Taking Up Space Presents “A Cosmic Adventure” – An Educational Extravaganza at the Historic Fox Theater
Tucson, AZ – Get ready for a cosmic blast with NASA superstar Emma Landsiedel! She’s zooming into Tucson for the thrilling event, “A Cosmic Adventure,” brought to you by Taking Up Space, the STEM-loving champions. We’re transforming the legendary Fox Theatre into a galactic playground, all thanks to the awesome NIFTY grant (NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth). So, buckle up for the most stellar “Cosmic Classroom” ever! 🚀✨
Fox Tucson Theatre presents the TheaterWorksUSA production “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System:”
This mesmerizing musical, inspired by the historical PBS show “The Magic School Bus,” promises an hour of engaging exploration into the wonders of our solar system. Students will embark on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos, all while being entertained and educated.
Interactive Learning:
Thirty minutes before each show, students will have the unique opportunity to interact with a NASA scientist. This personal engagement with a real scientist adds a touch of authenticity to the educational experience, allowing young minds to ask questions and delve deeper into the mysteries of space.
Post-Show Workshops:
Following each performance, Taking Up Space has organized 30-minute workshops led by their NASA scientist. These workshops are specially designed for Native American groups of 25 – 50 students, providing them with a hands-on, interactive learning experience that complements the show’s themes.
Educational Resources:
To ensure that the learning continues beyond the theater, Taking Up Space will provide teachers with comprehensive handouts for a lesson plan centered on solar system exploration. Additionally, Emma Landsiedel, Optical Engineer with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and University of Arizona alumni, will be available to meet with groups for further discussions and engagement.
About the NIFTY Grant:
Project NIFTY, short for “NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth,” is a collaboration between NASA, the Space Science Institute, SciGirls, Twin Cities PBS, and various other organizations. It aims to broaden youth participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies by providing opportunities for learners to interact with and gain inspiration from NASA STEM professionals.
NASA’s Commitment to Education:
In April 2022, NASA announced the selection of several proposals, totaling $12 million over four years, to support educational initiatives that bring NASA science to learners of all ages and backgrounds. These efforts are designed to make NASA’s wealth of knowledge accessible to communities across the nation.
One of these awards, led by Principal Investigator Rita Karl from Twin Cities Public Television in Saint Paul, Minnesota, focuses on the “NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth” (NIFTY) project. This initiative places a strong emphasis on the power of networks to advance equity and increase youth engagement in STEM fields.
“A Cosmic Adventure” with NASA Engineer Emma Landsiedel:
As part of the NIFTY grant, optical engineer with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and University of Arizona alumni, Emma Landsiedel, will be a featured guest at “A Cosmic Adventure.” This event will provide students with the unique opportunity to interact with a real NASA scientist, adding an authentic and inspiring element to their STEM education experience.
The Historic Fox Theatre:
The historic Fox Theatre, a Tucson landmark, will serve as the backdrop for this exciting educational event. The theatre’s mission is to enliven Tucson, fostering community growth and connections by shaping exceptional live arts experiences in a celebrated setting. With its rich history dating back to 1930, the Fox Theatre continues to be a vital part of Tucson’s cultural landscape.
Taking Up Space, in collaboration with NIFTY, Northwest Earth & Space Science Pathways, Space Hipsters, and other partners, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of STEM enthusiasts and ensuring that underrepresented communities, including Native American youth, have access to quality STEAM education.
Learn More:
For more information about the NIFTY project and its commitment to advancing STEM education, please read the Twin Cities Public Television press release, published on July 1st, 2022: https://bit.ly/3AvKXH5
About Taking Up Space:
Taking Up Space is a non-profit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, focused on empowering Native American students, particularly girls, in STEAM fields. Through mentorship, educational initiatives, and community engagement, Taking Up Space is breaking barriers and inspiring the Indigenous youth to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Event Details:
Date: October 26, 2023
Show Times: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Audience: Fourth-grade students (9 – 10 years old) and older, specifically those in Title I schools.
Media Contact: Czarina Salido
Email: sastpc@gmail.com
Phone: 520-222-9921
Website: taking-up-space.org