JUNE 2025 NATIONAL NEWS
The News You Need to Know
Meet NASA Astronaut Nicole Stott (6/12)
Nicole has explored from the heights of outer space to the depths of our oceans. A veteran NASA Astronaut, her experience includes two spaceflights and 104 days living and working in space on both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). She performed one spacewalk, was the first person to fly the robotic arm to capture the free flying HTV cargo vehicle, she was the last crew member to fly to and from their ISS mission on a Space Shuttle, and she was a member of the crew of the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-133. A personal highlight of Nicole’s spaceflight was painting the first watercolor in space.
Nicole is also a NASA Aquanaut, who in preparation for spaceflight and along with her NEEMO9 crew, lived and worked during an 18-day and longest saturation mission to date on the Aquarius undersea habitat.
As an Artist, and now retired from NASA, Nicole combines her artwork and spaceflight experience to inspire creative thinking about solutions to our planetary challenges, to raise awareness of the surprising interplay between science and art, and to promote the amazing work being done every day in space to improve life right here on Earth. She is the founder of the Space for Art Foundation.
DATE/TIME: June 12 at 1 PM ET
Wild Wonders: A Virtual Adventure to Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue (RAWR) (6/18)
Join us for an exciting K12 Virtual Field Trip to the Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue and Sanctuary, where students will explore the fascinating world of wildlife conservation. This interactive field trip will introduce students to the various rescued wild cats, their habitats, and the dedicated efforts to protect and rehabilitate them. Through live video sessions, engaging activities, and expert insights, students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our planet's biodiversity. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration!
DATE/TIME: June 18 at 3 PM ET
Horse Care 101 at the Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary (6/25)
Saddle up for an educational and fun-filled K12 Virtual Field Trip to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, where students in grades K-12 will dive into the world of horse grooming. This interactive experience will teach students the essentials of caring for horses, including brushing, cleaning hooves, and understanding the importance of grooming for a horse's health and well-being. Through live demonstrations, engaging activities, and expert guidance, students will gain hands-on knowledge and a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals. Get ready to learn the ropes of horse grooming and discover the joy of caring for our equine friends!
DATE/TIME: June 25 at 12 PM ET
Farmyard Explorers: Discover Harmony Farm Sanctuary (7/9)
Join us for an exciting K12 Virtual Field Trip to Harmony Farm Sanctuary, where students in grades K-12 will explore the wonderful world of farm animals. This interactive session will introduce students to various animals, their habitats, and the care they receive at the sanctuary. Through live video sessions, engaging activities, and expert insights, students will gain a deeper understanding of animal welfare and the importance of compassion towards all living beings. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and learn about the amazing work done at Harmony Farm Sanctuary!
DATE/TIME: July 9 at 3 PM ET
Elephants in the Spotlight (7/23)
Step into the world of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee without leaving your classroom. In this unique virtual field trip, students will get a behind-the-scenes look at how elephants who once lived in the wild or in captivity now thrive in a safe, peaceful environment. Through live footage, storytelling, and interactive elements, K–12 learners will explore elephant life, from their complex behaviors to the care they receive at the Sanctuary. Discover what makes these animals so extraordinary, and why protecting them matters.
DATE/TIME: July 23 at 2 PM ET
Follow our K12 Student Instagram Channel! @k12.student
We are so excited to announce we have a Stride K12 Student Engagement Instagram Channel! You can find us @k12.student
This channel is meant to share about student engagement opportunities, as well as showcase student talent and elevate student voices to feel seen and heard! This channel is for our students to follow and connect with one another, as well as see what fun things we have happening!
Follow us on Threads!
You can also follow us on Threads! Our Threads account is a light-hearted channel sharing positive messages, joke, and K12 national competitions and K12 Virtual Field Trips. You can us find at k12.student. Follow us today!
Follow us on Facebook!
Follow us on Facebook! The K12 Student Engagement Facebook page highlights exciting competitions, challenges, and national student winners. You can also watch live-streams of winner reveals and K12 Virtual Field Trips. You can find us at K12 Student Engagement. Follow us today!
