NASA Enables Students To Launch Virtual Space Shuttle
WASHINGTON -- As NASA prepares to launch a space shuttle on Friday,
May 14, the agency is offering the ABCs of 3,2,1 liftoff to students
and educators throughout the nation.
A new computer simulation program will allow them to take on the roles
of NASA engineers and launch the shuttle from their own classrooms.
The program is based on software used for training at the shuttle
Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The
Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System, or KLASS, gives students
the chance to monitor important shuttle systems during a launch
countdown and decide whether they are "go" for liftoff. They will
work together as a team and learn about the different
responsibilities behind-the-scenes of a shuttle launch.
KLASS was designed for sixth- through 10th-grade students to develop
their science, technology, engineering and math skills.
In addition to the launch simulation software, KLASS is offering 40
hours of lesson plans and interactive resources for teachers. These
materials can be used for one-day lessons or one-year curriculums.
The KLASS materials are available for download at:
http://www.nasa.gov/education/
For more information about NASA's education programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/education
For more information about the space shuttle, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Source: NASA
