HFCA Students Learn from NASA Trained Scientist

A hallmark of Holy Family Catholic Academy's (Inverness) nationally recognized STEM program is the emphasis on real world issues in science, technology, engineering and math.

In addition to the middle school's rigorous science and math curriculum, students in Grades 6-8 participate in a 2-hour weekly hands-on/minds-on STEM course which introduces engineering and further increases HFCA's math and science offerings.

States Principal, Kate O'Brien, "A goal of our innovative program is to expose our middle school students to a variety of careers to help better position them for college readiness and the work world."

Students rotate through courses in forensic science, solar energy, space travel and high altitude balloon launches, and HFCA's faculty often invites professionals in these fields to speak to the students. While Chicago is home to many STEM professionals, teachers Jeanne Olmstead and Eileen Paparone were in a quandary to locate someone for their NASA inspired unit focusing on space exploration.

Enter Ms. Marcella Linahan, science teacher at Carmel Catholic High School (Mundelein) and NASA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador. In 2014, Linahan was selected to participate in NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy program (SOFIA). According to NASA, SOFIA is the largest airborne observatory in the world, capable of making observations that are impossible for even the largest and highest ground-based telescopes.

Accompanying Linahan to HFCA was Carmel senior, Brandi Ropinksi, who recently traveled with Linahan and 3 other Carmel students to present their research at the American Astronomical Society's annual conference. Linahan and Ropinski introduced HFCA's middle school students to the electromagnetic spectrum and infrared technology by using fun, hands-on activities.

"It was such a pleasure having our guest speakers," stated teacher Olmstead. "Today, our students solved problems while applying engineering, physics and astronomy principles." The students were equally impressed. States 8th grader, Annicka Esquivel, "Everyone knows about NASA, but few people ever get the chance to be taught by someone who is NASA trained."

Ms. Linahan, whose passion is to encourage young students to pursue STEM careers summarized the experience by saying, "I applaud HFCA for exposing students to real science and problem solving, not just 'cookbook science'."

NASA is one of the largest employers of engineers in the world. Perhaps HFCA's STEM class is the spark that will launch future NASA astronomers and physicists.