When you were young, did you ever dream you could fly? Florida science teacher Nicole Notz did, and the dream propelled her into an initial career as a helicopter pilot. Later, she switched to science education, but she always remembered her fantasy excursions. During the past few months—thanks to a defense and aerospace company’s program that sent teachers on weightless flights—Notz got to live her dream, and now she can’t wait to get back to her classroom.
Notz, who teaches science to students in grades 9 through 12, said that floating and flying around inside a specially outfitted aircraft during its zero- and low-gravity phases was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, even as a helicopter pilot.
“You’re sitting on the floor and you feel your whole body lift up. You can’t help but smile,” she said. “Does this boost your enthusiasm [for teaching]? Oh, gosh. We can show [students]...
