and curriculum materials so that they may implement hands-on biotechnology in their classrooms.

Jack Blake
Brookwood Middle School, Genoa City
Project Title:  Educators Aerospace Workshop for the 21st Century
Synopsis:  This workshop will allow teachers at various grade levels an opportunity to enhance associated curriculum offerings at their local school districts regarding aerospace and space science.  It will also help new service teachers or those that have not yet used aerospace ideas and concepts ease some of the workshop information presented in to their teaching from a science, math, or technology perspective.

John Heasley and Diane Treis Rusk
University of Wisconsin-Richland, Richland Center
Project Title:  University of Mars-Richland
Synopsis:  University of Mars-Richland will increase grade 4-12 student exposure to space-related sciences. Progressive coursework will inspire, train, and support students to succeed in tracks of study that prepare them to pursue space related fields.   

Coggin Heeringa
Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Bay
Project Title: Reaching out to Teachers
Synopsis:  This project targets Door County teachers who participate in classes and workshops pertaining to space-related science. We believe that when elementary school teachers develop confidence and content knowledge of astronomy by participating in experience-based activities,   they will increase the quantity and quality of space-related instruction at the elementary level.  The target audience includes those elementary teachers who have little or no experience or prior interest in astronomy for these people are in the position to either inspire or inhibit learning of young people.

Thomas Jeffery
Univerisity of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Project Title:  Earthview: From Photos to Science
Synopsis:  This program will provide students and teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to transition from a simple but effective use of Google Earth imagery to a more complex and rigorous science involved with satellite image analysis.

Margaret Mooney
Univerisity of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Title: Technologies to Study and Teach Planetary Time Scales
Synopsis:  This workshop will equip teachers with the tools and knowledge to lead their students backward and forward in time using free visualization and modeling software combined with global satellite data to investigate meteorology, geology and climate on Earth and other planets. The workshop will include a session on global climate change that emphasizes Earth's unique place in our solar system.

Bradley Staats
Spaceflight Fundamentals, LLC
Project Title: Space Travel Simplified – Part 1 and Space Travel Simplified – Part 2
Synopsis:   These are teacher workshops that focus on the history, math, science, and technology of spaceflight.  These workshops offer a unique approach to teaching by incorporating "real world" applications into the classroom.

2007-2008

Barbara Bielec
BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute, Madison
Project Title: A Celebration of Life XII: Invention!
Synopsis: A partnership between the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute and the African American Ethnic Academy, "A Celebration of Life XII: Invention!" supports the continued development of African American and other students' interest in science, including space-related science and technology, providing them with the tools for success in school.  A long-term goal continues to be increasing the number of underrepresented students who enroll in and successfully complete high school science courses and who may eventually choose to pursue scientific careers, including those in space-related science and technology.  Hands-on activities, in outdoor, classroom, and laboratory settings, are designed to engage students' interest, enhancing their understanding of invention for earth and space, through science and cultural connections.  Visits from guest speakers and field trip experiences further enrich the program.  In addition, students will gain important science skills and self-awareness as they explore, design, implement, and present their own inventions.

Jack Blake
Brookwood Middle School, Genoa City
Project Title: Aerospace Workshop for K-12 Educators
Synopsis: Available to educators from primary through high school, the "Aerospace Workshop for K-12 Educators" will offer teachers at various grade levels an opportunity to enhance any curriculum offerings at their local school districts regarding aerospace and space science.  Additionally, it will help those teachers new to the teaching field or those who have not yet used teaching from a science, math, or technology perspective.

Debra Petzel
Unity Elementary School, Balsam Lake
Project Title: Unity High Flyers
Synopsis: Unity Elementary School's brave young astronauts will explore the mysteries of the solar system and the science behind air and space travel.  Students will learn how scientists study the planets and stars and what kinds of tools are used for space exploration.  Children will discover not only how astronauts get into space, but also how they live and work once they get there.

