Idaho Educator Makes Long Distance Phone Call From Space

NASA Astronaut and teacher Barbara R. Morgan along with crew members Alvin Drew, Dave Williams and Clay Andersonwill make a special telephone call to Idaho students from the International Space Station more than 200 miles above the Earth. The downlink from the space station is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. EDT.

The event will be carried live on NASA Television. Students from throughout Idaho will gather at the Discover Science Center in Boise for the first conversation with Morgan from space. During the 20-minute downlink, Morgan will take questions from students participating in the event.

"This is a unique opportunity for an educator from Idaho to inspire and energize students through NASA's innovative technologies," said Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for education. "This marks a milestone for students and educators in Idaho and around the world."

The downlink from the space station is the part of Idaho's celebration of Morgan's continuing journey that has taken her from the classrooms at McCall-Donnelly Elementary School to her new classroom in space.

"Over 40 students, ranging from fourth to eight grades, were nominated by their science teachers throughout Idaho," said Janine Boire, executive director at the Discovery Center of Idaho. "For the 18 students selected, this will be an occasion they will remember for a lifetime."

After reviewing the nominations, the Idaho Science Teachers Association made the final selection of students. The selected students represent the entire state, from very small towns to the largest metropolitan area in Idaho.

Morgan, a native of Fresno, Calif. and a Stanford University graduate, spent more than 20 years teaching second, third and fourth grades in McCall. She is one of five mission specialists on the seven-member crew of the space shuttle Endeavour who will continue assembly of the International Space Station. Morgan's duties will include operating the shuttle's robotic arm and overseeing the transfer of supplies and equipment between the shuttle and space station. Morgan will take part in several education-related activities in addition to her primary mission duties.

The Discovery Center of Idaho is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing experiences and educational opportunities that inspire lifelong learning and interest in science, math and technology, and that supplement and enrich formal science education through interactive exhibits, educational programs and teacher resources.

For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about Morgan, the STS-118 mission, and the Aug. 14 event, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
http://www.scidaho.org/