Plew Elementary School had a stellar day today as it welcomed two distinguished guests to its campus. Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Mr. Robert Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, visited the school to announce the launch of the third annual Spring 2024 Florida Space Art Contest.
The Florida Space Art Contest is an exciting opportunity for K-5 students to showcase their artistic talents while exploring the wonders of space. This year’s theme, “Suit Up! Florida’s Space Suit of the Future,” encourages participants to engineer the space suit of tomorrow. By bridging the gap between art and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the contest allows students to use their creativity in a scientific environment.
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Retired Colonel Robert Long visited Ms. Leavins's kindergarten class, where students were discussing the moon and asteroids. They then transitioned to Ms. Hill's 3rd-grade science class, where students were participating in an Astrospud Spacesuit STEM lab, experimenting with different space suit materials and testing their durability.
The classes met the Lt. Governor and President of Space Florida in the Media Center where the two announced the Florida Space Art Contest and answered questions students had about the contest and space! Superintendent Chambers stressed the importance of STEM education in the Okaloosa County School District. He said "It is amazing to have a Lieutenant Governor who has a vision that encourages elementary students apply the STEM skills learned in the classroom in a creative and artistic way. One day a student in this room may become an astronaut or even design the next spacesuit. There are no limits and this competition may open new doors!"
About the Florida Space Student Art Contest
(Information retrieved from FLDOE.org)
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Space Art Contest is open to all K–5 grade students in Florida. Each student will submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Submissions will be broken down into two categories: K–2 and 3–5. Six art pieces from each group (12 total) will be selected as finalists. Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission!
Forms and Guidelines
Student contest rules and guidelines can be found online at www.FloridaSpaceArt.com.
Submit artwork to the address below:
Space Florida
ATTN: Space Art Contest
505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300
Exploration Park, Florida 32953
All entries must be received by 5 PM on Friday, May 24, 2024.
For more information about the contest please visit www.FloridaSpaceArt.com.
We extend our gratitude to Lt. Governor Nuñez and President Long for their support in STEM and the arts. As students unleash their creativity and reach for the stars, we eagerly await the unveiling of their imaginative space suit designs.
Remember, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning!