HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, December 16, 2014
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Recognition of Winners for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Research Project on the International Space Station and Mission Patch Art and Design Competition
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) participated in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 5 to the International Space Station (ISS). Approximately 965 fifth grade students participated in microgravity experiment design and proposal writing, resulting in 221 project proposals from the participating schools. Of our finalists, National Center for Earth and Space Science Education announced the winning proposal from Fishhawk Creek Elementary School, led by Ms. Mary Vaughn. The investigation centered upon how microgravity affected the growth and germination of lettuce seeds as a means to feed future astronauts in space. On July 2-3, 2014, the team traveled to Washington, D.C., to present their science experiment to other scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The experiment launched into space on July 13, 2014, and landed back on Earth from the International Space Station on October 25, 2014. The team determined that 20 percent of the microgravity seeds germinated and 40 percent of the Earth seeds germinated. The project was generously supported through a $19,500 grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. 

In combination with the science project, HCPS also participated in a Mission Patch Art and Design Competition. Over 7,000 elementary students representing 12 HCPS schools participated. The K-2 grade Mission Patch winner was from Kingswood Elementary School and now is enrolled at Collins Elementary School. The winning patch from the 3-5 grade competition was a 5th grade student from Frost Elementary School and now attending Progress Village Middle Magnet School. Currently, the winning patches are on the International Space Station.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
This item is for recognition and has no financial impact to the district.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY: 
Larry R. Plank, Ed.S.   Wynne A. Tye
Director, K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
(813) 272-4462
  Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
    C 06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20141216_647 (Board Recognition Meeting) * Section C Item# 06