A good email

I received and email today that really made me think about how much I could do with computers in the classroom. It comes from a relatively local university and utilizes a Phoenix college. The idea is to get students involved in the MER(Mars Exploration Rovers) projects through NASA. These have survived 6 times as long as expected. I was quite interested in the idea, until I researched a bit(on their cite) and found that they were looking for high school students. My 8th graders would most likely be out of their league here, both mentally and computer skill wise). Even if I could get a couple of students that were interested and ahead of their grade, the next problem was the proximity to the "mentors", which would have to be visited twice each month. In my locale, it is a 40 minute drive one way just to get a network card...the universities listed would be on the order of vacation time! While there are solutions to this issue, the final straw that broke the proverbial camel's back was the requirement of having the school's tech department being cooperative and available to help sort out issues. Currently, I'm willing to fight through what I have to, but am entirely fed up with attempting to get any sort of help from my tech guy.
If you or someone you know is near a major university(listed on the web page) and have a good tech department, check out Phoenix Mars Mission to see what is offered. The requirements aren't that bad and really seem intended to bring the word of what the MERs are doing to the general public. It would also be a great PR exercise! If you have a couple of space oriented students that are well spoken and willing to commit some time to research and discussions, this just might be the place for you. I am and sadly, unable to utilize such a program.
I have used the MER animations to instigate discussions with my students and to get debates started about the money spent on these indulgences. Students do a very good job of discussing the benefits and consequences of such quests. Even as young people, most seem to see at least some benefit to exploring the solar system and the worlds beyond. Many are interested in visiting other planets or moons tehmselves. The spirit of adventure lives on......even though so many will spend their evening in front of MySpace trying to make themselves look cool, or tough or important and competing to see who can get the most "friends". At least there is hope that some will continue to question the established truths and work to forge the future. Where would we be if Galileo hadn't pointed his newfound telescope to the heavens and noted that there were moons orbiting Jupiter, which supported a Copernican(and heretical) view of the solar system supporting the heliocentric view. Where would we be without free thinkers, suffering from constraints of one establishment or another, who supported unpopular views that had scientific study behind them? Being involved with this program would benefit students and bring their education to a point of realism unmatched in regular classes. Take the time to send the link to someone that may benefit if you cannot. Thanks