Cheryl Backman is ready for her next mission: to take Myers sixth graders where no Myers sixth grader has gone before.
The science teacher, who has worked in the district for 23 years and been at Myers since it opened in 2005, just returned from the week-long Space Academy for Educators. The program is affiliated with NASA and aims to deliver the excitement of space exploration directly into classrooms via educators.
"I am excited to share my Space Academy experience with my students. I returned with great ideas for hands-on STEAM lessons for my students as well as new ideas for team-building experiences that I can share with both students and colleagues," explains Backman.
The authentic astronaut training, which includes simulators and activities, was developed to promote learning in a classroom setting. Curriculum includes NASA-inspired lesson plans and is correlated to the National Science Education Standards. As a graduate of the program, Backman now has access to NASA lesson plans, standards and tips needed to replicate the workshops she participated in so she can share her new knowledge with her students and staff.
“It’s not possible for every individual to attend Space Academy but now, thanks to this unique professional development experience, Ms. Backman can extend her knowledge, tools and resources to the entire building," says Myers Principal William Rivers.
And, adds Backman, her participation in the program could not have come at a better time.
"This is such an exciting time in space exploration - from the images just returning from the James Webb Telescope, to the upcoming Artemis program that will take us back to the moon. I want to share this excitiment with my students and help them to understand that the space industry is not just about engineers and astronauts but also mathematicians, designers, innovators, mechanics, electricians, dieticians and many other careers that work together to make space exploration possible."
Backman was the only attendee from the Northeast at the professional development for middle and high school educators at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., and due to COVID-19, the first class of teachers to graduate from Space Academy for Educators since 2019.
