To heighten student awareness and share the excitement of space exploration, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and Robeson County Schools submitted a proposal to NASA. The proposal was designed to educate NC students about the space program and give them the opportunity to meet and talk with Colonel William McArthur during his six month tour of duty as Commander of Expedition 12 on the International Space Station. On February 2, 2006 students at six Robeson County high schools participated in a videoconference on the topic, “Living and Working in Space.” Taught by Dr. Myra Halpin from NCSSM, this session provided the students with background information prior to participating in the Downlink. On February 15, 2006, NCSSM hosted an hour long program which included a live twenty minute downlink with the International Space Station. During this time students from NCSSM and Robeson County High Schools were able to view the astronauts aboard the ISS broadcast on NASA TV. In Durham, students from Robeson County and NCSSM asked the astronauts questions using a telephone and satellite hook up. To view the Downlink on February 15th, click here. Use the slider to select the part you want: NASA TV, introduction of guests at NCSSM by Dr. Boarman, information about space travel by Dr. Halpin, Houston ground control, Q & A with the astronauts, answers to final questions and comments by Dr. Chris Brown. On October 24, 2006 Commander McArthur came to the NCSSM campus where he made a presentation to an all school assembly. After the assembly Commander McArthur talked with Robeson County students and teachers via videoconference. To view the Videoconference on October 24th, click here. Use the slider to select the part you want to view. Back to "Special Events" Quicktime Player is required to view these files. Download the Free Quicktime Player for Windows or Free Quicktime Player for Mac Born July 26, 1951, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Colonel William McArthur graduated from Red Springs High School in Robeson County, NC prior to attending US Military Academy at West Point and the Georgia Institute of Technology. McArthur was selected by NASA in 1990 to become an astronaut. A veteran of four space flights, McArthur has logged 224 days in space and undertaken four space walks.