Final Presentation

Today we gave our final presentation. All the teachers had nice things to say, and so did the NASA people. Everyone liked the phone app, and a number of people wanted to download it. I was very nervous, but Mr. Lewis and I practiced a lot and that helped. We delivered the lesson plan in a distance learning studio, where it was recorded. I believe I will be receiving a copy soon. The lesson was also broadcoast live to the NASA people and other teachers who were watching.

Our group has really bonded together and been nice to each other. There is a $2500 prize for the 2 best lessons, and apparently things at the other NASA centers may have gotten a bit cutthroat and competitive. By contrast, our group has had a great time. We've gone on tons of fun tours all over NASA. For the last 3 nights, everyone has eaten dinner together and usually most people in the group eat breakfast together. Technically the program ended at 5 PM today, but everyone still wanted to have dinner together right after. It wasn't a weird feel good experience. It was just people being nice. I attribute this to the director, the NASA people who were so charming, smooth and hard-working, and a few people in our group who went out of their way to befriend everyone.

Today we also had a graduation ceremony. It was a lot better than a high school graduation. First, all the mentors received awards, and they earned it. They were all incredibly intelligent and had great people skills. These people were hand-picked from all the NASA engineers. Second, all the teachers received a plaque. Then they gave us some small gifts which were very cool. Les was inspired by my kite presentation, and handed out a great kite lesson plan to everyone on how to make kites you can walk around with inside a building. (they generate enough lift to fly just by walking). The education director spoke for not too long and served cake and pop to everyone. Everyone mingled and ate refreshments for a few minutes, shook hands and said goodbye. Lisa Valencia, the director, asked questions about my presentation, our family, and our family's trip to Disney World. These people geniunely want to help teachers. I am very happy that I came and sad to leave. I miss Elizabeth and the children though, so it will be nice to fly home tomorrow. Coming to NASA was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. I bought some gifts for immediate family so you may be getting something from NASA for your birthday.