The NASA representatives, who are giving $17,500 to each school in the program, spent the morning doing experiments with students in the classroom, and the afternoon teaching students and community members how NASA affects their lives. About 200 people listened as Novak shared the program's goals of sending people to the moon and Mars, completing an international space station and building a new space shuttle.

"You are the next generations of explorers," Novak told students. "We want you to be engaged and know about it so you can help us take on these challenges."

Bowen showed pictures of himself in sixth grade. He challenged students to push themselves in difficult subjects, saying it would open doors for them in the future.

Eighth-grader Lexi Eagle took Bowen's words to heart. She said she didn't realize such everyday items as cell phones were developed by NASA, and it made her interested in being an engineer for the program.

"I want to make new technology for the astronauts," Eagle said. "To see what NASA does is very exciting."

Teachers selected Eagle and seventh-grader George Brave Bull to represent Solen-Cannon Ball in May at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they will give a 15-minute presentation to students and teachers from the other 49 Explorer schools about what they have done with the program for the last year.

"Normally they wouldn't have the opportunity to do that," said teacher Tammy Brown, one of four NASA Explorer Schools team members in Solen-Cannon Ball. "They have sent us places and given us things we would have never had."

Seventh-grade teacher Pam Zimmerle said the excitement shows in the classroom.

"When you feel NASA cares, that's powerful to a teacher," she said. "The students ask so many questions and know things they didn't before."