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It was one small step for man, one giant leap for PS 56.

With the acquisition of a $25,000 grant, a fifth grade class at PS 56 in Richmond Hill has had the ability to take part in interactive lessons via satellite from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. A JSC educator taught the students all about aerodynamics and the physics behind the flight of an airplane.

This is the first year that NASA’s digital learning program has been held directly in the classroom.

“Space science was chosen for the specific reason that kids love space,” said teacher Neme Alperstein, who took it upon herself to pursue the grant. “The kids are really enjoying it.”

On Tuesday, Alperstein’s gifted class took part in a digital learning session with a public school in Manhattan, a class from Ankara, Turkey, and an educator from the Johnson Space Center. Watching a television monitor with four split screens, the students answered questions about aviation flight and even showed off their own model gliders, which they built themselves. “I told the principal not to take away their paper airplanes because we’re using them to learn,” Alperstein joked.

Alperstein noted that through this program, her students have been able to communicate with the class from Turkey that participates in the same lessons. Each student in the class has been paired up with an “e-pal” that they send e-mails and pictures to almost everyday. Alperstein’s class even received a number of gifts from their companions in Ankara, with one student being given a Turkish T-shirt.

Regional Superintendent Kathleen Cashin showed up to observe the broadcast, reminding the students to enjoy “this wonderful opportunity.” The kids have learned a great deal in the world of aeronautical science, having lessons in space food, hydration, and space modules.

“This is really an excellent tool for the kids to learn about something they are passionate about,” said PS 56 principal Anne Leiter. “Mrs. Alperstein is a facilitator more than a teacher, and that is one of the best compliments you can give a teacher. She is the anchor behind this program, which we are going to expand.” Leiter pointed out that three new teachers would be added to the program next year.