The advantage of satellite meetings is that hundreds of persons can join the audience and thereby command a very high quality exchange. For instance, the President of the United States can join a large group of participants, each at a different site, or astronauts in the Columbia shuttle can share their explores. The disadvantage is that only a few participants can actually ask questions to these one-of-a-kind leaders. Sponsored by federal agencies, the cost is small to schools and once in a while it is a treat to attend such special town meetings.

The first reference gives access to Live From the Stratosphere and the second to educational town meetings, produced by the DOEducation. Announcements of upcoming events are made in advance and scattered periodically throughout the school year. Invite parents and school board members to attend, too, and broaden the boundaries of your community.

Live From the Stratosphere

http://quest.nasa.gov/lfs/

Department of Education

http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml