KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Guests at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion participate in "Learn and Spin Challenge," an opportunity to answer questions related to science, technology, engineering and math. Robert Smith asks a question as part of NASA’s educational theme during the five-day event. Behind Smith, to the left, is Debbie Houston who also supported the "Learn and Spin Challenge." The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Former NASA astronaut Winston Scott signed autographs and posed for pictures with guests at the agency exhibit during the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Now a senior vice president at the Florida Institute of Technology, he said that he likes to emphasize to young people how important a good education is in preparation for the future. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Former NASA astronaut Winston Scott signed autographs and posed for pictures with guests at the agency exhibit during the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Now a senior vice president at the Florida Institute of Technology, he said that he likes to emphasize to young people how important a good education is in preparation for the future. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Former NASA astronaut Winston Scott signed autographs and posed for pictures with guests at the agency exhibit during the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Now a senior vice president at the Florida Institute of Technology, he said that he likes to emphasize to young people how important a good education is in preparation for the future. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Guests at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion learn about NASA activities during the five-day event. Thousands of visitors spoke with agency representatives who explained the NASA’s efforts with the International Space Station, Commercial Crew Program, Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, as well as the Launch Services Program. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Guests at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion learn about NASA activities during the five-day event. Thousands of visitors spoke with agency representatives who explained the agency’s efforts with the International Space Station, Commercial Crew Program, Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, as well as the Launch Services Program. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A guest at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion is photographed with a Commercial Crew Program exhibit during the five-day event. Thousands of visitors spoke with agency representatives who explained the agency’s efforts with CCP, the International Space Station, Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, as well as the Launch Services Program. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – During the Tom Joyner Family Reunion, Ken Fullwood of Booz-Allen-Hamilton, left, and Yves Lamothe of the NASA Technical Management Branch of the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program talk to guests about ongoing work to convert the Kennedy Space Center into a 21st century spaceport. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Yves Lamothe of the NASA Technical Management Branch of Ground Systems Development and Operations Program speaks with guests at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion about ongoing work to convert the Kennedy Space Center into a 21st century spaceport. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Guests at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion listen as Malcom Boston of the Fleet System Integration Branch of the Launch Services Program LSP explains a computer demonstration on rockets. Behind the table, from the left, are Brian Norton, Emily Fields and Randy Mizelle, all from the Program Planning Office in LSP. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A guest at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion talks with Brittani Sims, left, and Sheldon Lauderdale, both work in the Program Control and Integration Office of the Commercial Crew Program. They explained that the program is facilitating development of American commercial crew space transportation capability to achieve safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

Rick Gilbrech (l), deputy director at Stennis Space Center, and Katie Wallace, director of the Stennis Education Office, team up for a cryogenics presentation at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Stennis Space Center mascot Orbie is presented to students during outreach activities at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Stennis Space Center mascot Orbie is presented to students during outreach activities at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Rick Gilbrech (l), deputy director at Stennis Space Center, and Katie Wallace, director of the Stennis Education Office, team up for a cryogenics presentation at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Students at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss., sign a 'Reach for the Stars' banner to be displayed at their school. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Freddie Douglas, manager of the Stennis Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, joins students to watch a robotic demonstration during activities at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Jan. 27, 2012. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Stennis Deputy Director Rick Gilbrech (second from right) presents a commemorative plaque to Lillie Burney Elementary School officials, including (l to r): Lillie Burney Principal Deborah Smith; Assistant Principal Dr. Bobbie Trussell; Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree; Hattiesburg Public School District Superintendent James Bacchus; Gilbrech; and District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Edna Thomas. NASA senior staff members from Stennis visited the Hattiesburg, Miss., school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Students at Lillie Burney Elementary School in Hattiesburg, Miss., sign a 'Reach for the Stars' banner to be displayed at their school. NASA senior staff members from Stennis Space Center visited the school Jan. 27, 2012, for a morning of activities and outreach to students and school officials.

