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About the author:
Gregory N. Cecil, M.A.S. is the only Florida State Certified Educator and Nationally Certified Aerospace Technician in the nation. Gregory holds a Masters in Aeronautical Science: Space Operations Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and previously worked in the Space Shuttle Program at Kennedy Space Center. After the end of the Space Shuttle Program, Gregory became a Florida Certified Educator and taught science in both public and private schools. Building off of his experience and education in human spaceflight, Gregory is able to draw connections between the aerospace industry and academia, and has successfully administered multiple Mini-Cube Programs with his middle school students. Gregory is currently the CEO of AeroSTEM Consulting, LLC.
AeroSTEM Consulting LLC provides aerospace STEM consulting for both schools and private corporations, conducts both written and live workshops for secondary STEM instructors, and gives presentations on subjects related to aerospace, specifically space flight.
Gregory's LinkedIn Profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/pub/gregory-cecil-m-a-s/25/97a/930
Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite
Classroom Laboratory at the Edge of Space: Introducing the Mini-Cube Program by Gregory N. Cecil M.A.S. is about using JP Aerospace’s Mini-Cube Program in an affordable manner and within the school year. After introducing this “informal” STEM Project Based Learning Activity, the composition of Mini-Cube and the nature of program flights are described. The book then discusses the modality of getting necessary financial and other support, which is paramount, prior to starting the Mini-Cube. How to conduct different experiments, what are the necessary preparations, how to make lab reports, ways to conduct pre-flying, post-launch as well as recovery operations are a few of the other topics covered by this book. How after each venture scientists can open the mini-cubes for evaluating the outcome of their experiments is also discussed.
Mini-Cube is introduced as a platform to study observatories and science experiments throughout the world, giving scientists an ability to cheaply keep an experiment near the edge of space without using an expensive rocket. This book begins with the most important aspect of such a challenge, funding, and provides helpful advice for using the coffers of National Science Foundation, or other federal resources. Gregory then goes on to familiarize us with its capability vis-à-vis the vast topics related to outer space and the atmosphere. Comprehensive instructions for preparation, conducting learning activities, and review of a large array of experiments make this book a great help for students too. An index would have been an even great advantage.
