National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Building the Foundation for the Next 50 Years of Exploration.

inspire engage educate employ 2008 NASA Education Highlights the next generation of explorers and innovators.

www.nasa.gov building the foundation

“I submit that one of the most important roles of government is to motivate its citizens, and particularly its young citizens, to love to learn, and to strive to participate in–and contribute to–societal progress.” —Neil Armstrong, NASA Astronaut

Read about the innovative ways NASA is creating new activities that spark the interest and imagination of people from all segments of society. Contents

1 NASA Assistant Administrator for Education Message

2 NASA Education Overview

4 Key Agency Education Highlights

8 Higher Education

14 Minority University Research and Education

20 Elementary and Secondary Education

26 Informal Education

30 Education Technology and Products

34 NASA Mission Directorates • Aeronautics Research • Exploration Systems • Science • Space Operations

42 NASA Centers • Ames Research Center (ARC) • Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) • Glenn Research Center (GRC) • Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) • Johnson Space Center (JSC) • Kennedy Space Center (KSC) • Langley Research Center (LaRC) • Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) • Stennis Space Center (SSC)

62 Appendix A: NASA Education Goals and Framework

63 Appendix B: NASA Education Strategic Framework

64 Appendix C: NASA Education Categories of Involvement

65 Appendix D: NASA Education K–12 Service Areas

66 For More Information As NASA celebrates the past 50 years of innovation, the Agency continues its commitment to support today’s education community and provide compelling STEM experiences that inspire tomorrow’s explorers.

www.nasa.gov/education October 2008

A Message from the Assistant Administrator for Education

This year, NASA celebrates 50 years of exploring various As we commemorate this milestone of the Space Age, frontiers that have led to new horizons of opportunity. NASA continues to attract and retain students in STEM As NASA implements the U.S. Space Exploration Policy, disciplines. Our newest Elementary and Secondary carrying humans back to the Moon, on to Mars, and Education project, the Interdisciplinary National beyond, the Agency is also working to lay the educational Science Project Incorporating Research and Education groundwork that will make this ongoing journey possible. Experience (INSPIRE), is seeking out the Nation’s most talented students and bringing them to NASA Centers to As the Agency furthered its efforts to contribute to the learn alongside the Agency’s scientists and engineers. Nation’s future science, technology, engineering, and Informal education institutions, such as the new Sudekum mathematics (STEM) workforce, we continued to engage Planetarium in Nashville, Tennessee, are helping our Americans in NASA’s mission in an unprecedented way. In Nation’s youth learn about the wonders of space, and our the summer of 2007, Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan place in the universe. captured students’ imaginations as an Educator Astronaut who flew to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour Through content and activities based on its compelling on an assembly mission to the International Space Station missions, NASA is supporting the education of the next (ISS). In 2008, we continued to reap the “space harvest” generation of Americans. By making Federal agencies, of space-exposed basil seeds from this flight by engaging nonprofit organizations, industry, community, and over one million students in the Engineering Design educators partners in our efforts, we are finding new ways Challenge. In early 2009, Mission Specialists and Educator to inspire the next generation to study challenging STEM Astronauts Ricky Arnold and Joe Acaba will journey to the subjects and prepare to follow their dream of exploring ISS and perform spacewalks during mission STS-119. the cosmos. NASA is planning exciting education activities around We invite you to join us in celebrating NASA’s legacy and the mission. pursuing a greater tomorrow. Together we can build the Another historic space flight will occur in 2009: the innovative workforce that will redefine the pinnacle of final Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. Once exploration excellence for future decades. more the STS-125 Space Shuttle Atlantis mission will push the boundaries of how deep in space and far back in time humanity can see. The crew of seven astronauts will upgrade what already may be the most significant Cordially, satellite ever launched, and NASA is making plans to engage students, educators, and the informal education community with the key scientific breakthroughs and awe-inspiring images Hubble already has provided. We will showcase the increased capability of this tremendous Dr. Joyce L. Winterton resource that will result in untold new knowledge and NASA Assistant Administrator for Education opportunities to inspire future explorers.

On the ground, NASA’s Space Grant College and Fellowship Program is bringing space to communities nationwide through student rocket and satellite launch activities. This document highlights several of these talented students who are studying to become future leaders in space exploration, and the faculty who are guiding their journey. www.nasa.gov/education 2008 NASA Education Highlights

1 NASA Education Overview

NASA is taking a leading role in the effort to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—as few other organizations can—through its unique mission, workforce, facilities, research, and innovations. NASA is continuing to pursue three major education goals: strengthening NASA’s and the Nation’s future workforce, attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines, and engaging Americans in NASA’s mission.

