Genniver C. Bell, dean of FAMU’s College of Education, and Edith G. Davis, an assistant professor in the College of Education, recently announced a loan agreement with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for lunar and meteorite samples. These samples will be used in labs and classes to educate FAMU students in the College of Education in the area of science as well as students in the community.“Our focus is to train our students to be great science educators in the College of Education,” said Bell. “With this loan agreement, we want to broaden students’ knowledge in the sciences and for them to experience something they wouldn’t ordinary experience.”
Bell said that this is Davis’ first year in the College of Education.
“She is doing a wonderful job in engaging our students,” said Bell.
Davis also is the first African-American female in the country to become a geophysicist. She received a B.S. in geology/mathematics from the University of Miami, a M.S. in geophysics from Stanford University, an MBA from the University of Texas, and the doctorate in science education and research from Baylor University.
Students at FAMU Developmental Research School had an opportunity to see and touch some of the lunar rocks and samples.
“I found this very interesting,” said Aaron Baker, a junior at FAMU-DRS. “Sometimes it’s hard to grasp neutrons, protons, and negative and positive charges but the way she (Davis) presented, it was fun.”
During the announcement, Davis did a song that she uses in her classroom to help students to understand the atmosphere, the biosphere, matter, neutrons, protons, etc. She said learning should be fun.
“I had great, phenomenal teachers and great parents,” said Davis. “My mother was a science teacher. I love making science come alive.”
Breanna Benjamin, a student at FAMU-DRS, said that Davis made it fun and that she would like to have Davis as a teacher.
“I feel she is a teacher that could take your weaknesses and make them stronger and take your strengths and make them even stronger,” Benjamin said.
According to NASA’s website, the disks (samples) must be secured, while not in use, in a safe or vault-type safe or cabinet with a bar and combination lock. The disks must be under constant surveillance of a certified user while in use. Davis has been certified to handle the lunar rocks for nearly eight years.