Unlikely Partners Mix Science, Students and Fun
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- When your goal is communicating to the public, you go where the public gathers. That's why NASA is taking its mission to explore and discover to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Aug. 13-14.
NASA's Langley Research Center is collaborating with Busch Gardens to engage students, their parents, stepparents, grandparents and teachers in the science and excitement of space exploration. Busch Gardens is adding the fun.
Former astronaut Roger Crouch will talk with visitors each day at 11:45 a.m. in Das Festhaus and again at 3:30 p.m. in the Globe Theatre. Crouch was a mission specialist on two shuttle missions and logged more than 470 hours in space.
Highlighting NASA Exploration Day is a huge interactive trailer exhibit called the "Exploration Experience." Using 3-D imagery, audio effects and the latest video technology, the journey through the trailer immerses visitors in the challenges of space flight. Learn how future explorers will live and work beyond Earth orbit. Touch a real moon rock and receive a souvenir photo of yourself as an astronaut.
Other activities include exploring the wonders of Earth and its changing climate, then venturing to Mars and points beyond. Visitors can try their hand at playing sports on other planets or ride the roller coasters and get a glimpse of the thrill of spaceflight.
Both NASA and Busch Gardens are committed to the education of today's young people. NASA approaches science, technology, engineering and math education via inspiration; Busch Gardens via entertainment, special events and engaging programming.