EdCircuit StaffPartnership to further develop Giant Map curriculum for implementation within K-6 schools through Aldrin Space Learning Hubs
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) today announced its partnership with Limestone University to bring the excitement of space education to the next generation of explorers in the state of South Carolina. This partnership establishes Limestone University as an Aldrin Space Learning Hub, a regional center for educators who use AFF’s Giant Mars Map and Giant Moon Map programs to collaborate on lesson plans and furthering STEAM curriculum.
“It is imperative that we provide educators with the support necessary to develop the next generation of explorers,” said AFF President Dr. Andrew Aldrin. “The Aldrin Space Learning Hub at Limestone University is a continuation of our growth and expansion into major school districts across the country, as we continue to work with educators on how to best ignite excitement in the areas of STEAM education.”
Now with Limestone’s support, educators using AFF’s Giant Maps at the first-ever map-using district, Cherokee County Schools, will have access to a Space Learning Hub, where they can take advantage of university professional support of teacher mentoring and curriculum development.
“As higher education seeks to meet the demands of the 21st century professional job market, a curriculum involving space exploration is vitally important because it impacts our daily lives, from technology progression, to medical research, to scientific discoveries,” said Limestone University Provost Dr. Monica Baloga. “Space exploration encompasses a multitude of academic disciplines, such as science, physics, math, business, communications, and much more. The Limestone community prides itself on building relationships with strategic partners who share our vision of striving for excellence. That is certainly the case with our collaboration with the Aldrin Family Foundation.”
AFF will be connected with numerous schools in the Cherokee County School District through Limestone University, which has always been deeply involved with improving educational opportunities in Gaffney and Cherokee County. In the late 1890s, shortly after the creation of Cherokee as a separate county, Limestone administrators supported the efforts of local citizens to establish a public-school system. When the new system opened its doors, every teacher was a Limestone graduate. Well over a century later, Limestone still provides many of the teachers for public schools in Cherokee County and the Upstate of South Carolina.
“As a diverse and historically underserved district, we have loved watching the Giant Moon Maps program inspire our students for the last several years,” said Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dana Fall. “We are thrilled to connect the Aldrin Family Foundation with Limestone Cherokee and continue working with other South Carolina school districts to be part of making a difference for future generations.”
To learn more about Aldrin Space Learning Hubs and how you can join our mission, visit https://aldrinfoundation.org/aldrin-space-learning-hubs/.
About the Aldrin Family Foundation
The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) strives to cultivate the next generation of space leaders, entrepreneurs and explorers who will extend human habitation beyond the Earth to the Moon and Mars. AFF’s STEAM-based educational tools, educational activities and programs span from a child’s first classroom experience through graduate school and professional programs. This vertical pathway unites explorers at all levels to learn from each other’s vision for space, ultimately creating the first generation of Martians.
About Limestone University
Limestone University is an accredited, independent, coeducational four-year liberal arts institution chartered by the State of South Carolina. Limestone University is a Christian non-denominational university. Its programs lead to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Social Work degree. The mission of Limestone University is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the liberal arts and selected professional disciplines.
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