About Laura Jean

I worked in the financial arena all of my adult life until May of 2001 when I received my AS degree in General Science from Bergen Community College and was accepted in to the School of General Studies at Columbia University. I have been an Earth and Space Explainer at the American Museum of Natural History since 2000 and also serve as the stage manager for the Isaac Asimov debate. I am fortunate enough to be a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and have participated in the Ambassador program since 2003. I received my BS degree in Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution from Columbia University in 2006 and would like to continue my education in the area of Geophysics focusing on extremophile research. It is my hope that I will continue to be afforded opportunities that will allow me to motivate individuals to participate in and be inspired by science.

NASA Spinoffs – Science Fiction Association of Bergen County

 

NASA SPINOFFS: Bringing Space Down to Earth

For more than 40 years, the NASA Innovative Partnerships Program has facilitated the transfer of NASA technology to the private sector, benefiting global competition and the economy. The resulting commercialization has contributed to the development of commercial products and services in the fields of health and medicine, industry, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources. This lecture will highlight some of the benefits of the technology transfer program that we experience in our everyday lives and offer insight into NASA’s commitment to benefiting humanity through the space program. A STRONG SPACE PROGRAM EQUALS A STRONG AMERICA!

Start the School Year with Curiosity – Teacher PD – Buehler Challenger & Science Center

As NASA’s Curiosity rover gets closer to its August 5/6 landing on Mars, it’s the perfect time to begin planning school activities focused on the beginning of this latest mission to the red planet.  The “Start School with Curiosity” workshop will include formal and informal STEM curriculum and resources created to enhance students’ understanding of Curiosity’s exploration of Mars at Gale Crater.   In addition, participants will be able to view a live press conference broadcast from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory with updates on the status of the mission.  After the press conference everyone will join in live Q&A session with Mars team members via NASA’s Digital Learning Network.

Workshop is presented by Laura Venner, NASA/JPL Educator, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors Program, Project Astro visiting astronomer, Adjunct Professor of Astronomy at Bergen Community College, and Buehler Challenger Mission Commander.

Teacher workshop details:

Date: August 4, 2012

Participants:  All teachers are invited.  This information is adaptable to all grade levels.

Credit:  Each participant will receive 5 hours of professional credit.

Cost: If you currently have missions scheduled for 2012-2013, you can use your teacher workshop credits and come for free!  For example, two missions scheduled equals two teachers from your school can come for free, provided the credits are not needed for scenario training. If you do not have missions scheduled for 2012-2013, please join us for the nominal cost of $100 per teacher.

Lunch:  We provide beverages.  Bring your own lunch or we can order a deli sandwich for you at $6.50.

Reservations:  Make your reservation today by emailing     missionservices@bcsc.org  or  calling  Monday through Friday 9 am – 4:00 pm 201-251-8589.  The Center accepts purchase orders, personal checks, and Visa/MasterCard.  Limited space available.

 

Family Astronomy: Creatures of the Night Sky – Hayden Planetarium

Family Astronomy
Saturday, October 13th, 2012
Hayden Planetarium
www.amnh.org
5:30 pm
Tickets: $12
Join us in the Hayden Planetarium for an evening of star hopping accompanied by the mythology and stories that the night sky has inspired. Astronomer and NASA Ambassador, Laura Venner, will guide our young astronomers and their families as they learn about the stars of the fall sky and the magic and monsters that lurk within.