Local Students Invited To Speak With International Space Station

Christian Winthrop·April 6, 2016

Attention, PK-8th Grade Students: What would YOU want to “Ask Astronaut Tim?”

Ever dream of talking to an astronaut? Imagine speaking directly with the International Space Station (ISS) while the crew zooms overhead! Think of a really extraordinary question, and you may be chosen to be one of the first students in Rhode Island to ever talk to the space station via a special ham radio link installed at All Saints STEAM Academy in Middletown.

Three “Ask Astronaut Tim” winners will be chosen. If your question is picked, you and two of your guests/chaperones, will get to participate in a 10 minute “Ask Astronaut Tim” live chat event at All Saints STEAM Academy. An example of a recent space chat can be seen here.

Rhode Island’s contact with the space station contact will be scheduled for the week of May 2nd during school hours. An ISS scheduler will assign the exact day/time of the “space chat” 7-10 days prior to the event. The web site for this event is www.RISpaceStation.com and will be live streamed to the public.

Here’s what you need know:
1. Contest entrants must be current Pre-K to 8th grade Rhode Island students.
2. Questions must be to the point, composed in one short sentence.
3. Questions must be original. Please be creative, be unique, and think “out of this world!”
4. Questions must be submitted via the online form at bitly.com/AskAstroTim no later than Sunday, April 10.
5. Winners will be notified no later than Monday, April 25, 2016.
6. Winners must provide their own transportation to and from All Saints STEAM Academy, located at 915 West Main Rd., Middletown, RI 02842. (401) 848-4300.

How can YOU be among the FIRST in Rhode Island to talk to space? Do your homework!

There is a wealth of International Space Station educational material, for all grade levels, available online at your fingertips. Here are some links to get you started: