Tara Blalock

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is the first full-service science center dedicated to promoting and interpreting contemporary science topics and content for both formal and informal educators. In this externship, Ms. Blalock will use Morehead’ extensive resources to develop focused high school curricula during a library-based summer science and enrichment program. She will actively engage in research for science education content and activities to enhance physical science resources for Morehead’ library. Specific topics will include simple machines, electricity and chemistry. Working with mentors and peer coaches from the Morehead staff on science education curriculum development, she will develop and pilot appropriate curricula utilizing NASA resources that will align these topics with national and state standards. She will learn first-hand about the scientific research process and its potential benefits, gain valuable skills in the interpretation and communication of contemporary science, and further her ability to communicate and teach complex science topics.