Buzz Lightyear Takes a REAL Trip into Space!
http://media.wdwpublicaffairs.com/ContentDrillDown.aspx?DisplayItem=2cb46868-d016-4439-b863-38965c3dbbbd
As part of their Toys in Space educational program for teachers and students, NASA invited a 12-inch Buzz Lightyear action figure aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery for a trip to the International Space Station. NASA’s website offers a special section devoted to Buzz’s travels that currently features a number of games as well as a brief greeting and explanation of what the International Space Station is, all aimed at getting kids excited about science and math. It sounds like the plan is for Buzz to remain at the Space Station for several months, sharing his experiences and “motivating the troops” before returning back to Earth later on this year.
Seriously, how cool is this?! I was a huge space nut when I was a little kid, but this would’ve rocked my world – what an awesome way to get kids hooked on the ideas of space exploration while they’re still young and dreaming of the stars. I hope Disney and NASA milk this brilliant idea for all that it’s worth, and I really hope that elementary school science teachers take advantage of such a great learning opportunity!
(Here’s a link to Buzz Lightyear’s Official Page on the NASA website – http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/Buzz_Lightyear/web/ – there’s a button on the bottom that you can press to hear Buzz’s “first transmission.”)