To 'Infinity and Beyond' … Students Get a Glimpse of Life in Space from Buzz Lightyear
Cape Canaveral, Fla., May 29, 2008 -- As Buzz Lightyear launches into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, scheduled for lift-off from Kennedy Space Center, May 31, teachers around the nation will be able to use his exploits as an engaging way to teach science and math. The lesson plans -- known as the Space Ranger Education Series -- come courtesy of Disney Parks and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as part of NASA's "Toys in Space" education program.
The interactive, online educational program features problem-solving games and fun learning tools to help immerse students into the world of space travel, technology, math and science. It will be available to educators from launch through the end of 2008. After Buzz joins mission STS-124 and explores the International Space Station (ISS), he will conduct an experiment as part of NASA's "Toys in Space" program where he will get to fly in zero gravity.
The program builds on NASA's educational goals of encouraging students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics (STEM) subjects, which are vitally important in sustaining US economic competitiveness and technological leadership.
Visiting the site, educators will find interactive lessons on testing zero gravity, critical thinking and simple mathematical problem-solving equations. The material provided is a fun way for students to learn about Buzz's travels, while sparking their own interests in space exploration.
The interactive online games available:
"Mission Match Up: Create a Game" -- Match the International Space Station partner countries to space facts
"Connect it! Flight Path" -- Attach the Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station using a sequence of commands
"Load the Shuttle" -- Fill the shuttle with cargo to a certain mass
"I Spy: Reflections from Space" -- Find everyday objects on the International Space Station that were built on NASA technology
"Toys in Space" -- Navigate Buzz Lightyear to different toys to see a movie on how they behave in space
"The Space Ranger Education Series will give teachers an opportunity to incorporate a fun and engaging moment into the classroom with a character that children really love," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We're pleased to join NASA in creating a program that can help keep kids excited about math and science."
Created by Disney's Youth Educational Series (Disney Y.E.S.), the Space Ranger Education Series meets NASA's exacting standards, providing a unique and engaging tool for teachers to incorporate into their lesson plans. Starting in conjunction with the launch through the end of 2008, the series lives online at www.nasa.gov.
"NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station," said Dr. Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for Education. "The educational games and resources from this partnership will allow students to explore the science and math behind space exploration with a beloved character."
Buzz Lightyear's dream-come-true launch into space also coincides with the official launch of Toy Story Mania!, Disney Parks first 4-D interactive attraction, which opens May 31 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and June 17 at Disneyland Resort in California.
For additional information about the educational series and NASA programs, please visit www.nasa.gov.
NASA's "Toys in Space"
Since 1985, NASA's "Toys in Space" project has used toys flown aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Stations to help children learn science and mathematics. Scientific and mathematical principles make these toys work. For example, wind-up toys convert stored potential energy in their springs into kinetic energy as the springs unwind. Gravity often plays an important role in the actions of toys, but how would the same toys function in an environment where the effects of gravity are not felt? Only NASA can provide the settings so students can discover the answer to questions like these.
