On June 8, while attending migrant summer school at Country Oaks Elementary School, several students enjoyed hearing from George “Gabe” Gabrielle, who works as a Civil Engineer for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) at the Kennedy Space Center. Students in grades PreK-5 were quite intrigued with the guest speaker and his space-themed presentation. Students were also fascinated to learn that many of the S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Mathematics) projects that they are currently investigating here on Earth are also being tested out in space. What and how they are learning in the classroom is very relevant to what and how the astronauts are learning through space exploration.

Gabrielle began by explaining that his role at NASA includes taking care of the area’s infrastructure (roads, bridges, tunnel, structures, etc.), and making sure that everything on the ground runs smoothly. He then proceeded to teach the children about various aspects of the Kennedy Center’s Space Program. Gabrielle invited students to visit NASA.gov in order to track when the International Space Station will be flying above their home. He explained that they “needed to look up to the sky for a bright, yellow, moving light.”

At the end of the presentation, Gabrielle challenged the students to write down their dreams and make them their goals. He reminded the children to always “do your best, enjoy everything you do, and believe in yourself.” He also explained to students that “you not only go to school to learn, but to learn how to learn.” Very positive messages indeed!

This opportunity was organized by Dr. Barbara Mundy, Program Administrator for Federal Programs, and funded by the Migrant Education Program. For more information about the Kennedy Space Center (KSP), visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com. NASA’s website, www.nasa.gov, also contains further information about our Nation’s space program.