NASA pays an out-of-this-world visit to students at UT Elementary

Experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) brought a taste of space to the students of UT Elementary in celebration of Space Day last month, including a blast of STEM-focused, hands-on opportunities for exploration and learning.

The school was selected among thousands of local elementary schools to host the visit in recognition of its exceptional science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) program, which is one of their signature “Margin of Excellence” academic areas. UT Elementary is among the only schools in the capital area that offers a STEAM program for Pre-K to fifth grade students. The program is widely known for providing students with innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

Throughout Space Day, students were able to interact with one of only eight genuine moon rocks that are available for public interaction across the globe, as well as explore an interactive moon map, navigate robot rover mission simulations and walk the NASA Space Trailer.

UT Elementary is a Pre-K to fifth grade school located in East Austin and is part of the College of Education’s portfolio.