Academy hosts Audience with an Astronaut Published Oct. 13, 2015 By Lauren Slipek U.S. Air Force Academy Office of Research U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- More than 350 students from the Colorado Springs area attended Audience with an Astronaut, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outreach event, here Oct. 7. Audience with an Astronaut is an annual event hosted by the Academy's Astronautics Department and the Space Foundation to celebrate World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology. The UN General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year Oct. 4-10. At the Academy, children learned about space launch from former international Space Station commander Dr. Leroy Chiao, at the "Physics is Phun" presentation, and also attended a chemistry magic show. "This event is about inspiring wonder and igniting curiosity in the minds of future scientists, engineers and space explorers," said Capt. Grant Thomas, an instructor in the Academy's Astronautics Department. For Thomas, the best part of the event was watching the expressions of the children. "In one day, students get to talk to a real astronaut, meet their cadet heroes, and see the magic of chemistry, physics and technology all demonstrated right in front of them," he said. "By the time they leave, they all have huge smiles." Lt. Col. Mark Reimann, the associate dean in the Office of Research, said STEM events are an important part of the Academy's outreach program. "Events like Audience with an Astronaut are crucial to exposing as many students to science as possible," he said. "With this engagement, we are hoping to inspire future scientists and engineers." Audience with an Astronaut participants are selected through a liaison program between the Space Foundation and local teachers. To become a teacher-liaison officer, visit www.spacefoundation.org/education/education-programs/teacher-liaison-officers