1. January 18, 2011
To: The Parents of the
Johnson NASA Science Design Team Members
From: Reba Gordon Matthews
Computer Lab Teacher
NASA Explorer School Team Leader
RE: NASA Explorer School Virtual Symposium 2010 NASA Explorer School Student Symposium
Date: February 24, 2011 Date: May 4-7, 2011
Where: San Diego, CA (Johnson Elementary) Where: TBA
This letter is to inform you that your child is currently participating in a NASA lunar plant growth chamber
engineering project in hopes to obtain a slot with their team partner at the 2011 NASA Explorer School
Student Symposium on May 4 -7, 2011. At this time the location of the symposium at one of the NASA
Centers has not been determined. (See next page for the locations of all the NASA Centers.)
In the past two years, my Johnson NASA Science Design Team has won a slot at the once in a lifetime
event. In 2009, I traveled with 2 students and they presented their hydroponic system at Johnson Space
Center in Houston, Texas. In 2010, I traveled with 2 students and they presented their lunar habitat
engineering project at Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida. And we hope that we can win a slot this
year. But despite the outcome I want to say the students have and will work hard at putting forth their best
effort.
At this time, there are 10 student team members. The top (9) students will present for Virtual Symposium
on February 24, 2011 via videoconference at Johnson Elementary. The students will be judged by the
NASA Explorer School Program judges and NASA scientists. Our student teams will be competing
against elementary teams from all over the U.S. and the Virgin Islands. Based on their scoring, (2)
students could be selected to attend the 2011 National NES Student Symposium at one of the NASA
Centers.
In preparation for this project, your child and their partner have attended weekly team meetings, worked on
their designs, did Internet research, and worked on their habitat descriptions voluntarily during their before-
school, recess, lunch and afterschool. I will equip each team member with (2) study guides and a flashdrive
with information to assist them in gaining background knowledge. We have reviewed NASA videos related
to designing a lunar chamber and engineering, conducted guided internet research, and had regular group
discussions. The next phase of the project is the building of their lunar chamber. They can use everyday
products. I will supply them with any school supplies. Each child will have a discussion with their family
in regards to any additional supplies they feel they need.
Next week I will send home the Student Symposium Worksheet questions that contain the rubric that the
NASA judges will be utilizing. Your child will have a student copy of this worksheet that I developed to
assist them in their independent work inside.

2. 2011 NASA Explorer School Student Symposium
Parent Letter
Please sign below and return this letter to notify me that you have been informed of
the process, procedures, and important dates regarding the 2011 National NES
Symposium.
I, ____________________________ am aware that my child is a member of the Johnson
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name ( please print)
NASA Science Design Team.
2. ____I am aware that my child is interested in attending the 2011 National NASA Explorer School (NES)
Student Symposium on May 4-7, 2011 at one of the NASA Centers if selected.
Please initial that you and your child received the following items:
3. ___ I received a copy of this letter notifying me of the 2011 NASA Student Symposium.
4. ___ I understand that my child will have to do some independent work and build their lunar
plant chamber during recess, lunch recess, and afterschool in order to be prepare for the
Virtual Symposium.
5. ___ I understand that my child can voluntarily attend Mrs. Matthews’ NASA Symposium
Workshops that may occur during the weekends to assist my child in preparing for the
Virtual Symposium. (Plenty of prior notice will be given.)
6. ___ I am aware that Mrs. Matthews will be using a service call “DialMyCalls” to send out group
information home in regards to meetings, preparation, suggestions, and Symposium updates and
announcements.
7. ___ I have noted Mrs. Matthews’ contact information
School email: rmatthews@sandi.net
Voice Mail: 619-631-4436
_______________________ _________________________ _____________________
Parent’s Name ( please print) Parent’s signature ( please print) Student’s Name ( please print)
Date __________________ Phone/Cell _____________________ Email:___________________________