Aereospace Technology Development

NASA Opens Sky for Students

Students in Baltimore, Maryland are using the latest computer software and hardware to discover the world of science and technology, including how to design an aircraft and plot its flight, under a NASA educational program.

Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio and Morgan State University in Baltimore have established a Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) for underserved middle-school students. SEMAA’s purpose is to enhance the students’ success and motivate greater numbers of young people to pursue careers in science, math and related fields.

"Using NASA technologies and the educational expertise of Morgan State University, we will inspire a new generation of you to explore the space frontier," said NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin.

"These youngsters are the new generation for the new millennium," said Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland. "This is the generation that will grow up to become astronauts, engineers, researchers and computer experts. SEMAA will plant the seed of inspiration for our young people to study math and science and gain the skills they need in our increasingly high-tech economy.

"The program features an Aeronautics Education Laboratory (AEL) in Morgan State’s School of Engineering. AEL is a leap in classroom technology, a state-of-the-art, electronically enhanced computerized classroom that puts cutting-edge technology in the hands of students in grades six through nine. At 10 workstations, SEMAA students will explore satellite global positioning, remote sensing, amateur radio and aircraft design, and collect weather information in preparation for flight. The experience culminates with a virtual flight using a cockpit simulator or head-mounted display.

"I applaud Morgan State University and NASA for their shared commitment to this SEMAA Academy—the power and promise of young minds in pursuit of a very old dream. Their struggles for scientific achievement and educational opportunity arise from the same source: our shared humanity," said Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland. "When we offer everyone a place in our shared quest for the stars, the light of our own best nature will guide us along our way. When we walk together toward the starlight, everyone gains from the quest, however long our journey may take.

"A vision of former Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio, SEMAA was established in 1993 by Glenn Research Center and Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland to foster understanding and enthusiasm in school-age children for science, math and technology fields. Since 1993, SEMAA has grown from a single location to multiple sites reaching thousands of children, from kindergarten through high school, and their families.