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FOR RELEASE     #05-003
January 10, 2005

Students At Jack Hulland Elementary Take Field Trip - To Space!

WHITEHORSE - Students in Grade 6 at Jack Hulland Elementary School will be blasting off into space Jan. 11. The 12-hour simulated space mission and the preparation leading up to the launch lets students experience what it is like to be an astronaut or work in mission control. The simulation also delivers standard Math, Science and Language Arts skills through a unique learning experience.

"Since mid-October, our Grade 6 class has been working to prepare for this incredible event," Sara Tillett, a teacher at Jack Hulland Elementary School said. "Students apply to Space School so they can learn about the solar system, the history of space exploration, conduct space-related experiments and follow a strict astronaut physical training program in preparation for the space mission."

Seven student astronauts and 14 student mission control personnel, with the help of a few adults, will work toward simulating a space mission. During the mission, the crew of Jack Hulland's space shuttle Excursion will communicate via computer with mission control, parents, students from other schools and community members.

The Jack Hulland astronauts will keep space journals and post their thoughts on their journey at http://dL1.yukoncollege.yk.ca/excursion/. The astronauts will continue their exercise regime, follow procedures for take-off and landing and conduct experiments on the properties of a crater, the effects of microgravity on maze completion, and eye-hand response time. All of the research results will be posted live on the Web.

The student astronauts will be supported by student mission control personnel who will be maintaining the space mission Web site and performing crucial duties in areas such as communication, navigation, public affairs, and research.

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