TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Local Student Studies At NASA Over Break

ADVERTISEMENT

By KENNETH KNIGHT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - Elisa Berson spent a week at the Kennedy Space Center this summer working alongside NASA engineers and talking to astronauts about lunar exploration, but that's where her interest in space travel ends.

The Freedom High School 10th-grader, who participated in a Governor's School pilot program for gifted students, said a career as an astronaut is not in her future.

She plans to leave space exploration for those with a need for speed. She, instead, would prefer to focus on math and science.

"It's not for me," Elisa said. "I think there are other kids who attended the Governor's School who would be interested in being astronauts, but I would rather be doing the math and science part on Earth."

The 15-year-old received an opportunity in June to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedy Space Center and NASA operations at Cape Canaveral. She was one of 35 high school students selected to take part in the Florida Governor's School for Science, Mathematics and Space Technology.

During two one-week residential academies in June and July, some of the state's most gifted students were given the chance to meet one another and work with some of the nation's top engineers and space technology experts.

NASA hosted the student groups and organized research projects. The students took part in hands-on activities and scientific experiments based on high-level science and math.

"One of the projects we worked on was to design, prepare and send off a weather balloon," Elisa said.

She also learned about the resources available on the moon to establish a settlement, and she enjoyed the experience of working with other gifted teens.

"We got to draw from each others' strengths," she said.

Another highlight was the time she spent working with NASA engineers and hearing from astronauts.

"It was nice getting to meet astronaut Mike Mullane," Elisa said. "One thing he always stressed in his points was that you should always try your best and put your best work forward even when you have a small task ahead of you."

The Legislature approved $500,000 in 2007 to fund the pilot program through the Florida Department of Education. Florida State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Florida Institute of Technology entered a partnership to plan and test the program. NASA, Space Florida and Delaware North Park Services created the curriculum.

Michael Berson, Elisa's father, said he hopes state legislators will see fit to extend the program and fund it for future generations. Both of Elisa's parents are professors at the University of South Florida's College of Education. Michael Berson is a professor of social science education; his wife, Ilene, is a professor of early childhood development.

Michael Berson worries that other children, including his 12-year-old son, Marc, who wants to be a robotics or aeronautics engineer, might not get a chance to benefit from a program that targets children with keen interests in math, science, technology and engineering.

"Programs like this are extremely important," he said. "It takes a community approach to education."

Ilene Berson, who also is a licensed school and child psychologist, said teenagers tend to form long-lasting friendships through such programs.

"They have stayed in communication, not necessarily around scientific endeavors, but just having fun together," she said. "That's sort of the expansion of their connection with one another."

Elisa said many of the other students can relate to her hectic schedule. In addition to school, Elisa is a member of the Freedom High swim team and jazz band. She is a volunteer swim instructor and regularly practices piano.

Freedom High Principal Chris Farkas said he would like Elisa to consider adding another activity. He said she would make a great peer tutor.

Elisa was the only student from the Hillsborough County School District to participate in the pilot program. Students were selected based on school grades, SAT or ACT scores, two essays and a teacher's recommendation.

Crystal Guiler, Elisa's honors Algebra II teacher last school year, said she recommended Elisa because she is an exceptional student.

"She is one of the best students I have dealt with in three years of teaching," Guiler said. "What struck me was she was so attentive and good about doing her homework."

Guiler recalled an occasion last year when she, the teacher, got stuck on an algebra question. Elisa found the answer on her own and brought it to class the next day.

Guiler said Elisa is on a career path to become a leader, even if she chooses not to be an astronaut.

"I don't know what she will do in the future," Guiler said, "but I'm sure she will make a difference in the world."

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 865-4842 or kknight@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT