Vicenza Middle School student connects with NASA scientist in international event

Chaz Exum, an eighth grade student at Vicenza Middle School, was recently honored to ask a question to NASA scientist Giannina Guzmán Caloca during an international event hosted by NASA and Microsoft Minecraft Education.

The event celebrated the release of a new Minecraft Education challenge introducing students to the James Webb Space Telescope. Participants explored topics such as star formation, planets, galaxies, and solar system design. The virtual session featured NASA scientists and engineers, who explained the telescope’s capabilities and the wonders of space exploration.

Exum was one of a select group of students chosen from hundreds of applicants to ask a question. During the event, Exum inquired about advice for students interested in pursuing careers in engineering or space science. 

His participation inspired classmates at Vicenza Middle School and students worldwide.

Vicenza Middle School integrates Microsoft Minecraft Education into its Introduction to Programming course, where students learn about coding, game design, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The platform, available to all DoDEA students, supports a wide range of educational topics, including computer science, math, digital citizenship, and sustainability.

The international collaboration between NASA and Minecraft Education offered students a hands-on opportunity to engage with science and technology.