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a virtual reality tour of NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a virtual reality tour of NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Principle of Wheatley Education Campus, Amanda Schmitt, provides remarks at a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a rotor motor and wind tunnel activity during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

A student at Wheatley Education Campus is interviewed by media during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a rotor motor and wind tunnel activity during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a rotor motor and wind tunnel activity during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in an activity to build their own rocket launcher during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in an activity to build their own rocket launcher during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in an activity to build their own rocket launcher during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a rotor motor and wind tunnel activity during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a Mars rolling rover activity with a robot, during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Students at Wheatley Education Campus participate in a rotor motor and wind tunnel activity during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

An unidentified student speaks with astronauts aboard the Internatiional Space Station (ISS) via downlink during an event at the U.S. Department of Education, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Washington area middle and high school students Thursday for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event was part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Students speak with astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) via downlink during an event at the U.S. Department of Education, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Washington area middle and high school students Thursday for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event was part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Students speak with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) via downlink during an event at the U.S. Department of Education, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Washington area middle and high school students Thursday for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event was part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan speaks during an event at the Department of Education, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Washington where he and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden hosted Washington area middle and high school students for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event is part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, left, speaks during an event where students spoke via downlink to astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington. Bolden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Washington area middle and high school students Thursday for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event was part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden speaks during an event where students spoke via downlink to astronauts on the ISS, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington. Bolden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan are hosted Washington area middle and high school students Thursday for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event was part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Education specialists help children participation in educational activities during Family Night, Sept. 10, at Kennedy Space Center’s U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An education specialist engages children in an educational activity during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A father helps his daughter with an educational activity at Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An education specialist talks to children and their parents during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children view educational displays during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

NASA Education Specialist Christine Milotte demonstrates heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Education Specialist Christine Milotte gives a presentation during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Education Specialist Christine Milotte gives a presentation during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Education Specialist Christine Milotte demonstrates heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the last NASA family education night event. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in a vortex cannon experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the last NASA family education night event. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A sign welcomes fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents to the last NASA family education night event at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

Local educators participate in heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Local educators participate in heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Local educators participate in heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Local educators participate in heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Local educators participate in heliophysics activities during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

STS-128 mission specialist Jose Hernandez, left, makes a point while talking to students during an event at the U.S. Department of Education, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Washington as fellow STS-128 crew members, Patrick Forrester and Christer Fuglesang, of the European Space Agency, right, look on. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Washington area middle and high school students Thursday for a live discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The event was part of the 10th annual celebration of International Education Week. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, Kris Brown, second from right, and U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, second from left, watch as a student operates a robot during a STEM event to kickoff the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and U.S. Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus (EC) in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, Kris Brown, right, and U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, left, watch as a student operates a robot during a STEM event to kickoff the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and U.S. Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus (EC) in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, Kris Brown, left, and U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, right, participate in a virtual reality tour of NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab during a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, Kris Brown, second from right, and U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, second from left, watch as a student operates a robot during a STEM event to kickoff the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and U.S. Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus (EC) in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

International Space Station Expedition 33 Commander Sunita Williams (on screen) answers questions from students during a downlink event held in honor of International Education Week at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. Seen next to Williams is Exp. 33 Flight Engineer Kevin Ford. More than 9,500 student participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) around the country took part in the live video event. This was a joint venture between the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

International Space Station Expedition 33 flight engineer Kevin Ford (on screen) answers questions from students during a downlink event held in honor of International Education Week at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. Seen next to Ford is Exp. 33 Commander Sunita Williams. More than 9,500 student participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) around the country took part in the live video event. This was a joint venture between the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

International Space Station Expedition 33 Commander Sunita Williams (on screen) answers questions from students during a downlink event held in honor of International Education Week at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. Seen next to Williams is Exp. 33 Flight Engineer Kevin Ford. More than 9,500 student participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) around the country took part in the live video event. This was a joint venture between the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

International Space Station Expedition 33 flight engineer Kevin Ford (on screen) answers questions from students during a downlink event held in honor of International Education Week at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. Seen next to Ford is Exp. 33 Commander Sunita Williams. More than 9,500 student participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) around the country took part in the live video event. This was a joint venture between the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion talk with NASA astronaut Mike Foreman at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

