I never expected to land a front-row seat at a Cape Canaveral rocket launch.
But I did and I’m headed to Florida this weekend thanks to years of covering Idaho science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) stories.
First of all, thank you to kids and teachers who have graciously invited me into their experiments and classrooms to showcase their innovation and expertise. I’ve published stories, photos and videos that have captured millions in traffic and engagement for Idaho Education News. And thank you to my colleagues, who nicknamed me the “Ed News STEM reporter,” for this time to escape into space.
NASA invited me to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of every day operations and to witness the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch on Monday, April 2, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
I was among hundreds of social media journalists to apply for 30 front-row seats. In my application, I bragged about what’s happening in Idaho STEM classes and the high interest in those stories from our readers and social media followers.
Now this is my chance to lead a STEM experience for Idaho students and teachers.
Here is my plan:
I will fly to Orlando this week.
And, as any trip to Florida should, it starts with a swing into Walt Disney World. After I get my Disney nerd on, I will drive to Cape Canaveral in preparation for the April 2 launch, a full day at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
I’m doing an Ed News social media takeover on launch day. Throughout the day you can check out the Ed News Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages and go on a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA with me. I will post photos, videos and go LIVE on our Facebook page.
My coverage will include:
- Q&A with NASA and SpaceX engineers and technicians;
- Tours of the SpaceX launch pad, Vehicle Assembly Building and Space Station Processing Facility;
- And a SpaceX rocket launch LIVE on our Facebook at 2:30 p.m. MST.
In partnership with the Idaho STEM Action Center, students and educators are encouraged to join our Facebook page at 2:30 p.m. MST to watch the launch LIVE. RSVP to our event on Facebook — this will remind you of the awesomeness taking place on April 2.
I’m working with educators from across the state to bring this unique opportunity to students who are interested in space exploration. If you’re an educator and would like your class to interact with me, send an email to [email protected].
Warning: This is NASA and anything can change in a second. I will keep you updated on social media of any changes to the launch time.
The April 2 launch is a cargo delivery flight that will resupply the International Space Station with science investigations equipment. SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft.
The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets.