NASA Education Programs

Higher Education focuses on strengthening the research capabilities of the Nation’s colleges and universities as well as providing opportunities that attract and prepare increasing numbers of students for NASA-related careers. The research conducted by these institutions contributes to the research needs of NASA’s Mission Directorates. The student projects serve as a major link in the pipeline for addressing NASA’s Human Capital Strategies and the President’s Management Agenda. The projects help to “build, sustain, and effectively deploy the skilled, knowledgeable, diverse, and high-performing workforce needed to meet the current and emerging needs of government and its citizens.”

Minority University Research and Education engages underrepresented populations through a wide variety of initiatives. Multiyear grants are awarded to assist minority institutions, faculty, and students in research pertinent to NASA missions. The program focuses on recruiting and retaining underrepresented and underserved students in STEM disciplines through completion of undergraduate or graduate degrees in support of their entry into the scientific and technical workforce.

Elementary and Secondary Education projects provide K–12 educators with tools, experiences, and opportunities to further their education. Students participate in unique NASA learning experiences that enhance their knowledge of STEM and inspire the pursuit of STEM careers. The program supports the role of educational institutions, providing the framework to bring together students, families, and educators for educational improvement. Please see Appendices for more information about NASA Education. NASA about information more for Appendices see Please NASA EducationManagement programs that are unique to, and funded by, their Centers. Centers. their by, funded and to, unique are that education programs implementing and planning as well as Education, of Office the and Mission the for Directorates activities Nation. and the projects across education NASA programs implement Offices development Education and Center research varied and numerous Agency’s the of NASA Centers community. and the education community the science/engineering NASA between that for activities which they collaboration provide and funding and meaningful ensuring resources, organizations Headquarters NASA and development and programs flightthe administering missions, other discipline-/content-specific and Directorates fund Mission education efforts are The responsible for embedding education components into their efforts. research development NASA Mission Directorates and policies. approach, implementation NASA’sFramework, Education Strategic accounting related to education. It also provides the leadership for coordinating and integrating with external requirements compliance and laws and ensuring NASA-wide for processes, procedures, standards, audits, and responsible is Education of Office The Agency. the across from NASA ofOffice Education for a of range audiences. and connections experiences Directorates, professional education organizations, and others to create effective learning NASA’s Mission with partnering while audiences to content exploration-related deliver to infrastructures technology and products multimedia-rich leverage to is goal The more. and learner networking, e-Professional Development (e-PD), digitized building blocks of content, environments using simulations, visualizations, immersion, online game playing, intelligent tutors, Education Technology and Products activities. hands-on NASA-themed, through are engaged professionals and education learners Self-directed fields. STEM the in learning life-long support and standards-based are that materials education supplemental produce program the within Projects workforce. public on STEM in specific contentareas,resulting the of expansion the Nation’s future STEM Informal Education

are responsible for institutional assets and the execution of components components of execution the and assets institutional for responsible are inspires learning by educating students, educators, and by learning the inspires educators, students, educating general administers national education efforts that draw on efforts content education national administers each cover a major area of the Agency’s research and and research Agency’s the of area major a cover each

