Five panhandle educators took part in Northrop Grumman Foundation's Weightless Flights of Discovery Program at the Kennedy Space Center on September 30, 2008.

The teachers went on a "zero-gravity" aircraft flight that mimics how astronauts train for space flights. It creates a temporary weightlessness that’s like what humans experience during space travel. They also took part in a number of experiments while on board.

Everyone seemed to have a blast.

"That was like the ultimate roller-coaster except there is no harnesses. You're not tied down. I can't even really describe it. This is like the ultimate dream for me. It's why I got into math and science to begin with was the space program," said Brandi, a Kolmetz, Vernon Middle School teacher.

The local teachers were from Bay, Calhoun, and Washington Counties.