Benjamin Senson
Memorial High School, Madison
Project Title: Making ACES (Aircraft Construction Experience Students)
Synopsis: Making ACES engages students through the opportunity to construct an aircraft from raw materials.  Students engage more in their current STEM courses, are inspired to take additional related coursework, and learn about career opportunities in the aerospace industry.

Diane Treis Rusk / John Heasley
University of Wisconsin-Richland
Project Title: October Skies Space-Science Project
Synopsis: The University of Wisconsin-Richland will work in cooperation with the Richland Area School District, the Richland County Cooperative Extension, and area organizations to develop a sustainable aerospace outreach and education program.  The October Skies project is an innovative program designed to establish a cross-disciplinary continuing education space-science program.  The project intends to increase knowledge and awareness about the space-sciences across generations.  Family-friendly courses will incorporate space-sciences into courses across the disciplines.  Classes and public talks will reach across the disciplines of literature and the arts, physics, chemistry, history, and astronomy. Elements of space-science will be incorporated into the curricula of each presentation so as to increase the number of general citizens who are exposed to the space-sciences and increase their knowledgebase of the space-sciences.  An important aim of the project is to increase knowledge and interest in space-science related fields in the K-12 and precollege student population.  The October Skies project will build on UW-Richland's efforts of their already successful precollege program to reach out to student demographics that are underrepresented in the space-science field.

Kris Yager
Juneau County Economic Development Corp, New Lisbon
Project Title: Milk Trucks in Space
Synopsis: The purpose of this project is to educate K-12 students and teachers in Juneau County about aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and robotics opportunities utilizing a state-of-the-art aerospace research and development facility.

2006-2007

Benjamin Senson
Memorial High School
Project Title:  Making A.C.E.S.
Synopsis:  Making A.C.E.S. engages students through the opportunity to construct an aircraft from raw materials.  Students engage more in their current S.T.E.M. courses, are inspired to take additional related coursework, and learn about career opportunities in the aerospace industry.

Steven Ackerman
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Title:  A Teacher Workshop in Satellite Meteorology
Synopsis:  This workshop will equip science teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach their students exciting 21st century satellite data applications. Along with several lectures by satellite experts, we will work through a web-based course in satellite meteorology developed at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). Participants will engage in hands-on activities to identify cloud types, weather phenomena and geological features in satellite imagery. Lodging is provided to all educators from outside of Dane County and college credit is also available. All participants will receive a CD version of the Satellite Meteorology course to use in their classrooms.

Michael Jackson
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Project Title:  From the Classroom to the Stars
Synopsis: Several outreach programs in physics, astronomy and optics will be presented to school groups and the general public in order to spark an interest in and an appreciation of science.

Karin Borgh
BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute
Project Title:  A Celebration of Life ZI: Investigation!
Synopsis:  A partnership between the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute and the African American Ethnic Academy, "A Celebration of Life XI: Investigation!" supports the continued development of African American and other students' interest in science, including space-related science and technology, providing them with the tools for success in school.  A long-term goal continues to be increasing the number of underrepresented students who enroll in and successful complete high school science courses, and who may eventually choose to pursue scientific careers, including those in space-related science and technology.  Offered in Summer 2006, the two-week session (July 10-21) is for middle school students.  Hands-on activities, in outdoor, classroom and laboratory settings, are designed to engage students' interest, enhancing their understanding of the microorganisms on earth and in space, through science and cultural connections.  Visits from guest speakers and field trip experiences further enrich the program.  In addition, students will gain important science skills and self awareness as they explore, design, implement and present research projects involving microorganisms.

