Not that I didn’t know what I was getting into. I mean everyone, um … most people, uh … many of us know that any kind of space mission is at the mercy of the weather, technical issues, and more – and any or all of these can change the schedule. So being on the other side of the country and trying to make flight and hotel reservations that are required to be “soft” and “flexible” (according to the email NASA – that’s right … I get emails straight from NASA now) is an adventure all in itself.
One of the issues of being an elementary teacher is what you have going on in class at any time … as well as what is happening with your family … and just up and leaving for 3 or 4 days. So things were stacking up against the original date for launch and my ability to make it … but today (and I had some “inside information” that only hundreds of thousands of people were privy to, that there would be a launch date change today – sorry I was sworn to secrecy), so things are still not for sure (although I have gotten “some” funding) at least the current date according to NASA (did I mention I get emails right from the actual NASA??? – I do):
“As we noted in the details email you received, numerous factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change, and the targeted launch date for space shuttle Endeavour’s STS-134 mission to the International Space Station has been changed. The new targeted lift off is 3:47 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29.Endeavor’s launch date will not be scheduled officially until after the Flight Readiness Review, which is now re-scheduled for April 19.”
So things are looking up, but not a for sure … we are launching a couple of high altitude balloons around that time … probably not something to turn over to a sub … so I’m doing my best to make it happen.
Launching … er … Learning is messy!
It is stressful to try and make it work. As as teacher myself, I am thinking that I will learn SO much by going and bringing it back to my students, that it will be worth it. It’s hard to change plans, but gosh, can you imagine not going? I hope it works out we all get to attend!
Hi Krissy – me too!
Hi! My name is Rebecca and I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I absolutely love your blog! I also cannot believe you got chosen to do something so absolutely amazing and once in a lifetime! It really shows what networking as educators can really do and help you accomplish. I hope everything goes well and you do get to make the trip. I bet your students will be thrilled to be able to say their teacher was a part of the space shuttle launch!
Good Luck!
Rebecca Sisson
Hello,
I’m a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I’m glad you were picked to go on the trip. I would have been even happier, if they had picked me. I would like for you to pass on, a big hello, to Mark Kelly. Tell him, I wish his wife well. I’m honored, to indirectly speak with her, as I felt so bad for what happened to her. Anyway, take in as much as you can, because your students are going to have a ton of questions. I hope everything turns out ok, and I will revisit your blog for an update. I would be proud to tell my friends, I left a comment on your blog. It would be even nicer, if you responded to my comment. My email address is woodieholloway@gmal.com and my blog spot is HollowayWoodieedm310.blogspot.com.
Good luck,
Woodie
Have you seen this?
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/brainiac/2012/01/putting_a_lego.html
Keep up the inspiring work with you students!
Ben