Shipley Middle School science teacher Ace Schwarz has been selected to participate in its 2022 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Landmarks of American History Workshop, “The Space Age on the Space Coast.” 

“In sixth grade, students learn about space and how our solar system exists in relation to the rest of the universe,” explained teacher Mx. Schwarz. “We also incorporate various advancements that have been made since space exploration began. I am hoping to bring back what I learn so we can really develop the space exploration aspect of our curriculum. The program also incorporates our DEI strategic plan since I’ll learn about diversity within the space race and how inclusion has changed over time. As a massive space nerd, this is also a really epic personal opportunity for me to visit places and learn from people I’ve only ever read about or seen online.”

Ace Schwarz was selected from a nationwide applicant pool to attend the one-week program, held at the Astronaut Memorial Foundation at the Kennedy Space Center. National and local faculty from various institutions, including the University of Central Florida and the University of Oklahoma, will guide participants as they explore the technological, political, social, and environmental history of Florida’s Space Coast. 

The workshop will include lectures and field trips to regional sites of historic and cultural significance, such as the Apollo/Saturn V Rocket Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, Harry and Harriette Moore Cultural Complex, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Since 1990, NCHE has worked to promote excellence in K-12 and college-level history education. The organization supports the teaching, learning, and appreciation of diverse histories through advocacy, sponsoring workshops that connect teachers and professors, and by producing resources for classroom use. NCHE is offering this workshop with funding from the NEH, a federal agency that supports research and learning in history and other areas of the humanities.

“We are excited to have Ace Schwarz join us this summer,” NCHE Education Coordinator & Program Director Kathleen Barker says. “Their experience inside and outside of the classroom, as well as their enthusiasm for teaching will enhance the overall experience for all of our participants. Our team looks forward to collaborating with Ace as we develop place-based learning resources to share with educators across the nation.”