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Inspiring the Next Generation During individuals’ creativity and ability to become innovators in today’s NASA’s 50th Anniversary workforce, and prepare students to solve future problems as members of the aerospace workforce. As NASA celebrates 50 years of innovation, the Agency is highlighting its contributions and value to the Nation and its Engaging the Education Community in NASA’s citizens across the country. Accordingly, beginning in January Missions 2008, NASA traveled nationwide hosting Future Forums in key As NASA celebrated its milestone year by highlighting the cities. NASA leadership, astronauts, scientists, and engineers achievements of the past five decades, the Agency also along with local business, technology, and academic leaders engaged key individuals in brainstorming on ways to increase accompanied by local, State, and Federal officials met to discuss collaboration with the education community. NASA has hosted the role of space exploration in advancing science, engineering, several education forums that coincided with Agency mission technology, education, and the economy. activities at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Education The program featured an exciting preview of NASA’s leaders interacted with NASA regarding the Agency’s education Constellation Program—America’s return to the Moon and goals and programs, and also received exclusive access to NASA beyond. Using the inspirational pursuit of space exploration facilities, mission preparation and briefings, and historic launches to spark the imagination of our youth is crucial in keeping the of the Space Shuttle. Nation competitive in developing the workforce that will achieve In October 2007, leaders from both traditional and innovative our future exploration missions. engagement programs in industry and academia met to share The Future Forums occurred in Seattle, WA; Columbus, OH; St. their ideas on means of identifying talented K-12 and higher Louis, MO; Miami, FL; San Jose, CA; Boston, MA; and Chicago, education students, securing their interest in STEM coursework, IL. The forums featured an “Innovation” panel which focused on and drawing them into the STEM workforce. High school and business and technology; a “Discovery” panel that discussed undergraduate students offered their opinions on how the Agency science, research, and applications; and an “Inspiration” panel can better connect with them and use new technology to make focused on education. Agency activities even more relevant and accessible to today’s youth. The forum concluded with viewing of the October 23rd The “Inspiration” panels discussed how to best engage students STS-120 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on an assembly of tomorrow, exploring ideas that ranged from classroom mission to the International Space Station (ISS). practices to recruitment and retention efforts. The events facilitated informative discussions on how best to enhance Approaches to attracting young Hispanic scientists and interest and performance in STEM and related careers, reinforce engineers into the Agency’s STEM education projects and better collaboration with the Nation’s Hispanic Serving Institutions entering careers in STEM and strengthen the science and and science the strengthen and STEM in careers entering individuals of numbers declining the to address education STEM Federal agencies with a vital interest in strategic planning for the on ofAgency group a TaskForce, the Revitalization Aerospace Interagency represents Education of Office NASA The Government in an toeffort shape STEM education nationwide. NASA is actively collaborating with agencies throughout the Federal Competitiveness Federal Collaboration for Future STEM to lead the Nation’s innovation of tomorrow. inspired similarly be will today of minds young the that ensure to methods formulating of while NASA’s on the excitement missions capitalize 2009, through will which events, continue unique These 10, October 2008. for scheduled was Atlantis of STS-125 launch The launched. ever satellite significant most the be may already what upgrade again and see, can humanity time in back far and space in deep benefits educational of how the on boundaries the push more once would that of mission the focused forum The STS-125. with HST, convened for a forum based on the finalhistoric mission to service the institutions informal and centers, Inspire science to museums, Nation’s the Hubble of Power from Leadership the 2008. October in Explorers” of “Using Generation Next entitled, forum prelaunch a during education discussed were imagery (HST) Telescope SpaceHubble public’s inthe interest harness to Strategies deliver components of the Japanese Kibo laboratory on ISS. STS-124to the of mission launch the of viewing included and universities, and colleges with relationships Education’s NASA enhancing on focused event The 30-31. May NASA on held and Education” Presidents University Between Dialogue “A forum, the better prepare new graduates to enter the STEM workforce inof colleges of to how on deans asession in participated and education and engineering chancellors, presidents, University ISS. to astronauts six of crew its and Atlantis Shuttle Space of launch the viewed participants 2008, 2007. February In December in forum an STS-122 prelaunch during academia and industry in leaders by discussed were academia, academia, and State and local Governments. training, and establish partnerships with industry, organized and labor, education trades skilled and programs STEM and sector private public monitor and promote to policies Federal develop integrated agencies, and departments Federal among resources of use and cooperation the maximize to works and Training and Employment for Labor of Secretary Assistant by the chaired is Force Task the 2006, in law into Signed workforce. technology the document was finalized and submitted to Congress. to submitted and finalized was document the 2008, Spring In concept. Laboratory National ISS the in inherent and convey the possibilities cover STEM which subjects projects demonstration candidate varied submitted organizations eleven plan, the of phase demonstration the For report. the in included is achievement STEM increase to aimed programs non-Agency and NASA current about Information areas. STEM the in faculty and teachers, students, educate and inspire, engage, to venue a as accommodations and resources ISS using for force’s strategy task the validate to plan a presents Laboratory,” National ISS Educate: to “An Opportunity exploration. space of generations future for of needed array technologies the test and to develop wide resources a with equipped will station laboratories for space home a the provide 2010, in completion for Planned educational asset. an as built, ever vehicle space complex most and largest the ISS, the using for a strategy developing with charged GroupWorkingCoordination Education (ISS) Station Space intoresponsibilities education in theparticipate International with agencies Federal of range a asked NASA 2006, In lessons learned. education programs and documenting program successes and The NSTC is conducting a comprehensive inventory of STEM the of recommendations the AcademicCompetitiveness Council. implement and programs, of has effectiveness the determining subcommittee the of work forevaluation methodologies rigorous identify The NASA helped Subgroup. Evaluation and Science National the of andSubcommittee Education(NSTC)Technology Council member active an is Education

