Free trip to Mars

OLYMPIA – Want to sample an exciting career? Looking to learn more about science or engineering? Interested in meeting new people? Or just want to beef up a college application?

Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, invites students to apply to be Washington Aerospace Scholars. High school juniors interested in science, technology, engineering or math are encouraged to consider this innovative and free two-part program.

Participants must be:

• U.S. citizens;
• At least 16 years of age;
• Washington state residents;
• Currently a junior in high school;
• Interested in science, technology, engineering or math;
• Able to access the Internet at home, a library or at school; and
• Committed to completing online lessons to qualify for a six-day residential summer experience.

In the first phase of the program, which takes place between January and May 2008, students use a computer to complete a NASA-designed curriculum. The 10 lessons and a final project are based on studies of the history of space exploration, the space shuttle, international space station and explorations of the moon and Mars. Experts in these fields will be available for consultation.

The second phase is a six-day summer residential experience at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, where students will be guided by mentors and classroom teachers as they design a human mission to Mars. Students are also treated to guest speakers and tours of engineering facilities, and compete in hands-on engineering challenges. Lodging, meals and transportation to and from The Museum of Flight are provided at no cost.

Participants are recommended by teachers and summer residency participants are selected by state legislators. Applications are downloadable at http://museumofflight.org/Display.asp?Page=washingtonaerospacescholars and must be returned no later than Nov. 9.

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