Friday, May 18th, 2012
Dr. Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award
2011: K–12 Teachers of Science in a Formal Education Setting
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
The Dr. Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award recognizes excellence in the field of aerospace education as outlined in the NSTA Position Statement on Aerospace Education. An award of $3000 is given to the recipient, and up to $2000 is provided to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education. The recipient of the Award will be honored during the Awards Banquet and the Aerospace Educators Luncheon at the NSTA Conference. This NSTA award is sponsored by Sally Ride Science and The Challenger Center for Space Science Education. The winning application will become part of the NSTA Web site and thus available for use by other aerospace educators.
Award recipients agree to:
* Correspond by email, and possibly other means, with aerospace educators to share experiences and information.
* Provide NSTA answers to any questions regarding this application.
* Attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education Awards Banquet and Aerospace Educators Luncheon.
ELIGIBILITY:
Both K–12 teachers of science in formal education settings (e.g., elementary, middle, high school) and educators in informal education settings (e.g., museums, government, science centers) are eligible to apply in alternating years. In 2011, only K–12 teachers in formal education settings will be eligible for consideration. In 2012, only educators in an informal setting will be eligible for consideration. Individuals nominated in formal education must have a minimum of 3 years teaching experience, and individuals nominated in informal education must have a minimum of 3 years in an informal setting. Self nominations will be accepted.
CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:
Applications for this award will be judged on the following elements of a high quality aerospace education program (NSTA Position Statement: Aerospace Education, 2008). The applicant’s aerospace education program should:
* Foster observation, investigation, and creative thinking, promote scientific inquiry;
* Address student outcomes and reflect the use of the most current information and research understandings in the field;
* Provide opportunities to connect science educators and their students with the broader aerospace science and technology community;
* Provide students with interdisciplinary, multicultural, and multi-perspective viewpoints to demonstrate how aerospace exploration and research transcends national boundaries;
* Use appropriate technologies such as modeling, simulation, or distance learning to enhance
aerospace education learning experiences and investigations;
* Present a balance of aeronautics, space exploration, and robotics by offering a relevant context for
learning and integrating STEM core content knowledge;
* Support of National Science Education Standards;