Carol Heeringa
Crossroads at Big Creek
Project Title:  Astronomical Outreach for Learners of all Ages
Synopsis:  Crossroads at Big Creek and the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will use this grant to fund the position of Astronomy Outreach Coordinator and to underwrite experienced-based outreach programs for learners of all ages.  This spring, we will build an astronomy outreach building near the Leif Everson Observatory (see www. doorastronomy.org)  Once the astronomy outreach building is complete (hopefully by September 2006),  the Crossroads and DPAS will offer  teacher training, school programs, adult classes, and outreach events designed to raise the level of the general public's knowledge of space and  space-related science,  to interest and recruit pre-college students in the pursuit of space-related science, and to technology and its potential benefits, and to encourage K-12 students in space-related pursuits.

Anna Mika
Cumberland Middle School
Project Title:  Planetarium Integration and Inspiration
Synopsis:  This project is designed to develop and increase student, teacher, and community knowledge about our universe and space exploration. We have recently been awarded funding to purchase a portable planetarium for the district. This project would be a collaborative project to facilitate training and curriculum for teachers as well as additional resources to allow for interdisciplinary involvement. This would be made possible through the use of a wider variety of cylinders available for the planetarium.

Julie Paavola
The Einstein Project
Project Title:  Video Enhancement Series
Synopsis:  The purpose of this grant is to enable The Einstein Project to enhance three existing space-related units with the addition of high quality educational videos.  Planets would be added to the Kindergarten through 3rd grade Solar System course, Flight would be added to the 3rd grade Science of Flight course and Weather would be added to the 1st grade Weather course.  All three of these units are popular and sought after by educators.  In the 2005-2006 school year alone, over 6,000 children utilized these units in their classrooms.

Adam Smith
Experimental Aircraft Association
Project Title:  SpaceShipOne Exhibit
Synopsis:  To develop a standards-aligned curriculum to support the impact of its planned SpaceShipOne exhibit, meeting the space related educational needs of local and regional schools.

2005-2006

Steven Ackerman
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Major/Title:  A Teacher Workshop in Satellite Meteorology
Synopsis:  Satellite meteorology provides scientists and educators with exciting tools for investigation, inquiry, analysis and stewardship.  This workshop will equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach their students about exciting developments in satellite technology.  Participants will engage in hands-on activities to identify cloud types and weather phenomena in satellite imagery, listen to several presentations by satellite experts, and work through a course in satellite meteorology developed at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies.

Kyle M. Cudworth
Yerkes Observatory
Major/Title:  Astronomy Resources Connecting Schools
Synopsis:  Two or more teachers from southeastern Wisconsin will attend a two week institute at Yerkes Observatory entitled Planets and Moons.  The teachers will receive a stipend and teaching materials that will be used during the workshop and for teaching during the school year.

Melinda deCoriolis
Sally Ride Academy
Major/Title:  Take Off With Rockets, Robots & Research
Synopsis:  Take Off With Rockets, Robots & Research offers teachers from grades 4-12, inquiry based instruction and exciting piloted activities through principles of aeronautics and concepts in rocketry, robotics and space travel.  The project is designed as an approved graduate course offered to a wide range of teachers at the Sally Ride Academy in West Bend in July of 2005.  Teacher participants in Take Off With Rockets, Robots & Research learn to apply student generated research and student design team approaches.  The course emphasizes instructional strategies using problem solving, critical reasoning and team building skills.  Science, mathematics and technology teachers may elect to enroll in the course, but a wider range of teachers will be actively recruited.  Urban minority teachers or teachers with a high number of minority students will be afforded financial incentives and transportation options to attend. Project outcomes and deliverables will be disseminated to an expanded educational community. The project goal is to add enriched concepts, inquiry, action and fun to space science learning.

David Drexler
Kewaskum Middle School
Major/Title:  Space Partners
Synopsis:  This project offers hands-on instructional strategies in space science for mixed grade level interactive groups of students. Student generated learning and research is emphasized. Learning and retention is ensured during Space Partners in that the older students plan, prepare and teach younger students. The younger students are motivated to listen and learn from the older students. A team consisting of an eighth grade technology education teacher, eighth grade science teacher, a fifth grade classroom teachers and a second grade classroom teacher collaboratively design new curriculum and active assessments, develop connections to standards, technology, and community resources.

