FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 		
Contact: 	Gretchen Fox	 
								
Devillier Communications, Inc. 
gfox@devillier.com		
202-833-8121

SPACE DAY 2001+Zthe Odyssey Continues 
Students Challenged to Solve Real Problems Encountered in Space

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2000 - Space Day 2001+Zthe Odyssey Continues
will officially blast off on October 2, 2000 with the introduction of a
new series of exciting educational Design Challenges created by Challenger
Center for Space Science Education.  Space Day, which will be observed on
May 3, 2001, celebrates the extraordinary achievements and opportunities
of space exploration.  

The fifth annual Space Day celebration encourages people of all ages to
advance science, math and technology education and inspires young people
to realize the vision of our space pioneers.  For the second year,
students in grades 4, 5, and 6 will tackle a new series of Design
Challenges to create solutions to real challenges encountered by people
living and working in space.  Teachers, students and other space
enthusiasts can find information about the Design Challenges at
www.spaceday.com.

Since the beginning of the space program, early pioneers worked to tackle
the every day challenges of living and working in space.  These
visionaries had to imagine how humans could survive the hostile
environment of outer space.  Now a new generation of space enthusiasts
will be encouraged and challenged through this series of three Design
Challenges, a key educational initiative of Space Day 2001.

>From creating a mechanical device for use during space walks to
developing emergency procedures for astronauts, the Design Challenges
require students to think like scientists.  They are intended to engage
students in meaningful learning experiences, using skills such as creative
problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork.

For teachers, the Design Challenges provide educationally rich initiatives
that incorporate inquiry-based and collaborative learning instructional
models.  The Design Challenges are aligned with the national standards for
math, science and technology education. 

Challenger Center for Space Science Education and ePALS Classroom
Exchange, Inc. have teamed up to provide high-quality content with
user-friendly, online, collaborative tools students can use to develop
solutions to the Space Day 2001 Design Challenges.  

 At www.spaceday.com, students will have access to links to important
educational and space-related Web sites and the ability to interact with
other student teams across the continent via message boards and email
provided by ePALS Classroom Exchange, Inc.

The Space Day 2001 Design Challenges include the following:  

· Design Challenge #1:   "In Space, There Is No 911"
Students develop a plan for emergency survival, with clear procedures for
use of emergency equipment, plans for hazards such as fire or oxygen loss,
and a list of materials and equipment necessary to ensure the crew's
safety.  

· Design Challenge #2:   "Cosmic Cuisine"
Students create a menu including tasty and nutritious recipes that meet
the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and stay fresh for the entire length
of a mission. 

· Design Challenge #3:   "Stretch and Fetch"
Students design a mechanical device that astronauts can quickly and easily
operate during an extravehicular activity (EVA) or space walk.

Here is the educational timeline associated with the Space Day 2001 Design
Challenges:

· Beginning October 2, 2000, teachers can register their student teams and
access an overview of the Design Challenges, the collaborative tools and a
calendar of events at www.spaceday.com.  

· On November 2, additional information will be available on the Web site
including a Teacher's Guide, assessment tools, educational links,
activities and lessons, message boards and email.

· Beginning in November, teachers will also be able to register at
www.spaceday.com for a free satellite broadcast that will be beamed into
their classrooms on January 25, 2001 at 1 p.m. EST.  The program is
designed to inspire students as they work on the Design Challenges.

· The submission deadline for student teams is March 2, 2001. 

· "Stellar" Design Teams will be announced during Space Day, May 3, 2001.
 
Space Day will be celebrated on May 3, 2001, with a spectacular one-day
event at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.  Guests will
include Co-Chair Senator John Glenn and other space and scientific
luminaries.  The event will also feature Cyber Space Day, a live,
interactive Webcast that will allow children to interact with astronauts,
scientists, authors and filmmakers, among others.

Space Day is supported by more than 70 Partners including the National
Science Teachers Association, the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the
American Library Association, Time Warner, Lycos, Inc., NASA, and the
National Science Foundation, among others.

For more information, please contact Gretchen Fox at (202) 833-8121 or
gfox@devillier.com or visit www.spaceday.com.

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