NASA Astronaut With County Connection to Give Virtual Visit
As part of Fort Fairfield Public Library’s NASA@My Library Project, Dr. Jessica Meir will stop by the library for a “virtual visit,”
The "visit" will happen VIA Skype on Wednesday April 18 at 11:00 a.m.. Meir, a graduate of Caribou High School, will discuss her journey to becoming a NASA astronaut, the future of space exploration, and mission training. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a brief Q&A session with Meir.
Fort Fairfield Public Library was one of seventy‐five U.S. public libraries to have been selected to receive resources, training and support through NASA@ My Library, a STEM education initiative that will increase and enhance STEM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underserved in STEM education. The library will continue to receive this support until December 2020. For information about the program visit: https://www.starnetlibraries.org/portfolio-items/nasa-my-library/
The project is led by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science and the Education Development Center. Additional support comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD).
The library has hosted seven programs since being selected in June 2017, ranging from space-themed story time programs to hands-on activities using scientific tools to public observation opportunities such as the August 2017 Solar Eclipse Viewing. As part of NASA@My Library’s mission, these programs are designed to attract traditionally underserved groups in STEM learning.
Library Aide Dianna Leighton feels that the virtual visit from Dr. Meir provides an important opportunity for area youth to connect with a role model in a STEM career, noting, “Dr. Jessica Meir’s work demonstrates that, with persistence, Aroostook County kids can aspire to a future STEM career and achieve those dreams.”
Space is limited for the virtual visit program, which is open to all ages. For more information, please contact Dianna Leighton at (207) 472-3880 or dleighton@fortfairfield.org.
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