Any middle school student can study earth science, but it takes a special kind of middle schooler to learn Mars science.
This is precisely what a Kelley Hunter's class from Windsor Middle School will be doing when they visit Dr. Richard Zimmer's Mars Habitat class at Sonoma State University today. Fusing lessons about natural science, outer space, and technology, the students will learn what it would be like for a colony of humans to live on The Red Planet.
The lessons taught to the middle schoolers will reflect what Hunter learned as a student in Dr. Zimmer's class over seven years ago. Zimmer's class, based on the science of Mars, teaches students about what kinds of technology would be required for sustainable life in a Martian colony and how colonists would adapt to Martian life. As a teacher, Kelley Hunter integrated versions of the same lessons into her middle school curriculum.
Those in Hunter's class are also enrolled in AVID, an acronym which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID is a worldwide program that helps students that may be experiencing difficulty with success in school, and prepares them for college.
During their visit to Sonoma State, the Windsor middle schoolers will have the opportunity to work with current students from Dr. Zimmer's class in hands-on, Mars-related science projects. This will prove educational not only for the middle schoolers, but also for Zimmer's students, most of which are planning to become teachers upon graduation. In addition, NASA educator Tom Gates will instruct the group on new discoveries and theories involving Mars science.
For more information, contact Jean Wasp, Media Relations Coordinator, (707) 664-2057 or Dr. Richard Zimmer at (707) 664-3181.
