INDIANA – Some elementary school students will get the chance to talk with astronauts aboard the International Space Station later this week.

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren and European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will answer questions from students at Van Buren Elementary School in Nashville, Indiana on Thursday, August 11. Van Buren Elementary offers students educational experiences in STEM, the arts, and career-connecting learning. Governor Eric Holcomb will deliver opening remarks.
This is such an exciting moment for our students at Van Buren Elementary School! We always remind our kiddos and our staff to stay curious and to always remember you can do hard and BIG things! And this event is a great example of being curious and working hard to do something as BIG as going to space! We are incredibly proud to share this platform with our students and staff!
Emily Tracy, Superintendent, Brown County Schools
I am so excited about the opportunity our students will have to communicate with NASA astronauts, currently living and working in space. STEM education is so important in today’s society; and who better to emphasize education in science, technology, engineering, and math than our nation’s astronauts? This is going to be such an exciting day and a great way to kick off the new school year.
Greg Pagnard, Van Buren Elementary School principal
NASA says giving students the opportunity to connect with astronauts aboard the ISS provides a unique experience that can help enhance student learning, performance, and interest in STEM careers.
Students in California will also talk with astronauts on the ISS as well.
You can find videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation.