BANGOR — In the coming days, U.S. Rep. John Baldacci will conduct a tour of several elementary, middle and secondary schools in Maine to display lunar rock material and to emphasize the importance of math and science to our nation’s future.

In addition to the lunar rock, Baldacci will share educational material with teachers and students, as well as a NASA video and letter from astronaut John Young.

“Our nation’s achievements in exploring the moon and learning more about our solar system would not have been possible without a strong societal commitment to educational excellence, particularly in the areas of math and science. We must renew this commitment and foster a greater appreciation for mathematics and scientific discovery to expand that body of knowledge and to achieve more in both space and on Earth,” Baldacci said.

The lunar rock to be displayed in Maine schools is from the Apollo 16 mission. Commanded by astronaut Young, Apollo 16 was launched on April 16, 1972. It landed on the moon’s surface on April 27, 1972. Apollo 16 was the fifth of six missions to land on the moon.

Beginning Friday, Dec. 10, the representative will visit schools in Bangor, Hermon, Lewiston, Brooksville, Blue Hill, Castine and Penobscot.

“By demonstrating the connection between math and science and our Apollo missions, it is my hope that more young people will recognize the importance of education and become more excited to learn,” said Baldacci.