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Watch the Live Chat with NASA Astronauts at 10:10 a.m.!

October 19, 2017—On Wednesday, November 1, Shaker Heights Schools will host its first-ever In-Flight Education Downlink with NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station. This event presents Shaker students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with and to learn from astronauts who are actively working in outer space. Shaker Heights Schools is the only district/school in Ohio to receive a downlink in 2017. The most recent NASA downlink in Ohio was held in 2015 at the Great Lakes Science Center.

The In-Flight Education Downlink—a 20-minute question-and-answer session—will be held from approximately 10:10-10:30 a.m. in the large auditorium of Shaker Heights High School, 15911 Aldersyde Drive in Shaker Heights. (Please refer to the NASA TV schedule to confirm the start time on November 1, as NASA may shift the start time slightly.)

Members of the student body, staff and other distinguished community members will attend the downlink. During the session, selected students will ask questions directly to NASA astronauts Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei, both of whom are former teachers. All community members and Northeast Ohio schools may stream the event live on NASA TV.

“For years, the High School planetarium has been a valuable learning resource for our students’ knowledge and understanding of outer space,” says Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Terri Breeden. “This downlink enables students to see the real-world applications of what they’ve studied.”

Shaker Heights Schools was selected for this opportunity during NASA’s “A Year of Education on Station,” which began in September 2017. During this year, NASA will promote STEM activities related to the station for students in grades kindergarten through college.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our young people and an incredible honor for the District,” says Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. “These 20 minutes could inspire the next generation of astronauts, scientists or mathematicians just as much as it could spark creativity in arts and music. We are so grateful that NASA has given our District this special opportunity.”

Learn more about the current astronauts aboard the International Space Station and their work online at www.nasa.gov.