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By the thousands, sixth-grade students from throughout Brevard County, Fla., recently descended upon the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to mark the second annual Brevard Space Week. Over 6,000 students spent a full day getting a first-hand look at what many had only seen from their backyards: the wonders of space flight. During the week-long event, 1,200 students per day were inspired by demonstrations -- a 3-D IMAX movie about the Space Station -- and a veteran astronaut's account of space travel. The program was devised to show the value of space exploration and inspire the students to join in the quest by studying hard and dreaming big. Joining them was astronaut John Blaha -- a veteran of six Space Shuttle flights and four months aboard the Russian Mir space station. He stressed the importance of education, shared personal experiences of living and working in space, and answered questions from the crowd. After learning about the construction of the International Space Station through a 3-D IMAX movie, participants were treated to numerous demonstrations throughout the Shuttle Plaza at the complex. A poster contest with the theme 'Return To Flight' brought out the artist in many students, resulting in 170 posters that were displayed during the week. Other highlights included watching the Brevard County High School Robotics Team show off its creation, learning how Space Shuttle tile material resists heat, and hearing a Return to Flight briefing. Space Week is just part of a cooperative space curriculum developed by NASA, Brevard Public Schools and the Visitor Complex. It emphasizes the importance of math and science through fun space-exploration activities. All of the students were given certificates to bring their families to the Visitor Complex free of charge and play 'tour guide,' and demonstrating the knowledge they gained from the program.