As part of the Air Force JROTC program, every junior at R-MA has to take Exploring Space. Knowing that some students may wonder why, MSgt Stephen Pederson, USAF, Retired, works hard to relate the curriculum to the student’s everyday lives. Part of that means helping them understand that NASA does more than just explore space through its three directorates.
By studying NASA technology and research that has been transformed into commercial products and services, known as spinoffs, Pederson is able to share ways in which NASA’s research has benefited both the students and society as a whole. Consider liquid cooling technology, rehabilitation chairs, vision trainers, fuel saving wing designs, cabin pressure monitors, shock absorbers to limit earthquake damage, underwater adhesives, 3D laser scanners, balance systems for golfers, and hundreds of other products…all resulted from research begun at NASA. After enlightening the students about NASA’s contributions to society, Pederson sends them off to learn about five of the newer technology transfers and write a paper about it. For each spinoff, the students were required to cover which company took NASA’s technology or research and turned it into a marketable product, the final product the company sold because of the spinoff, when the spin-off became marketable, the location of the company that took the spinoff, and how the spinoff helped society.
This year, the resulting papers covered NASA spinoffs such as terahertz lasers, which have been used in 3D imaging; a method of welding that is safer and stronger than traditional welding; and a fire hose that uses a high pressure system that allows it to cover four times the surface area as a regular fire hose. The air purifier “Airocide,” life rafts, and a tractor trailer design modification that saves gas and reduces drag were other topics that can all be credited back to research originally derived by NASA.
“The students are surprised that NASA does a lot more than just go into space,” Pederson said. The topic serves as their end-of-semester project in January each year, and the timing on his part is deliberate. “Second semester, I cover college preparation and spend time covering the various careers available to students. Many times, students lack a clear understanding of the broad scope of careers available to them. I use an AIAA [American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics] guide that spends time on STEM careers, to include those dealing with space. As civilian companies enter the market, I'm trying to show students the kinds of career options available within this growing market.”
While this is not the first time Pederson has used this topic as the final exam for the class, this year’s project garnered special attention from NASA. That is because when he saw a Facebook post by Jim Adams, the Chief Technologist from NASA, concerning the Spinoff program, Pederson casually commented that his class was writing papers on that topic. To his surprise, Adams requested a copy of some of the students’ reports. After receiving them, Adams indicated that he would pass the papers on to Dan Lockney, NASA’s Program Executive for Technology Transfer, who also runs Spinoff.
“It’s exciting beyond words,” said Pederson. “To think that someone of Jim Adams’ position would take the time to notice my post, request the papers, and presumably read them…that’s an honor for me as a teacher and most importantly for the students whose papers were selected.”
Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), and have the opportunity to fly in a unique flight program. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.
###