MSA-East students travel to Huntsville for space training
ST. GABRIEL - Nineteen Math, Science, and Arts Academy-East 10th and 11th graders were awarded an advanced space learning experience recently when they traveled to Huntsville, Ala. for Advanced Space Camp at the Space and Rocket Center.
According to the students and teacher leader Susan Schlecht, the students were immersed in highly intensive experiences in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) during the one week long adventure.
Schlecht, MSA Dean of Students and LA GEAR UP Director said that Brian Turner, an 11th grade student, captured the program's highest honor, the Right Stuff Award.
It is given to the camper who exhibits leadership, teamwork and technology expertise throughout the week. In addition, nine students (Team Tsiolkovsky) were awarded the Commander's Cup for top scores of all participants.
Members of the Team Tsiolkovsky, named for the Russian rocket scientist, were Rebecca Bihm, LouAnna Brigalia, Stefani Corbin, Katelyn Spedale, Courtney Danielfield, Brandy Dunbar, Sean Griffin, Mykayla Gordon and Brian Turner.
Other students from Team Oberth, who won the Space Bowl, were Marie Comeaux, Ariel Fuller, Taylor Graf, Makayla King, Madeline LeBlanc, AJ Burba, Jacques Comeaux, Arielle Gardner, Traci Granier and Andre Redditt.
The students got hands-on training, as well as mental, emotional and physical experiences similar to those, which astronauts, engineers and technologists must face.
They tested microgravity in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer, a tumble spin in the Multi-Axis Trainer, and learned how to walk on the moon in the 1/6th gravity chair.
Advanced Space Academy is a college-accredited program through
the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAHuntsville). Students earned one hour of freshman-level general science credit.
The students also visited the Southern Museum of Flight in
Birmingham where they flew flight simulators.
Funding for the trip was provided by LA GEAR UP, a college incentive program from the state of Louisiana and an Exemplary School award. Other fundraising by the students and school helped to fund the trip.
The students will be presenting a video production of their experience at the state LA GEAR UP Conference in March.
