NASA hosts a national student symposium

HOUSTON, April 29 (UPI) -- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is holding a symposium for students and teachers from across the United States.

The event, being held at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston through Friday, allows students to present research results to fellow students and NASA scientists and engineers. The 62 students and 31 educators will represent 31 NASA Explorer Schools.

"The NASA Explorer Schools Project establishes a three-year partnership between NASA and school teams to help fourth through ninth grade education communities improve teaching and learning in science, technology, math and engineering," the space agency said. "The project works primarily with diverse groups of students who are underrepresented in these disciplines or who are traditionally underserved in rural or urban parts of the country. The project joins educators, students and families in sustained involvement with NASA's research, discoveries and missions."

Students were required to complete a research investigation focused on NASA missions or research interests, including science, aerospace, reduced gravity, robotics, plant growth in space or living and working in space.

Video from the event will air Friday on NASA Television's Video File program. Streaming video, downlink and scheduling information is available at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv.