Tomball Science Teacher to Soar with Space for Teachers, Bringing Microgravity Research to Local Classrooms
Tomball High School science teacher Jessica Schilder is preparing for liftoff—literally. Selected as one of just 12 educators in the country, Schilder has been invited to join the prestigious 2025–2026 Embedded Teacher Program (ETP), a national STEM initiative led by Space for Teachers, a collective committed to empowering students through authentic scientific research.
The program’s centerpiece? A once-in-a-lifetime zero-gravity flight aboard the nation’s only commercial aircraft capable of simulating the weightlessness of space. Used by NASA and aerospace researchers, the modified Boeing 727 performs a series of parabolic maneuvers that allow passengers to float freely in microgravity.
But for Schilder, this isn’t just an adventure—it’s a classroom in the sky.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
As part of her ETP experience, Schilder will test a student-designed experiment aboard the zero-gravity flight. “Jessica Schilder brings an incredible passion for astronomy and space science to Tomball High School and inspires students through innovative, hands-on learning,” said Dave Surdovel, Tomball ISD Director of Math and Science. “Her dedication not only elevates our science programs but also shows our students that big dreams, like exploring space, are within reach.”
This STEM-rich opportunity is part of a broader mission by Space for Teachers to provide hands-on learning experiences that mirror the real-world challenges faced by today’s scientists and engineers. The organization emphasizes that when students see their work used in actual aerospace environments, their connection to STEM fields deepens in powerful and lasting ways.
Tomball High School science teacher Jessica Schilder, one of only 12 educators selected nationwide Through the course of the school year, Schilder’s students will take part in every phase of the process—from ideation and design to scientific testing and launch. The journey begins this November when she attends a microgravity workshop hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. There, she will collaborate with experts to translate microgravity concepts into student-centered learning goals.
Students will then design their own experiment to be conducted aboard the flight, guided through technical reviews and payload integration. Once approved, Schilder will personally test their work in flight—a full-circle learning moment that promises to leave a lasting impression on both students and teacher alike.
Schilder is no stranger to inspiring students beyond the four walls of her classroom. Her ever-growing enthusiasm for astronomy is visible across campus, where she frequently hosts "Star Night" gatherings on the football field. These informal astronomy nights invite students and families to explore the cosmos through telescopes, discovering constellations and deepening their appreciation for space science.
This hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning is what caught the attention of Space for Teachers, an organization built by educators, for educators. By prioritizing authentic research experiences and active learning, the program helps teachers transform classrooms into launchpads for the next generation of innovators.
For the Tomball community, Schilder’s flight is more than a rare honor—it’s a symbol of possibility. A reminder that, with the right support and vision, even high school students can reach for the stars… and touch them.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
