CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS, the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Arkansas State University (A-State) are partnering with the Nettleton STEAM Intermediate School on a recent grant from NASA – the first of its kind in Arkansas. This once in a lifetime experience will allow students in grades 3-6 science classes the opportunity to share in a conversation with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station through a shared downlink Thursday, Dec. 10.
Arkansas PBS will livestream the downlink, including opening remarks from Gov. Asa Hutchinson and special messages from President Bill Clinton, U.S. Rep. French Hill, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and other VIP speakers. The pre-event and main event will livestream at myarkansaspbs.org/nasa-downlink. The pre-event will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the downlink will begin at 10:25 a.m.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first scientists boarding the space station for extended study, NASA offered the chance for young scientists here on Earth to earn the opportunity to communicate with the scientists currently aboard. Downlink communications have been a regular occurrence for those onboard, with signals carried through satellites rather than everyday cell towers or phonelines. Working with partners from A-State in Jonesboro and DESE, Nettleton STEAM Intermediate School was awarded the opportunity.
This will be the first time the space station has communicated directly with anyone in Arkansas.
A documentary incorporating this event and other STEAM initiatives taking place in the state’s schools will be produced to air on Arkansas PBS in the spring.
Additional STEAM resources are available at myarkansaspbs.pbslearningmedia.org, and STEM resources for Arkansas schools are available at bit.ly/DESESTEM.
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. Arkansas PBS delivers daily, essential, local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarkansaspbs.org/watch, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).
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