NASA goes to infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear …
Last year, NASA launched Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber into space on the shuttle for a brief orbital journey before it headed to the Smithsonian. Now, they’re doing the same with Buzz Lightyear which should make him feel right at home, at least right next to being in a toy store.
As part of the crew of STS-124, Buzz Lightyear will blast off aboard Space Shuttle Discovery with lift-off from Kennedy Space Center scheduled for 5:02 p.m. ET on May 31. While at the International Space Station, Buzz will fly around (for real this time, not just falling with style) in zero gravity and draw attention to NASAs “Space Ranger Education Series, which is part of the “Toys in Space” initiative. With this new kids space program, NASA hopes that Buzz will introduce fun elements from space into science and math to classrooms across the country.
“The Space Ranger Education Series will give teachers an opportunity to incorporate a fun and engaging moment into the classroom with a character that children really love,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re pleased to join NASA in creating a program that can help keep kids excited about math and science.”
Developed by Disney and NASA, Toys in Space features materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum as well as online, educational games linked to each key component of the mission. The series, hosted at http://www.nasa.gov, will be available throughout 2008. Then he’ll return to earth for a heroes welcome at Walt Disney Resort in Florida.
Beginning Saturday, May 31, the online games featuring Buzz Lightyear will be available by visiting NASA’s homepage and clicking on the box for the NASA Kids’ Club at http://www.nasa.gov. Meanwhile, check out these cool videos that will make you giggle:
Tags: NASA