When students first walked into fourth-grade teacher Jon Fincher's classroom they were met with an out of this world set up.</p><p>Wookies in one corner, the solar system up on the ceiling and an autographed photo of a shuttle taking off right next to the whiteboard. </p><p>And there was Fincher himself.</p><p>"I walked in wearing this," Fincher said holding up a bright blue jumpsuit similar to the ones worn by NASA astronauts. "They loved it."</p><p>Fincher's decorations are more than a gimmick or just for show, they are part of an educational plan designed to get students excited about math, science and engineering, a method he picked up at space camp.</p><p>The Westside Union Elementary School teacher spent a week in June as part of Honeywell Educators Space Academy program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.</p><p>Fincher and 300 other teachers from throughout the world convened in Alabama for a weeklong experience that included space and flight simulations, speakers and several math, engineering and science workshops -- activities Fincher was able to bring back to his classroom.</p><p>"This was so exciting and they kept us busy," Fincher said. "From seven in the morning until eight at night we were doing something."</p><p>Fincher and his fellow educators participated in workshops, hands-on activities and lessons that use space as a foundation for learning difficult subjects.</p><p>For instance educators were able to replicate engineering challenges that NASA personnel face everyday. Working under supervision, teachers had to design, build, test and re-build models that meet specified criteria during NASA's engineering design challenge.</p><p>It wasn't all homework and lessons though, educators were also treated to a series of lectures with real astronauts and participate in mission training.</p><p>Although space isn't part of the fourth-grade curriculum Fincher said he's found ways to weave it into his daily lessons. He began to incorporate the space camp lessons on the first day by having the students participate in a team building activity.</p><p>Fincher said his students will be studying about plants later in the school year, that is when he plans to lead them in a lesson on space gardening.</p><p>Teachers were given a packet of plant seeds that were flown in space as well as a packet left on earth for their students to experiment with and find out the difference, if there is any.</p><p>"The difference? That's the question," Fincher said. "The kids have to decide, they have to hypothesize and watch them grow."</p><p>Judging by his enthusiasm it is obvious that Fincher's experience in Alabama has had a positive impact on him and has sparked an interest in the universe.</p><p>Fincher said he'd always had an outside interest in space and even advises a model rocket club. When the school district sent a notice out to teachers informing them of the Honeywell program he decided to apply so that his students could feel the ripple effect of his experience.</p><p>According to Honeywell's Web site 685 teachers from 35 countries and 48 states have graduated from its educators space academy since its inception in 2004. The company manufactures civil and military avionics and other aerospace products. It also sponsors a wide range of social causes, education being one of them.</p><p>Fincher said the company paid for his entire stay in Alabama. One of the company's goals, he said, is that what the teachers learn at the academy will inspire students to pursue a career in math, science or engineering -- the fastest growing job markets.</p><p>Fincher said his students have already shown an interest, often inquiring about his experience and bringing in books they have about space.</p><p>He said he hopes to build on their newfound interest in space as well as his own.</p><p>"It was the best teacher training that I've ever been at and I have so much material to inspire my students," he said.</p><p><i>Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com</i>