"Astronaut Video Call with Students"
The Oxford Middle School was alive with anticipation on Tuesday as pupils gathered for a unique watch party featuring astronaut Jeanette Epps. The event offered 20 selected students from across the country a rare and exciting chance to learn directly from a leading figure in the field of space exploration. Coordinated by Yolanda Logan, the assistant principal, and sponsored by The Links, Incorporated signature program, this in-flight education downlink from NASA served as a platform to expose students to the marriage of the fields of STEM/WildSTEM and space exploration.
In-Flight Education Downlinks are educational opportunities that allow students and educators to interact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station through an intriguing Q&A session. Lark Smith, an eighth-grade student at Oxford Middle School, had the distinct honour of asking a pre-recorded video question which was answered by Epps live from the ISS. The whole school community was extremely proud of this momentous occasion, a testament to the enriching educational experiences the school facilitates.
Attendees were privy to an intimate look into the life and career of an astronaut. Epps shared her personal challenges on her journey to become an astronaut and the profound wonders of space travel, captivating the audience and inspiring many young minds to consider futures in STEM fields.
Post the watch party, students and teachers embarked on a hands-on team challenge aimed at converting STEM lessons into a STEAM project by representing constellations using 3-D models. This activity not only added an art element, reinforcing the day’s lesson but also helped to progress a deeper understanding of astronomical concepts.
A significant contributor to the event was Dr. Darlene Washington, ex-Oxford School District speech pathologist, and member of the Mississippi Roses Chapter of The Links, was present to provide insight into the organization mission. The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946, and is one of the oldest and largest volunteer groups in the nation. It promotes community service, recording more than 1 million hours of service annually.
The Mississippi Roses sponsors two National Society of Black Engineers, Jr. (NSBE Jr) Chapters, located in Oxford and DeSoto County. Marilyn Barnes, Director of Student Development, was instrumental in recruiting the charter members of the Oxford NSBE Jr. Chapter. Lark Smith, the student who had interacted with Epps, serves as its president. The Oxford NSBE Jr. Chapter meets monthly. Interested students are encouraged to contact Logan or Barnes at OMS.
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