Centennial Campus Center for Innovation Magnet Middle School students in Raleigh had an extraordinary start to their school day on May 1st. Instead of a regular teacher, they were greeted by NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, who was orbiting 240 miles above the Earth on the International Space Station (ISS) at a speed of 17,800 mph.
Dominick shared his passion for space and encouraged the students to pursue what makes them happy. The students at Centennial Campus Center for Innovation, a Wake County Public School for grades 6-8, were engaged and excited to interact with an astronaut in space. This experience made the concept of space exploration more real and tangible to them, showing them the possibilities of innovation, technology, and global connections.
The lesson from space was a memorable and educational experience for the students at Centennial Campus Center for Innovation. It allowed them to see the practical applications of their studies and sparked their interest in space and science. The school faculty had been planning for this lesson for almost a year, and students had the opportunity to ask Dominick 20 questions. They were thrilled to have their questions answered by an astronaut, and Dominick’s responses provided insights into life on the ISS and the work of an astronaut.
As they continue their studies and pursue their interests, the lessons learned from this special encounter will inspire them to follow their passions and explore the possibilities of the world beyond. The experience taught them that anything is possible if they put their mind to it, and that pursuing their dreams can take them anywhere they want to go.