This is the first in a series of articles about the Great Lakes Aerospace Science & Education Center (GLASEC) that is proposed for the Sheboygan armory. GLASEC will be a 50,000 square foot hands-on, space travel-oriented center that will serve as a destination for tourists, a math and science-oriented education center, and a key element in the economic positioning of Sheboygan as a part of the growing space sciences industry.

It will, of course, have historic space vehicles and a gallery full of the proud history of American space exploration; but is will also have hands-on, multi-sensory exhibits that bring space to life. The center will contain a space theater and planetarium, and a Mission Control center where visitors will be able to participate in the monitoring of a simulated space mission from launch to landing. Visitors will also be able to interact “live” with International Space Station astronauts via video-phone on the Center’s gigantic space theater screen.

This will be an incredibly interactive expedition of enlightenment for kids and adults. But GLASEC will also harness the power of America’s fascination with space exploration to achieve a much more important aim: inspiring the youth of the Upper-Midwest to achieve in Math and Science, not because a teacher tells them to, but because they’ve learned that Math and Science open up the door to achieving great dreams.

Fewer than 33% of U.S. 4th and 8th graders now perform "proficiently" in mathematics on international standardized tests. U.S. 12th graders performed "below average" among a 21-nation test of general knowledge of math and science. And in 2004, China graduated over 600,000 engineers, India 350,000, and America, just 70,000. The future of American economic growth and national security lies in our ability to create high-paying technology jobs and to protect ourselves with science.

Let’s face it: astronauts make science cool. They are the Brett Favres of science. This interactive, larger-than-life center will immerse visitors in the "coolness" of science by connecting their eyes, ears, and fingers to artifacts and experiences that will inspire.

GLASEC will send some of the magic home, too. It will be a branch of NASA’s Educational Resource Centers for educators, who will be able to get lessons and project kits to help them bring the "cool factor" into their classrooms as well.

GLASEC will be a vital part of an improved science and math learning continuum for students of the Upper Midwest: it will create a spark in their imagination and inspire them to set their goals sky high; it will fan the flames of learning by arming their teachers with exciting math and science learning materials in their hometowns; and it will be the location for the launching of their dreams literally! GLASEC will become the home for the Rockets for Schools event and for Space Education Initiatives Camp. Through the Wisconsin Astronaut Hall of Fames, students will be inspired by and learn about other locals that successfully followed their dreams all the way to outer space.

GLASEC will be about youngsters and their dreams of exploration, and a place where they can be re-assured that their hard work will pay off as they reach for the stars.