On December 2, 2008 from 10:30am-12:30pm Mrs. Johnston's 6th grade Earth Science Class successfully participated in Operation Montserrat. This is an e-mission offered from Wheeling Jesuit University in conjunction with the NASA sponsored Challenger Learning Center. The following paragraph contains details of this wonderful opportunity in which our Level 6 students participated.

     Are your students ready to respond to a potentially catastrophic event such as this? How will they react when an approaching hurricane enters the picture as well? e-Mission: Operation Montserrat is an interactive learning adventure for students in grades 5-10. After completing an application process to participate in the mission, students form emergency response teams and prepare by collecting and analyzing Earth science data from past volcanic eruptions and hurricanes. Image to left: e-Mission: Operation Montserrat allows students to use their science and math skills to avert possible disaster when a volcano and hurricane come together. Credit: NASA On mission day, students join one of four crisis management teams and use science and math skills to avert possible disaster. In a two-hour period, the volcano and hurricane teams rally to analyze real-time data and determine the risks to people on the island. The analyses are then presented to the evacuation team, which forms a rescue plan. Throughout the mission, the communication team is in live contact with Mission Control via video, audio and a "chat window." The mission's curriculum materials provide a unique way for teachers to introduce students to various topics in science and math. Resources for teachers include lesson plans, assessment materials, technology support, and information on science, math and other standards addressed by the activity. e-mission: Operation Montserrat was developed by the Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit University, which is sponsored by NASA.