LIVE CHAT: Dr. Jessica Meir From The International Space Station

Eastern Aroostook Rural School Unit 39 and the City of Caribou, along with sponsor organizations, are working collaboratively to present an unrivaled educational and community opportunity via NASA’s In-Flight Education Downlinks. Together, the RSU, City of Caribou and NASA STEM are creating a month-long inclusive celebration of learning and community.

On October 29th, 2019, students in grades 6-12 will gather in the Caribou Performing Arts Center to see and speak with Dr. Jessica Meir while she performs vital research aboard the International Space Station during Expedition 61. Students in K-5 will watch from the Caribou Middle School, and remote locations will be hosted throughout the City for community members to gather for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“In the Caribou High School Class of 1995 yearbook, Dr. Meir’s future goal was listed as ‘to go for a space walk,’ ” said Caribou High School Principal Travis Barnes. “Our team wants to show students and community members that they too can achieve their goals and dreams with hard work, education and vision.”

“In anticipation of our live chat with Dr. Meir on October 29, we are planning a series of space-themed community events,” said Christina Kane-Gibson, City of Caribou Events & Marketing Director. “We are so proud of Dr. Meir and we want to show our support for all she has accomplished.”

City of Caribou Events will be posted at cariboumaine.org and at facebook.com/CityofCaribou:

• October 3, 2019: NASA’s Solar System Ambassador Program with Adam Mendoza - Observing the Sun (via a telescope and monitor) and discussing the Parker Solar Probe. Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center, 3pm. Join Ambassador Adam Mendoza and learn about the Park Solar Probe’s mission orbiting the sun. The Solar System Ambassadors (SSA) program works with motivated volunteers across the nation to share NASA science and mission discoveries through a variety of events that inspire their communities.

• October 11, 2019: Galactic LEGO Night - Registration Required, First 100 Children, Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center Multipurpose Rooms, 6 - 8pm. Join the City of Caribou and Cary Medical Center and watch a family-friendly space-themed move while kids create!  

• October 14, 2019: Paint, Create & Sip Cocoa: “I Love You to the Moon & Back” rustic signs, Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center Multipurpose Rooms, 6 - 8pm. Join the City of Caribou & JMG Caribou High School and create a rustic sign at this make-and-take event. Pre-registration required, see our Facebook Event for more info.

• Date TBD Star Gazing with the Caribou Public Library’s Richard Schueller Memorial Telescope from Cornerstones of Science

• More events to come!

On October 29, student activities will focus on S.T.E.M. and S.M.A.R.T. goal activities during “Space Flight Caribou”:

STEM Sessions:

• Robotics
• Virtual Reality
• Coding

Goal Sessions:

• S.M.A.R.T goals
• Habits of Mind
• Scholarship Outreach
• College Search/Applications

Survival Sessions:

• Medical Assessments
• Emergency Training
• Food Physiology
• Winter Survival
• Food Lab (military, space, health)

Team Building:

• National Guard
• Escape Rooms

Cultural Diversity

Students will further learn about the crew of Expedition 61 focusing on the cultural diversity of this team.  This is an important learning opportunity for students in our district in order to strengthen our world-views.  Our Civil Rights Team will play an important role in delivering this message of diversity to the students.

“NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement is excited to work with Eastern Aroostook Regional School Unit #39 to provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to connect with astronaut Jessica Meir and inspire them reach their dreams. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Scott Black, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement Education Coordinator.