“Campbell Middle School’s innovative Zero Robotics program gets thrust in the spotlight in director Thomas Verrette’s inspirational documentary, filmed primarily in the South Bay. Verrette takes a “Spellbound-”like approach, focusing primarily on three students, Makayla Engelder, Advik Gonugunta and Carol Gonzalez as they participate in Tanner Marcoida’s class.

The goal is to create code that will program satellites, and then participate in a NASA-sponsored competition where astronauts will put the programs to the test. Verrette’s mission isn’t limited to outer-space pursuits, and he carves out time to meet the parents and to reflect on the Bay Area’s diversity and the challenges that immigrants trying to make a living encounter here. It’s a winner.”

“It was so exciting and inspiring to see our students featured in this film. We intentionally focus on the future-ready competencies of Critical Thinker, Self-Directed, Innovative, Collaborative and Empathetic, and the Zero Gravity project requires students to tap into each of these. We also know that students are more engaged in learning when they can see how it relates to their own lives. This project motivated our students because they saw the relevance in science, in space, and in continued learning. Now many of them can see themselves working for NASA who might have never before thought it possible.”

“I am thrilled this beautiful story and piece of art is out for all to see. Thank you for highlighting our Expanded Learning programs. Our out-of-school experiences do literally expand horizons!”

“It was such a pleasure to be involved in the film and to showcase the stories of students coding satellites aboard the ISS. Zero Robotics is an incredible opportunity for students and I love how this film puts a spotlight on three middle-schoolers on their own journey to space!”

“The true value of exploration? Igniting a curiosity that fires the soul to learn, grow and improve our future. Zero Gravity captures this magic and shows how the SPHERES program inspired a world of children.”