Noted space scientist brings stories, moon rocks, meteorites to Oakleaf High

OAKLEAF – Thomas Webber’s AP and Honors Physics students at Oakleaf High were treated to a unique opportunity – the chance to hear a presentation from a decorated physicist and astronomer.
Mike Reynolds, Ph.D. spoke to students about the Apollo 11 mission and his work in studying meteorites and comets. He brought a collection of different meteorites for the students to see and touch.
But, even more impressive, is that students touched a moon rock. There are very few people who can say that!
Moon rocks are considered National Treasures and cannot be owned by any individual. It is because of the nature of his work and his associations in the space science community that Reynolds could share such a rarity with students.
Webber and Reynolds had worked together in the past, before Webber turned to secondary education.
Reynolds has 40 years in astronomy and space sciences in the gamut of a high school and university instructor, planetarium and museum director, researcher and college administrator. He earned his Ph.D. in astronomy and science education at the University of Florida.
Reynolds has received numerous recognitions for his work, including the 1986 Florida State Teacher of the Year, NASA Teacher-in-Space National Finalist, G. Bruce Blair Medal in Astronomy, and the Astronomical League’s Leslie Peliter Award. He has written several astronomy books and articles, including serving as an Astronomy magazine contributing editor. He was an invited TED speaker, talking about The Universe is our Classroom.
Reynolds also has appeared on several Discovery Channel and National Geographic programs, such as Auction Kings. In honor of his popularization of astronomy and the space sciences, the International Astronomical Union honored Reynolds with the naming of asteroid 2004 SY26 “Michael Reynolds,” nominated by fellow astronomers David Levy and Tippy D’Auria. Reynolds is currently is a Professor of Astronomy at Florida State College and the Executive Director Emeritus of the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, Calif.