New Collaborations Bring Excitement of Space to Next Generation of Explorers

By Black Sci-Fi Staff October 12, 2010

In a series of innovative collaborations this past summer -- including a public service announcement with Recording Artist Mary J. Blige and a 'physics of football' segment at recent National Football League youth camps – NASA is spreading the word that studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is a great way to open the door to a bright future.

The latest effort in this series debuted on Labor Day weekend in Florida and California. Using cutting-edge, holographic technology to display NASA imagery and other multimedia products, Astronaut Leland Melvin and Hip-Hop Recording Artist/Actor Mos Def appeared side-by-side and shared  their enthusiasm for science and exploration with attendees at both the I.S.I.S. (Instituting Science in Schools) Science and Cultural Festival in Oakland, Calif., and the Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) Family Reunion in Orlando, Florida.

Alhough these two events occurred about 3,000 miles apart, patented 3D hologram projection technology, developed by Obscura Digital, was used as part of innovative education and outreach campaigns from the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California.

Melvin flew aboard the space shuttle in 2008 and again in 2009 and is currently on assignment in the Office of Education at NASA Headquarters.

He explained that the focus of these events is to use the power of technology to inspire and educate. "[This campaign] showcases NASA’s compelling missions and scientific discovery; illustrates to students the connection between 'book' science, real life, and their futures; and really communicates with these young people in imaginative and innovative ways."

The More You Know, The Farther You Go! Knowledge Is Power!!

htp (peace)

This is great! Collaborative efforts like the above can only help change the perception of 
science and math for our children. By making these disciplines seem cool, our children who 
would other wise show no interest in the sciences, will hopefully flock to them. After that, the 
sky is truly the limit.