New Orleans Program, Vol. 1 - National Science Teachers Association

Field Trips
LIGO SEC: Opening New “Eyes” on the Universe $48
T-3 Thursday, March 19 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
T-5 Thursday, March 19 11:30 AM–4:30 PM
T-3 CANCELED
LIGO Science Education Center (LIGO SEC) is a fun and educational
experience for kids of all ages. Located on the site of the
Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)
in Livingston, the center provides an opportunity for visitors to
personally explore science concepts such as light, gravity, waves,
and interference through professionally designed interactive exhibits
that directly relate to the science of the LIGO facility across
the street. Thanks to support from the National Science Foundation,
the LIGO Science Education Center is quickly becoming a
hot spot in Louisiana for educational field trips that support the
Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum and Grade Level Expectations.
Our field trip to the center will include a question and answer
session with one of the staff scientists and a tour of the control
room. A box lunch is included in the ticket price. (Limit: 50)
Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses: Adventures in
Archaeology $15
T-4 Thursday, March 19 8:45–10:30 AM
SOLD OUT
Join us for a special tour of the Hermann-Grimma/Gallier
Historic Houses in the French Quarter. Explore the scientific architectural
innovation of James Gallier, Jr., at Gallier House and
enjoy a stroll through this elegant Victorian home, authentically
restored to reflect the taste and lifestyle of a successful urban
designer in mid-19th-century New Orleans. Built in 1860, Gallier
House is an outstanding example of the accurate and comprehensive
historic restoration of one of the loveliest and timehonored
landmarks in New Orleans. Experience this wonderfully
furnished home with its courtyard garden, elegant carriageway,
and slave quarters.
Prior to the Civil War, prosperous Creole families enjoyed an
elegant lifestyle in the Vieux Carre. Experience the Golden Age
of New Orleans at the meticulously restored Hermann-Grimma
House. This handsome 1831 Federal-style mansion with courtyard
garden boasts the only horse stable and functional outdoor
kitchen in the Quarter. We’ll be guided through each of the
rooms to absorb the lifestyle of these wealthy and prominent New
Orleans families. (Limit: 43)
Conference Program
How the Space Shuttle External Tank Is Built: A Visit to
NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility $20
T-6 Thursday, March 19 12 Noon–3:30 PM
SOLD OUT
Come see how the Space Shuttle’s external fuel tanks are built
at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in eastern New Orleans.
Built by Lockheed Martin, these massive tanks take two years to
complete. Each colossal orange tank is 15 stories high and 28 feet
in diameter, and weighs an incredible 1.7 million pounds when
filled with propellants. These propellants ignite the engines that
power the shuttle into orbit. About 8 1/2 minutes into ascent,
the tank separates from the shuttle, continues halfway around
the world (since it is traveling at 17,500 mph), and subsequently
breaks apart over the Pacific Ocean.
Owned by NASA, MAF is one of the largest manufacturing
plants in the world, with 43 acres under one roof and about 2,400
employees. This is a walking tour, and appropriate footwear is
required—no open-toed shoes or sandals. No cameras (including
cell-phone cameras), recording devices, firearms, alchohol,
or smoking are allowed in the facililty. You must be a U.S. citizen
to participate; a photo ID is required. Tours will be canceled if
the Homeland Security threat advisory is raised to high. (www.
lockheedmartin.com/ssc/michoud) (Limit: 33)
New Orleans Glassworks and Printmaking Studio $25
T-7 Thursday, March 19 12:30–3:30 PM
SOLD OUT
Experience the origins and historical background of glassblowing,
glass casting, glass torch working, and printmaking on this
narrated tour of the New Orleans Glassworks and Printmaking
Studio. During glassblowing, the properties and the chemistry
of the glass will be illustrated through a series of experiments.
The awe-inspiring “Prince Rupert’s Drop” turns glass back into
its original form of sand, while entertainment is provided by the
“Jazzman”—hot molten glass provides the electrical connectivity
required to complete the circuit. The uses of glass will be brought
up to the modern age of fiber optics via a “fiber optic pull” involving
all members of the group.
Next to the glass arena, the scientific glass flame working studio
is complemented by the printmaking and book arts studio.
We’ll discover the secrets of glass torch working, also known as
lampworking, and you can participate in a hands-on experience
in glass torch working and create your own colorful design.
In the printmaking studio, we’ll learn about the myriad of hand
printmaking processes and the magic of marbled paper. We’ll engage
in hands-on activities, and you can make your own unique
print to take home as a memento of your visit. (Limit: 50)
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