The project continues through May, although plans are underway to extend it into the summer. For example, we're following a wind tunnel test of a model of a future supersonic airliner. During Internet chats, youngsters use computers to converse with mentors by typing questions and reading responses and dialogue via the World Wide Web. Various educational materials including aeronautics lesson plans are in the lounge. The plans list creative ways to bring the Aero Design Team Online project into the classroom.
Educators also have Internet chats with other teachers, describing classroom problems and solutions.
NASA is providing the website because the agency has a mandate to help teachers and students understand NASA research in aeronautics. The Internet gives our engineers an effective tool to interact with audiences we normally would not reach. Another segment of the on-line project will follow the progress of astronauts training in the largest vertical motion simulator in the world, located at Ames, Lee said. They are practicing their Shuttle landings with a new simulator program that includes global positioning. These interactive projects connect students with NASA employees to inspire them to pursue high-tech careers.