AIAA presenting 'Passport to the Future' teacher workshop

Reston, Va. - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present a "Passport to the Future" Teacher Workshop Aug. 3𔃂 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, sponsored by the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The workshop will highlight best practices for teaching the "STEM" subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in K-12 classrooms, and will allow attendees to network with their peers and with leaders in the aerospace industry. Attendees will also view exciting technological innovations as they tour the exhibit hall, and attend the plenary sessions, of the 45th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, sponsored by AIAA, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, SAE International, and the American Society of Engineering Education.

The workshop will feature two keynote speakers - Dr. Mark Lewis, AIAA president-elect, and former chief scientist of the United States Air Force, and Bruce McCandless, a former astronaut. Both Lewis and McCandless will speak to the important role K-12 educators have in inspiring future engineers and scientists, and how future aerospace innovations have their roots in today's classrooms.

A highlight of the workshop will be a panel on "Women in Technology," giving educators a chance to discuss issues of gender diversity in the aerospace workplace, and the particular need for teachers to encourage female students to pursue STEM education.

Other featured topics include "NASA and NIA Resources for Teachers," "Using Federal and Non-Profit Resources in your Classroom," and "Engineering in your Classroom." A "share-a-thon" luncheon will give educators the opportunity to share best practices from their classrooms.

The workshop will give educators from across the country the opportunity to network with their peers, share ideas on how to inspire students, and learn about best practices in STEM education. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and graduate credit from the University of Colorado/Colorado Springs is available as well.

Source: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics