Amsterdam International Community School: Courses

This is a special section of Moodle, a portal to the world of space exploration. My name is Jane Hanna and as a NASA ambassador I hope to share with you my love of all things space!

There are always more questions than answers. I enjoy asking the questions as well as finding the answers. I enjoy stimulating others to ask the questions, getting them excited about astronomy and space exploration. I value the opportunity to know others by sharing a common interest. I hope to have the opportunity to foster an atmosphere of learning, understanding, excitement and respect for our universe. It is unimaginable to think where I would be or what my life would be like without the benefits of space exploration and human endeavors beyond earth.I believe human space exploration is one of our greatest achievements.What if our brave ancestors who discovered the “new world” by means of wooden ships had not done so?Evidence that humanity cannot prosper without exploration and risk taking.I wholeheartedly agree with Frederick Jackson Turner who argues that “many of the distinctive characteristics of American society, including inventiveness, inquisitiveness and individualism, derive from the existence of a frontier”.Space exploration fulfills human curiosity and increases understanding of ourselves. It promotes scientific education and provides the opportunity to discover technology important for our daily lives. It provides me with a sense of belonging in the universe.From space, the earth is small and I am even smaller. What’s the bigger picture? Through space exploration we will continue to discover things about Earth and ourselves.Perhaps there are natural resources waiting to be discovered.Long term, I believe it is important for the survival of the human species to inhabit places in the universe besides earth.I much prefer to be a member of a creative as opposed to a stagnating society.I believe space exploration is vital to ensure a prosperous future for humankind.

This is a course for students who are interested in learning more about our virtual learning environment, Moodle. Sander Nolan runs it. For questions see him or Mr. Philpot

The Global Issues Network