posted 04-14-2010 02:01 PM               

Lakewood, N.J., Apr. 14, 2010—Local middle school children can explore the final frontier with a Space Art and Meteorite Exhibit from the Federation of Galaxy Explorers (FOGE) from April 26 to 28 at the McAuley Heritage Center on the Georgian Court University Lakewood campus. The space art exhibit is sponsored in partnership by Ocean Day School and GCU, both of Lakewood, and is offered as a free field trip to area middle schools. It will be open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily. In addition to viewing the exhibit, students will make a “space craft” with local artist Triche Sherman and have the opportunity to sample space food.

FOGE, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to educate and inspire America’s youth in space-related science and engineering, trains volunteers and teachers in schools and organizations to run after-school “Mission Teams,” training children through fun educational activities.

“Ocean Day School is partnering with local organizations to form the first FOGE Mission Team in New Jersey,” says Rose Trafton, principal of Ocean Day. “The Space Art and Meteorite Exhibit will introduce the unique educational opportunities FOGE offers.”

FOGE Mission Teams across the United States learn about space science, engineering, earth science, rocketry, and space citizenship. From hands-on activities and instruction to learning leadership and organizational skills, the Mission Team will prepare the next generation to accept the challenges of future space exploration. Mission Team membership is open to children in elementary and middle schools.

GCU is home to the only NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) in New Jersey. The ERC helps teachers learn about and use NASA's educational resources. Personnel at ERCs located throughout the United States work with teachers to find out what they need and to share NASA's expertise. The ERCs provide educators with demonstrations of educational technologies such as NASA educational Web sites and NASA Television. ERCs provide in-service and pre-service training utilizing NASA instructional products. Educators also have the opportunity to preview, copy, and receive NASA instructional products.

Teachers attending the exhibit will receive educational materials to take back to the classroom from GCU’s ERC.