NASA astronauts visit DC elementary school, share words of encouragement

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- NASA astronauts are on a mission to motivate young children, following their recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronaut Loral O'Hara and her colleague spoke to students at Watkins Elementary School in Southeast D.C. on Monday.

"Some of the moments that are most special to me are the times that I spent in Cupola, which is kind of a window to the world. It's a bunch of windows on the bottom side of the space station that look down to Earth," O'Hara said about her experience on ISS.

The astronauts answered questions from students, conducted experiments and helped to distribute free STEAM kits.

“I actually started dreaming about being an astronaut when I was in second grade," O'Hara said. “I hope that they walk away with the sense that there's a lot of possibilities and ways to pursue their dreams in the world and with some inspiration to go out and chase those dreams down.”