Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

2/16/07

NEWS RELEASE
Six Auburn School District Juniors Are Selected as
2006-07 Washington Aerospace Scholars

Six juniors in the Auburn School District have been named 2006-07 Washington Aerospace Scholars:

• Alice Clark, Auburn High School
• Andy Patton, Auburn High School
• Caitlin Phillips, Auburn High School
• Lizzy Wroe, Auburn High School
• Kayla Fix, Auburn Mountainview High School
• Kyle Franz, Auburn Riverside High School

The Washington Aerospace Scholars program kicked off its inaugural year by selecting outstanding high school juniors to participate in a state-wide, interactive, online learning experience, culminating in a six-day residential internship for select participants at The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Selected students are encouraged to study math, science, engineering and computer science as they interact with aerospace engineers and educators. Students from every legislative district across Washington State compete to take part in this exciting program. The students are recommended by teachers and chosen for the summer residency by state legislators.

At this time, the scholars are participating in phase one: distance learning with a NASA-designed curriculum. From home, school or public library, students complete Web-based activities including: space exploration studies in space shuttle, space station, lunar and Mars explorations; quizzes, math problems, essays and graphics concerning these studies; and links to virtual reality models, interactive tutorials, videos and 3-D graphics.

Students will undergo a second round of selection for phase two of the program: the summer residency. Selected scholars will attend a six-day residential summer experience at The Museum of Flight. During this experience, students will work in teams to complete hands-on engineering activities associated with the design of a human mission to Mars; participate in briefings from engineers, scientists and aerospace professionals; and attend tours and field trips. Students will be mentored by aerospace engineers, college staff/students and teachers. Certified Washington teachers serve as program counselors during the residential summer experience. Selected teachers receive transportation, housing and meals, and they guide the students through their learning experiences. Teachers are invited to apply via: www.museumofflight.org/washingtonaerospacescholars. 

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, (253) 931-4713.

For more information on the Washington Aerospace Scholars program contact Rosie Bailer, Washington Aerospace Scholars Program coordinator, at (206) 764-5866.