LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In partnership with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the Northrop Grumman Foundation is sending a group of 64 teachers and students to Space Camp, a program designed to inspire and motivate the next generation of explorers, scientists and engineers through classroom instruction and hands-on activities.
The program's mission is to provide authentic, inspiring and entertaining education experiences in space science and aviation. The immersive program places students in a real-world context, allowing students to view math and science outside the academic context. During camp, students are given the chance to build and launch their own rocket, experience 4Gs during liftoff on the Space Shot, and climb the Mars climbing wall. The program's teacher component, Space Academy, amplifies the mission by using the excitement of the space program to create an immersive learning environment where teachers learn new ways to effectively present concepts in their classrooms.
Space Camp will be held July 13-17 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.
"There is a growing concern regarding the number of students in the United States entering science, technology, engineering and mathematic careers," said Sandra Evers-Manly, president of Northrop Grumman Foundation. "One way to reverse that trend is to make science and math fascinating and applicable for students. Space Camp aims to provide life-changing experiences to underperforming students who have the unlocked potential to excel with the right support, inspiring them to dream big and work to make those dreams a reality."
Student participants were selected through the program's established set of criteria from the communities in which the company operates.
The Northrop Grumman Foundation supports diverse and sustainable programs for students and teachers. These programs create innovative education experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.