Teacher heading to Space Academy

WARWICK — Nils Sorensen, a teacher at Warwick Valley High School, has been selected by Honeywell to participate in the 2006 Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program from June 16 to 28, at the United States Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Sorensen will join 200 science and math teachers, from 19 countries and 43 states, to complete an intensive educator curriculum of space science and exploration, in addition to participating in real-life astronaut training. Each of the educators was awarded the scholarship following an application and selection process from nearly 1,000 competitors. Teachers applying for the scholarships were required to submit a 500-word essay describing the tools and techniques they use to motivate students to study science-related fields and pursue technology-related careers. Financial contributions from more than 1,700 Honeywell employees help support the scholarships, which include tuition for the five-day program, round-trip airfare, meals, accommodations and program materials. “The Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program is designed to help teachers inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions. “Honeywell is committed to providing students and teachers like Nils with programs, experiences and resources that bring science to life in memorable, life-changing ways.” During the program, Sorensen will participate in 40 hours of classroom, laboratory and field training. He will also have the opportunity to participate in astronaut training exercises such as high-performance jet simulations, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and flight dynamics programs. “We are very grateful for the generous support we receive from Honeywell,” said Larry Capps, CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “Thanks to Honeywell, Nils Sorensen will learn activities that he can take back and implement in his classroom.” Nearly 250 teachers have graduated from the program since its inception in 2004. Honeywell’s science and math education programs have reached nearly 100,000 students and teachers in 26 countries and 41 states. The program is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s community outreach initiative, which also partners with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on an abduction prevention program, “Got 2B Safe,” with NASA on “FMA Live: Where Science Rocks,” and “Rebuilding Together” home revitalization projects for low-income homeowners. Honeywell International is a $30 billion diversified technology and manufacturing company based in Morris Township, N.J.