Materials, practices, and perceptions associated with prior participation in an aerospace education workshop: A case study

This qualitative study was conducted in a large north Texas school district. The subjects were four elementary teachers who had previously attended a summer aerospace education workshop. The researcher observed in each classroom during science instruction and other areas where aerospace concepts might be taught to determine material usage, practices, and perceptions associated with teaching aerospace. The teachers' lesson planbooks, textbooks, and supplementary materials were also examined by the researcher. Interviews were conducted with each teacher's principal and the district science coordinator to determine their effects on the practices and perceptions of the subjects.;Findings and conclusions. (1) The teachers used a wide variety of aerospace education materials in their classrooms. All the subjects utilized activities from the Young Astronaut Program. (2) The teachers chose to use aerospace education materials in all areas of the curriculum. The materials were presented in a variety of ways, with emphasis on hands-on instruction and experimentation. (3) The workshop provided an abundance of materials to the teachers. The researcher identified thirty-one separate sources utilized by the teachers in obtaining aerospace education materials. NASA, the CAP, and the Young Astronaut Program were identified as sources for all of the subjects. (4) The teachers utilized a variety of enhancements. They included: films, videos, guest speakers, field trips, computers, television, and balloon and rocket launches. (5) The subjects utilized an approach which emphasized hands-on discovery and experimentation. The workshop practicum experience, no longer a part of present workshops, influenced the participants' approach to science instruction and utilization of aerospace materials. (6) The administrators were supportive of the use of aerospace education as a curriculum enhancement. The participants felt pressure in having to document the use of the aerospace materials in order to satisfy the requirements set by the Texas essential elements.;Recommendations. The utilization of aerospace education workshops should continue with reinstatement of the practicum experience.