Boeing Sponsors Local Teachers on Week Long ‘Space Mission’

Three Portland-area teachers have been selected to attend the 2008 Boeing Educators to SPACE CAMP(R) program. Teachers Marc Ciambrello and Amydelle Solso, both from Hauton B. Lee Middle School, and Allison Onchi from Gordon Russell Middle School, are 3 of 90 teachers from around the world selected to begin the weeklong training adventure in Huntsville, Ala. The program is designed to help teachers motivate students in the subjects of science and math.

The Boeing Educators to SPACE CAMP(R) program uses space exploration initiatives to enhance teachers’ skills in presenting math, science and technology lessons that inspire students and help ensure a skilled workforce for the competitive global technology market.

During the course, Ciambrello, Solso and Onchi will complete workshops and activities that include simulated space missions, astronaut training and lectures by rocketry and space exploration experts. They also will receive materials and access to resources in the classroom to help students meet national standards for science, math and technology.

Boeing worked with U.S. and international education institutions that selected applicants for the program. The educators will learn what it takes to become an astronaut and how to inspire future engineers and scientists.

With Boeing bringing more than 90 teachers from 12 countries to participate in the weeklong course, this year marks the largest group of educators from the most countries to date. Since 1992, the annual Boeing program has hosted more than 600 teachers from around the world, reaching an estimated 30,000 students. The camp runs today through Saturday.

The program provides full scholarships to teachers in communities where Boeing has education partnerships and/or a business presence. Working with education and community leaders around the world, Boeing distributes scholarships to partner schools and districts who then select K-12 teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to increasing student interest in science, technology, space and math.

After graduating from SPACE CAMP(R) Saturday, each teacher will return home equipped with a workbook to create lesson plans and program materials to use in the classroom. Graduates also will have access to an educator training facility and a Web site offering science experiments and other curriculum information as well as resources to continue to network and communicate with other camp attendees.

Source: Boeing

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