Rosholt fourth-graders kick off yearlong NASA science program

Rosholt fourth-graders kick off yearlong NASA science program

By Patrick Lynn

ROSHOLT — Thirty-seven Rosholt fourth-graders are getting a chance to work with NASA scientists this school year, starting with a hands-on introduction to Earth science at the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

The students kicked off the NASA DISCOVERIES program this week, beginning a yearlong project that will have them collecting environmental data, studying weather conditions and sharing their findings with scientists and other students across the country.

During their first session on Sept. 24, students met virtually with Tina Harte Ballinger, who founded the program. They also practiced their observation skills and learned about different methods of measurement.

Over the coming months, students will work in small groups called Crews to take surface temperature readings, observe cloud conditions and collect data. They’ll present their findings in May 2027.

Along the way, they’ll meet virtually with NASA scientists to learn about their work and how they got started in science.

“This program gives our students the opportunity to see that science isn’t something that only happens in a laboratory or somewhere f...