Ohio native, Neil Armstrong, passed away last week. He was one of our many heroes here in the Buckeye State, and an inspiration for our schools’ science programs. Teachers across the state would point to Neil Armstrong and say, “This is why we study science. Even here in Ohio, if you study, you too, can be great and possibly walk on the Moon like Neil Armstrong.” Many field trips went to his museum in Wapakoneta to learn about his space travels. Students dreamed of being astronauts. They were encouraged to learn math and science in hopes of careers in NASA. The space race brought students dreams of science (and science fiction) and teachers wonderful examples of reason to excel in education. Teachers and students in Ohio LOVED Neil Armstrong!
So where does that leave us now? The government has basically dismantled NASA. Being an astronaut is science fiction for today’s student. STEM schools are thriving but not reaching a large percentage of students. So then what? Where is our Science Adventurers of today to point to and say, “Work hard, get good grades, someday you too can be like_______________?”
Yes, we miss Neil Armstrong.
