The fifth grade science class at Forest Heights Academy of Excellence traveled to Texas and Arizona Tuesday without ever leaving their classroom. The students participated in an interactive video conference with NASA scientists and engineers to learn more about moon missions.

During the virtual field trip, students learned about the many concepts being explored by the Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS). One test subject is SCOUT (Science Crew Operations and Utility Testbed), a moon buggy that can be used to explore the lunar surface or to transport astronauts. The students also learned how solar cells can be used as a source of energy on the moon in order to power SCOUT.

Engineers gave a detailed description of the spacesuit.  The students learned that spacesuits can weigh more than 200 pounds on Earth. In contrast, they would only weigh approximately 33 pounds on the moon. The spacesuits are made by hand and take nearly a year to complete.

The video connection was disconnected abruptly, and students were unable to ask burning questions. However, their teacher Ms. Sheila Johnson promised to get them answered. Some of the questions that will be sent to NASA scientists include: How fast will SCOUT go? How much training is required to become a NASA astronaut? How much does it cost to manufacture a spacesuit?

When asked by their teacher if any of them would like to go to the moon, a hand-full eagerly raised their hand. However, one student replied, “The only way I would go to the moon is if Earth, where I live, is threatened.”

Sheila Johnson, a fifth grade math and science teacher at Forest Heights has participated in three video conferences. According to Ms. Johnson, “A student sitting in one of Forest Heights’ classrooms may be the first person to make that next giant leap for mankind on the moon or Mars. By participating in these NASA connections, Forest Heights’ students are getting a sneak peak into the future and how they can participate in those expeditions.”