NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA Volunteer Sonja Wood teaches local school children.
The White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) Educational Outreach Program provides teachers with the tools to reach and inspire their students. The program seeks to capture young people’s interest in science, engineering, mathematics and technology. WSTF volunteers share their knowledge and experience with teachers and students. Volunteers participate in various outreach opportunities including lecturing or performing hands-on activities in the classroom, career shadowing, tutoring, mentoring, and judging at science fairs. WSTF employees work hand-in-hand with area school teachers to improve math, science, and technology education by assisting with science curriculum, providing exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities for the students, and arranging tours and special events like science nights.


Sandra Ruttle demonstrates a Shuttle Simulator test at the Girls Can Career Awareness Conference for sixth-grade girls at Lynn Middle School.
WSTF Education Highlights:

• Design Competitions
• BEST & FIRST Robotics Programs
• NASA Explorer Schools in New Mexico
• New Mexico MESA and MESA USA
• Schools & Regional Science and Engineering Fairs
• Educational Tours of WSTF
• DC-9 Microgravity Fly High Program
• Southern Science Engineering, Mathematics, & Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) and Educator Resource Center at NMSU
• New Mexico Partnership for Mathematics and Science Education
• New Mexico Future Educators of America Chapters, Teacher Pathway Program, and Annual State FEA Conferences

NASA astronauts talk with local school children.

For more information, contact Robert M. Cort at 575-524-5521 or robert.m.cort@nasa.gov