EDU C AT I O N
SCIENCE IN ZERO G
MNTC Instructor Tests Student Device in Microgravity Environment
T
eacher Dustin Bennett was able to take his students’ project to new heights this summer. Bennett, an engineering instructor with Moore Norman Technology Center, was one of eight teachers nationwide to participate in the Space for Teachers program that gives educators the opportunity to conduct student-designed experiments in microgravity aboard a specially modified aircraft.
designed to capture micro debris particles in space. Bennett took flight in May onboard the aircraft that performed a series of 30 parabolic maneuvers, achieving approximately 11 minutes of weightlessness, according to a news release about the program.
During the flight, Bennett was able to test a device that his high school students at the technology center
Bennett said getting to test his students’ project was exciting, as was sharing stories about the experience with them. He said he also hopes it might serve as
48 | July 2025
“It’s just amazing — a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Bennett said about the opportunity.