SPACE TALK: a conversation to answer big questions about space exploration

(Screenshot of the Meeting Call - live)

(Screenshot of the Meeting Call - live)

An out of this world zoom call. On October 25th, 5th grade students from the Miraflores school in Brazil had the opportunity to participate in an International Space talk with the writer and scientist Jonna Ocampo, the 6th Grade Science Teacher at Boeckman Middle School in Farmington, Minnesota, and Education Outreach for CD-SEAS Mission Microgravity, Todd Kohorst, and KSCIA International Space Academy representative in Brazil, José Carlos.

The initiative, promoted by the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, provided a ludic space for students to ask questions related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, in addition to learning about the life of a space explorer. The conversation covered topics such as NASA's Artemis mission and the goal to send women to the Moon.

Dressed as an astronaut, student Gustavo asked about “what is needed to travel to outer space”. To facilitate the understanding of everyone in the class, the author of the book "Henry the astronaut" made an analogy to bring the students closer to the reality of an astronaut´s life. “The capsule where the crew is located is small, it's like being stuck in the same classroom for a year without being able to leave,” she explained, pointing out the importance of prior training and teamwork in space missions.

After the students' doubts were clarified, Professor Todd showed some space artifacts he has in his classroom. Objects included a NASA mission-themed PIN and a photo autographed by astronaut Michael Hopkins. At the end of the live, Jonna asked who would like to become an astronaut, to which half of the students raised their hands in the air shouting “Me!”.

To learn more about the foundation and its activities, visit: http://www.michaelisfoundation.org/
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-Luma Kelly
MFGE International Correspondent