21-05-2025
WVU student teaches space weather class at Beckley Stratton Middle School
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Students in Paula Mitchell's science class at Beckley Stratton Middle School were mesmerized on Monday, May 19, 2025, as they received a presentation on space weather, offered by former Beckley Stratton Middle School student Piper Dangerfield.
'They were every engaging during the presentation. They had great questions after,' said Dangerfield, a West Virginia University engineering student who is now completing her freshman year. 'They were all very surprised that I'm 19, which I guess I'll take as a compliment.'
Dangerfield, a member of the Rocketry Club, offers a space weather class to middle school students through the NASA West Virginia Space Grant at WVU.
The students viewed videos, raised their hands, shouted out questions and even offered their own theories.
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Mitchell said she was teaching a course on space when Dangerfield offered to bring her space weather presentation to Beckley Stratton Middle School.
She said it is important for students to see those who attended BEST returning to the community with stories of success.
'It's really important. I'm a former student here, too. So, I always try to tell that to the children, so they can see me as an example,' Mitchell said. 'So having another former student come is just another example that when you leave here, you can do great things.'
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Dangerfield, a Woodrow Wilson High School graduate, said she was happy to present the space weather program at her former middle school.
'Getting to come back and see all these children, with how engaged they are, they've all been every engaging, asking great questions, it's just I have hope for these kids,' said Dangerfield. 'They want to learn.'
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