Memorial Jr. High Science Students Go “To Infinity and Beyond” at Johnson Space Center

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Copyright 2015, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Space exploration and travel is alive and well at Memorial Junior High Pre-AP Science classes as approximately 50 7th and 8th grade students visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on Friday, April 24, 2015, accompanied by their teacher, Alejandra Martinez, and two chaperones, Phyllis Laurence and Cesar Sandoval, in their “To Infinity and Beyond” Tour.

The purpose of the educational trip was to allow the Memorial Junior High students to learn first-hand the science concepts and materials they have read and learned in class as well as personally learn about careers in science and visit the United States leading space center in Houston.

Memorial Junior High students took a tour of the Johnson Space Center on a tram which transported them to the many facilities where American Astronauts personally train for future space missions. The students also visited the famous Rocket Park where original rockets from past space missions are on display. The students enjoyed lunch at the famous Johnson Space Center’s Zero G Diner. After lunch, the students visited and explored the Johnson Space Center Museum where they learned about the history of space exploration and travel in America.

Memorial Junior High Science Teacher, Alejandra Martinez, stated that the students had been impressed with their educational trip and some returned wanting to pursue science and space careers, including becoming Astronauts.

After the Johnson Space Center tour, the students enjoyed dinner and relaxed at the Rainforest Cafe in Katy, Texas.

“There are so many great science places to visit in Texas and the Johnson Space Center in Houston is breathtaking and close to home,” stated Martinez. “The students gained valuable educational knowledge and learned about exciting careers in the sciences,” added Martinez.