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LPSS Student Zhoriél Tapo Gets Curious with Vice President Harris

LPSS Student Zhoriél Tapo Gets Curious with Vice President Harris

Z Tapo in front of Vice President Kamala Harris' home.

Zhoriél Tapo, a student of the Lafayette Parish School System, had an opportunity that most students or adults for that matter don't get to experience — she was able to meet Vice President Kamala Harris and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough in Washington DC.

To celebrate World Space Week, YouTube Originals announced “Get Curious with Vice President Harris,” a new special encouraging children to “get curious” about space. This once-in-a-lifetime event follows a group of lucky kids as they meet Vice President Kamala Harris, go on a scavenger hunt with clues delivered by NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough from the International Space Station, and get unprecedented exclusive access to the United States Naval Observatory. 

“Participating in ‘Get Curious with Vice President Harris’ was fun, adventurous, and a great learning experience. I enjoyed meeting new people and visiting the U. S. Naval Observatory, where they keep time for the world!” said Zhoriél Tapo, a seventh grader attending L. J. Alleman Fine Arts Magnet Academy.

Zhoriél, along with the other kid explorers visited the Naval Observatory - where the Vice President lives - and met with Vice President Harris to discuss her role as Vice President and head of the National Space Council as well as the wonders of space. The students are sent on a journey around the observatory; at each stop they receive a new clue from NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough that helps them find a puzzle piece. They continue to discover new puzzle pieces until they have all the tools needed for a DIY telescope. The kids and viewers at home will learn a little about the Vice President and her passion for science, how the Naval Observatory determines and precisely measures the time for the country, and how to make their own simple telescope to look at the stars.

"My mom was a scientist. She would take us to the lab with her on the weekends and after school because she had to work long hours," said Vice President Harris to a group of kids in the special. "I just love the idea of exploring the unknown. We're going to learn so much as we increasingly are curious and interested in the potential for the discoveries and the work we can do in space. That's one of the things I'm most excited about."

As the head of the National Space Council, Vice President Harris is committed to advancing STEM education and inspiring our nation’s children to explore the world around them. The Council, in addition to promoting STEM, will focus its efforts on ensuring that people benefit from space activities that advance our scientific understanding of the Earth and the Universe, enable our national security, and create economic opportunities.

“Get Curious with Vice President Harris” launched October 7 at 6am PT / 9am ET, on the NASA YouTube Channel and the YouTube Kids app.

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