Benjamin Senson
Memorial High School
Major/Title:  Making A.C.E.S.
Synopsis:  This project engages and inspires students through the opportunity to construct a full-scale aircraft from raw materials.  Students will develop mathematical, vocational and science skills while increasing confidence in their ability to complete a longterm, complex project.  The aircraft will be constructed under the guidance of a teacher, Experimental Aircraft Association Technical Counselor, and FAA certificated Airframe & Powerplant mechanics.  Participation in the project will engage students in their current STEM courses, inspire additional related coursework, and promote career opportunities in the aerospace industry.

2004-2005

Ackerman, Steven A.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project:  A Teacher Workshop in Satellite Meteorology (July 20th & 21st)
Synopsis:  Satellite meteorology provides scientists and educators with exciting tools for investigation, inquiry, analysis and stewardship. This workshop will equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach their students about exciting developments in satellite technology.

Ackerman, Steven
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project:  The Summer Workshop on Atmospheric, Earth, and Space Science for High School Students (CIMSS, July 25-29)
Synopsis:  Participating students will experience science education, research, and modern technology firsthand at this workshop. We emphasize hands-on activities, numerous filed trips and ample one-on-one interaction between students and scientists.

Petzel, Debra Sue
Unity School District
Project:  High Flyers Program
Synopsis:  From the myth of Icarus and Daedalus and their flight to freedom to the reality of Orville and Wilbur Wright who flew into history at Kitty Hawk, the excitement of human flight has inspired people for ages. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 dictates the proven instructional practices must be used in the classroom.

Streu, Jon M.
The Einstein Project
Project:  The Science of Flight
Synopsis: The Science of Flight is a hands-on, inquiry-based science unit developed jointly by The Einstein Project, the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Oshkosh Charter Schools. The unit combines a study of the four forces of flight (lift, thrust, drag, and gravity) and the history of flying with hands-on activities designed to promote the growth of critical thinking skills in elementary school children.

Testwuide, James A.
Great Lakes Spaceport Education Foundation Inc.
Project: Wisconsin Rockets for Schools

2003-2004

Ackerman, Steven
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project:  Summer Workshop in Atmospheric, Earth & Space Sciences for High School Students

Ackerman, Steven
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project:  A Teacher Workshop in Satellite Meteorology

Bishop, Deborah
BTCI
Project:  Caspases in Wheat and Arabidopsis grown under Space flight Conditions

Kahl, Jonathan
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Project:  Student-Friendly Tools for Visualizing Arctic Climate Change

Siudzinski, Lee
EAA
Project: Pathways to Flight

Testwuide, James
Great Lakes Spaceport
Project:  WI Rockets for Schools

Van Camp, Sarah Rose
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Project:  Solar System Walk

2002-2003

Brunsell, Eric
Space Ed Initiatives
Project:  Engineering Design Challenge

Surendonk, John
Racine School Dist.
Project:  Starting Anew - 35th Anniversary Planetarium Upgrade

Testwuide, James
Great Lakes Space Pt
Project:  Rockets for Schools 2003

Tullman, Kathryn
CESA #10
Project:  Pathway to the Stars

Valley, Karen
WisDot
Project:  Aviation/Aerospace Career Education Camp

2001-2002

Aavang, Glen
North Division High School, Milwaukee, WI
Project:  North Aviation Initiative

Ackerman, Steven
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project:  10th Summer Workshop

Testwuide, James
Great Lakes Space Port, Sheboygan, WI
Project:  Wisconsin Rockets for Schools

Valley, Karen
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Project:   Aviation/Aerospace Career Camp

VanGruensven, Jill
Brillion Schools
Project:   Introductory Course in Astronomy and Aerospace

2000-2001

Briley, M. / Fencl H.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Project:  Distance Ed Format Astronomy Course

Lattis, James
University of Wisconsin-Space Place
Project:  Scopes for Schools

1999-2000