There are astronauts who read popular children’s books from space, Global Space Education Foundation’s special project called Story Time from Space.
It turned out children can watch astronauts reading educational bedtime stories to them from space. Patricia Tribe an educator and the former director of education at Space Center Houston, and astronaut Benjamin Alvin Drew Jr. created this project.
The books are sent to the International Space Station where astronauts are working on several missions. The astronauts record themselves reading the books. You can watch the video on the initiative’s webpage and YouTube channel.
Tribe did some research on literacy and science skills in the US and decided to start the project. “What better role models to engage kids in science and to engage them in reading? You’re not only looking and listening to the books, you’re looking around the International Space Station,” she told Huff Post.
The co-founder was the first person to read a book for children in-orbit. Drew Jr. read a book called Max Goes to the Moon, about the final flight of the space shuttle Discovery.
“The science experiments in our Science Time From Space element deal with basic science concepts that all kids are required to learn in school,” said Tribe. Concepts include balance, buoyancy, surface tension, orbits, light, heat transfer, free-fall, pendulous motion and the human body.
According to NASA, ‘’Story Time From Space has taken a step toward arming educators with the knowledge and confidence needed to accurately teach the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts in STEM subjects by providing high-quality, engaging material for them to share with their students.’’
‘’Story Time From Space has reached further than just the classroom, engaging libraries, community centers, home schools and afterschool programs in STEM activities. Soon, Story Time From Space will offer curriculum development and professional development materials.’’
[rumble video_id=vdz5r domain_id=u7nb2]