NASA scientists teach Sarangani kids to dream high

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (August 17, 2010) – “We want them to see something different and to dream bigger things.”

This is what Adam Gilmore said about the pupils of Malapatan Central Elementary School Monday (August 16) when his team toured the province to lecture about the basics of space science.

Gilmore is division chief engineer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space shuttle program.

Space suit system engineer and astronaut trainer Sabrina Singh shared her expertise and experiences in the field to encourage pupils to love their science and math subjects as the first step in order to become astronauts.

“I am amazed how these kids responded and asked questions,” Singh said. “They must be given equal opportunities like the other urban kids for them to dream big.”

“We are totally amazed,” 4th year student from the Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS) Zhar Lyn Sarabia said.

“It’s really awesome. We have learned the many benefits of the outer space and the importance of our science subject.”

“I think we all want to become astronauts,” Sarabia said.

Sabrina showed the students the food that astronauts eat in the outer space, the clothes they wear. She also explained how long they stay in the outer space and the way they live.

Singh said the “men on Mars” projected in 2035 will come from today’s generation who are more likely between 8-15 years old.

Sarangani was the first province visited by the team in Mindanao.

NASA science caravan tours the country in partnership with Asia Society and the United States Agency for International Development- Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQUALLS2) Project.

Asia Society is an international organization that promotes understanding between Americans and Asians. “We have our educational program which aims to help our children as much as we can,” executive director Atty. Arnel Casanova said.

Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative develops a critical mass of dynamic individuals. Casanova, Gilmore and Singh, with Cecil Dominguez, younger sister of Governor Migs Dominguez, were among the Asia 21 fellows.

“We are here to tell you guys that you are the future,” Gilmore told students.

“We are building an international space station and we will be proud to see Sarangani astronauts one day,” Gilmore said. (Rustum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)