NASA and Honeywell launched “FMA Live! Where Science Rocks,” a dynamic rock-and-roll education program geared to students in grades six through eight. The initiative was kicked off at Fees Middle School in Tempe, Ariz.
“FMA Live! Where Science Rocks” uses a diverse troupe of live actors, music, videos and demonstrations to teach Sir Isaac Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and the Universal Law of Gravity in a powerful and memorable way. The program is named after Newton’s Second Law (Force equals Mass times Acceleration).
The program is the focus of a new national partnership between NASA and Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s community-relations initiative, also announced today. The mission of the partnership is to engage middle-school students in the wonders of science, technology and math.
Students will be engaged through innovative education programs that demonstrate the relevance of the natural sciences to children’s daily lives. “FMA Live! Where Science Rocks” addresses critical science-curriculum objectives that enable students to better understand science and help improve their performance.
“Tomorrow’s space explorers are seated in America’s classrooms, asking questions, solving problems and conducting experiments,” said NASA’s Associate Administrator for Education, Dr. Adena Williams Loston. “As we work to carry NASA’s new vision for space exploration forward, outreach initiatives like our partnership with Honeywell for “FMA Live!” help us work closely with schools to foster learning environments that will inspire young people to set their sights on venturing to the moon, Mars and beyond,” she said.
Honeywell Hometown Solutions will underwrite all costs of “FMA Live! Where Science Rocks.” The program will tour the United States for 18 weeks in 2004. It will visit 45 middle schools in 25 markets, including Phoenix, Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, Detroit and Washington. Over the next three years, the program is expected to reach an estimated 125,000 students in more than 150 middle schools in 100 communities.
“As a technology leader, Honeywell depends upon a talented, inspired workforce to bring innovative solutions to our customers and our communities,” said Bob Johnson, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace. “It is an honor for us to be partnering with NASA, and we believe our “FMA Live!” program will motivate the best young minds in America to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology,” he said.
Employment opportunities in science and technology are expected to increase at almost three times all other occupations; however, enrollment in college science and engineering courses in the United States is declining. Research shows younger students proficient in science, technology, engineering and math are more likely to pursue related subjects in high school and college, and then in career fields.
For more information about the “FMA Live! Where Science Rocks” tour on the Internet, visit:
http://www.fmalive.com