The wonders of space travel are being beamed into local classrooms.
Action News Jax’s John Bachman met a local teacher who is using his NASA experience to open young minds to science.
How do you get a fifth grader's attention in math and science class? Show them pictures of their teacher landing the space shuttle.
“We had to land the shuttle. And the simulation you were in was the exact same one I believe that they used, the actual astronauts used when they practiced with their missions,” said Rade Obradovic, who will teach 5th grade at Hyde Park Elementary School in Duval County this year.
This summer he was the only teacher from Jacksonville and one of just 6 from Florida to get an all-expenses paid trip to the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy.
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“I was actually kind of surprised that I got it. I always tell my students, you'll never hit the ball unless you swing the bat,” Obradovic said.
For this young teacher it really is about his students and finding a way to connect with them. He thinks the spacesuits, shuttle landings and his astronaut training will help give his students more moments where they truly understand whatever he's teaching.
Obradovic said the 200 other teachers from all over the world at space camp inspired him and taught him new ways to teach that will keep his students interested in subjects that historically lose their interest.
“The best scientists are the ones that are imaginative. Because they are like, ‘hmm, let me think of something that someone has never done before,’ like ‘wow, brand new discovery,’” Obradovic said.
Teachers at space camp came from 26 countries and 36 other states.
Cox Media Group
