NASA Lands at HFCA, 4th grade Launches Inquiry (Unit)

Many girls and boys dream of going to space, but few children have the pleasure of meeting someone who works for NASA and still fewer have the opportunity to ask a NASA scientist questions about the subject they are studying in 4th grade. Recently, Holy Family Catholic Academy (Inverness) 4th-grade students were introduced to Mr. Kevin Metrocavage, NASA’s International Space Station Operations Manager and Space Operations Center Manager.

HFCA’s 4th graders, working on their unit “May the Force be With You,” were learning about potential and kinetic energy. Explains 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Debbie Toussaint, “We often look for outside experts to help students understand the “why” they learn what they do, along with the “how” their learning will impact their lives in the future. When one of our parents, Mr. Michael Guidry generously approached me with an introduction to Kevin Metrocavage, NASA’s International Space Station Operations Manager, the students and I were over the moon!”

HFCA, the only International Baccalaureate World School in northwest suburban Chicago, is known for its hands-on/minds-on approach to science. Rather than reading chapters in a textbook and answering questions, HFCA students are engaged with hands-on learning that has real world application--the result of the school’s commitment to inquiry-based learning. As the name implies, students build critical thinking skills by learning to ask the right questions, developing skills to find the answers, and effectively communicating the results.

Metrocavage presented over Zoom and allowed both in-person and remote learning students to ask questions. After the session, he shared, “Speaking with the HFCA students was very inspiring. Seeing the energy they expressed and their motivation to learn was so encouraging. They asked some very interesting and thoughtful questions.“ Student Jake Hendricks thought the session was great and explained, “I want to be a scientist when I grow up. I learned so much from Mr. Metrocavage about how scientists use energy and how they are even growing plants on the International Space Station.”

In addition to the science aspect of Mr. Metrocavage's presentation, HFCA Principal Kate O’Brien was equally moved by a slide listing the attributes needed to work for NASA. The list included teamwork, technical knowledge, problem solving skills, effort, and integrity. States O’Brien, “These are the same skills our teachers help develop every day in our students from preschool through grade 8. Much like the International Space Station that has had scientists from over 18 different countries working together, our students are learning to be global citizens and will likely work on teams with members from all over the world. These skills are needed for NASA employees and employees in almost every field.”

Looking at the faces of HFCA’s 4th grade students, one can only wonder who will be moved by this experience and pursue a career in space. Concludes Kevin Metrocavage, “These students represent the next generation of explorers, and I appreciate the opportunity to engage with them. The future is definitely bright!” And HFCA students are ready for take off.