Chris Copelan (right), education program specialist at Stennis Space Center, and Maria Lott, Stennis Astro Camp director, talk about living and working in space with visitors gathered for the 'What's Your Favorite Space?' event in New York City on Aug. 17. Stennis educators teamed with peers from three other NASA centers to present a variety of hands-on activities and informational presentations during the event.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion arrive at the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla. Education specialists from several NASA centers participated in the holiday weekend event hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The annual event was held during the extended Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4. Besides offering attendees the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in the Orlando area, the reunion gave NASA an avenue to tout the benefits of math and scientific learning, as well as the many educational opportunities offered by the space agency. For more information on NASA's education initiatives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion use astronaut gloves to perform a task at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Cindy Marten, provides remarks at a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Cindy Marten, provides remarks at a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Cindy Marten, provides remarks at a kickoff event for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers NASA and Department of Education partnership, Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington. Students engaged in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, during an 'Educate to Innovate' event where he honored teachers who received awards for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. NASA's 'Summer of Innovation' program supports the President's 'Educate to Innovate' campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, during an 'Educate to Innovate' event where he honored teachers who received awards for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. NASA's 'Summer of Innovation' program supports the President's 'Educate to Innovate' campaign. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Exhibits from several NASA centers are on display for the nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The event was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla., and hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner during the extended Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4. Besides offering attendees the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in the Orlando area, the reunion gave NASA education specialists an avenue to tout the benefits of math and scientific learning, as well as the many educational opportunities offered by the space agency. For more information on NASA's education initiatives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Exhibits from several NASA centers are on display for the nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The event was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla., and hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner during the extended Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4. Besides offering attendees the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in the Orlando area, the reunion gave NASA education specialists an avenue to tout the benefits of math and scientific learning, as well as the many educational opportunities offered by the space agency. For more information on NASA's education initiatives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Exhibits from several NASA centers are on display for the nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The event was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla., and hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner during the extended Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4. Besides offering attendees the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in the Orlando area, the reunion gave NASA education specialists an avenue to tout the benefits of math and scientific learning, as well as the many educational opportunities offered by the space agency. For more information on NASA's education initiatives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Education specialists from several NASA centers discuss the accomplishments of the agency with the nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The event was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla., and hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner during the extended Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4. Besides offering attendees the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in the Orlando area, the reunion gave NASA an avenue to tout the benefits of math and scientific learning, as well as the many educational opportunities offered by the space agency. For more information on NASA's education initiatives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Attendees of the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion learn about packing food for space from NASA education specialist Chris Hartenstine at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

A diagram is seen during a teacher professional development event hosted by the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) at the Dallas Arboretum, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Students from D.C.'s Stuart-Hobson Middle School participate in a live video downlink with astronauts aboard the International Space Station at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. The downlink is an annual event held in honor of International Education Week, and was co-hosted with the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Students from D.C.'s Stuart-Hobson Middle School participate in a live video downlink with astronauts aboard the International Space Station at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. The downlink is an annual event held in honor of International Education Week, and was co-hosted with the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Leland Melvin, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and two-time space shuttle astronaut, speaks to students from D.C.'s Stuart-Hobson Middle School at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. The students, participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) conducted a live conversation with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink is an annual event held in honor of International Education Week, and was co-hosted with the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Leland Melvin, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and two-time space shuttle astronaut, speaks to students from D.C.'s Stuart-Hobson Middle School at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. The students, participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) conducted a live conversation with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink is an annual event held in honor of International Education Week, and was co-hosted with the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Leland Melvin, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and two-time space shuttle astronaut, answers a question from a student in a live video downlink at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Washington. The students, participants from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) conducted a live conversation with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink is an annual event held in honor of International Education Week, and was co-hosted with the Department of Education and the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

iss055e035378 (April 27, 2018) --- NASA astronauts Drew Feustel (left) and Scott Tingle play guitar inside the Destiny laboratory module during an educational event with school districts in Aransas Pass, Texas.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to children and their parents during Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to children and their parents during Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Families sign up for activities at Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents enter the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the last NASA family education night event. Inside, they participated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, such as "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, a student participates in a "cloud-in-a-bottle" demonstration during the last NASA family education night event. Activities for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents listen to a presentation about the theory of flight during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the Materials Science Laboratory exhibit by using stereomicroscopes and viewing 3-D scanning electron microscope images during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents create lava lamps and slime in a fluids experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents meet a space person during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in a Lego robotics demonstration during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser