Buzz Aldrin hosts Purdue’s Space Day Camp
| Event Date: | October 26, 2015 |
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On Sunday, parents and children gathered for a special day camp at Purdue University all for a chance to learn about space and meet the second man to walk on the moon. Purdue’s Space Day has been inspiring the astronaut in everyone for nearly two decades. The program was developed to promote STEM, which stands for science, engineering, technology and math learning in young students. Linn LeBlanc from Buzz Aldrin’s Share Space Foundation said this event was just as much fun for parents as it was for the kids.
“We’re all children inside. So anyone can be inspired and excited, and so it’s just a really great day to inspire people, to remember the importance of technology and science, and to excite them to want to go into these fields,” said LeBlanc.
Children from third to eighth grade had a chance to listen to Buzz Aldrin’s presentation and ask questions about his trip to the moon. They also received a copy of his new book, “Welcome to Mars, Making home on the red planet.” The activities included hands-on space, science, and engineering learning sessions.
“Research shows by the time kids reach fourth grade, one-fourth of students already start losing an interest in science and technology,” LeBlanc said. “This is the age we want to excite them, so just a visit from one of the first two men to walk on the moon, how inspiring is that.”
Space Day started in 1996 with just 150 children in attendance and 40 Purdue students running the program. Now in its 20th year, more than 650 children participate with assistance from more than 250 Purdue students. If you missed the chance to participate in Purdue’s Space Day Camp, remember there is always next year.
Source: Press Release: Buzz Aldrin Hosts Purdue’s Space Day Camp