Hutchinson, Kan. – The Cosmosphere’s Education department is rolling out new Pre K-12 programs utilizing 
exciting new technology. In celebration of these new programs, and making the facility’s recently refreshed education-centered mission a reality, the Cosmosphere is celebrating I Love Education Month throughout February, with new public and school programs being unveiled and highlighted.
Highlighting I Love Education Month, in the Teachers’ Night Out with a very special guest. In her first visit to the Cosmosphere, NASA shuttle astronaut Colonel Eileen Collins will join Cosmosphere members and educators from across the region for an evening highlighting educational programs and recognizing educators for all they do.
Collins is a retired Air Force Colonel and former NASA astronaut who flew on four shuttle missions. Col. Collins was the first female shuttle Pilot (STS-63) and the first female shuttle Commander, a title she earned on STS-93, the mission which deployed the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. She has logged over 6,751 hours in 30 different types of aircraft and over 872 hours in space. Teachers’ Night Out begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2015. Members and educators will view demonstrations of new Cosmosphere programs. At 6:15 p.m., Cosmosphere Director of Education Tracey Tomme and CEO Richard Hollowell will speak to attendees about new programming, new technology, the mission, and making the future of Cosmosphere education a reality. Immediately following, Collins will take the stage to discuss the future of education and how the Cosmosphere’s mission and vision are helping to inspire that future. After the presentation, Col. Collins will participate in a meet and greet with attendees.
Teachers’ Night Out attendance is complimentary and exclusive to Cosmosphere members and invited educators. For more information on how to participate as a member, contact Membership Coordinator Morgan Wilk at morganw@cosmo.org,(620)665.9310, or (800)397.0330 x310. To attend as an educator, please contact Education Coordinator Laurie Givan at laurieg@cosmo.org, (620)665.9323, or (800)397.0330 x323