5 2008 NASA Education Highlights Key Agency Education Highlights Directorates, and Centers supported this event on-site and Camp and Astro and on-site (SSC) Center event Space this Stennis NASA remotely. supported Centers and Directorates, Mission (OE), Education of Office the from personnel education NASAScience. Space and Initiatives,Futureflight: Space Technologies, Aeronautics, Propulsion, Science, Earth Human NASA-derived Art, Space Space, Kids’ included areas Exhibit discovery, and service embodied by the Agency and its personnel. innovation, of spirit the explored that exhibits and sessions, history” “oral narrative knowledge, and skills of demonstrations and country the world through educational hands-on activities, NASA showcased its contributions to the culture and history of this traditions of communities across the U.S. and around the globe. cultural the celebrates Festival Folklife Smithsonian the year, Each shape the future. American of horizons the andscience culture, as well as their continued role in helping broadening in played have Years NASA Fifty “NASA: exploration. and Beyond” human showcased the role that the of men and women of legacy and thrill Washington, the in with Mall National the on DC, and provided exhibits and programs that activities the connected public featured three of one was NASA 2008. 2–6, July and 25–29 June held Festival Folklife Smithsonian annual 42nd the at NASA celebrate and experience to able were groups, education summer/informal and families, students, parents, teachers, including Americans million a Over to,mission. our contribute and from, benefit who the Americans we embody milestone, its own 50-year celebrates NASAAs Age. Space the inculminating history throughout Nation’sthis of foundation us in exploration reminds and innovation, with Jamestown at discoveries anniversary 400th recent The Smithsonian Folklife Festival In the third area of opportunity, NASA is making available funding funding available making is NASA for science museums, science-technology centers, and opportunity, of area third the In and engage to abilities stimulate their students. educators’ improve and experiences academic students’ enhance to science climate in contributions to is of expected take NASA’sadvantage proposal Each funded unique levels. undergraduate and secondary, elementary, the at Education education system science Earth and climate change of global Change Climate Global Opportunity. The goal of this projectthe is to improve the quality is area second The and instruction. innovative, and replicable approaches to improving STEM learning new, support and out seek to is opportunity the of goal The awardedorganizations.tononprofitU.S. and schools public school secondary level teaching and learning, with grants being targeting project grant education an Opportunity, Grants K-12 Competitive the is opportunities funding three the of One institutions. education higher and secondary, and elementary innovativewillsolicitations address for informal, opportunities result in the awarding of These grants or agreements. cooperative couldthat opportunities competitivefundingnew three 2008 July in announced NASA direction, to congressional response In Programs for 2008 for Direction Congressional New Education principles of propulsion, and provided hands-on children’s transportation. children’s hands-on rocketand dockingprovided Shuttle Space included that activities and propulsion, of the demonstrate principles to engine, rocket” J-2 a “pocket and hybrid (SSME) miniature the Engine fired Main Shuttle Space a displayed

bring NASA content into the classroom; WALL-E also made a made also special WALL-E appearance in a robotics DLN episode. classroom; the into content NASA modules bring DLN casts, Web live and videoconferencing Through images and gather information about the Moon’s surface. capture will instruments different six its and Moon, the orbit will spacecraft robotic The 2008. of fall the in to launch scheduled is and Moon the to humans returning toward step NASA’s first is (LRO) to Orbiter satellite mission the Moon; LRO Reconnaissance served WALL-E theLunar about students teach to NASA help host a guest as (DLN), Network Learning Digital NASA’s With propulsion systems, and astrophysics. technology, robotics in work real-life NASA’s and storyline movie’s and public outreach activities based on the similarities between the NASA and Disney worked to together create a of series educational opened in theaters nationwide to critical acclaim on June 27, 2008. regarding Pixar Space. to Goes Disney-Pixar hero’s at in Walt World later welcome in Disney 2008. Florida a possibly and initiative for back-to-school a included plans return Buzz’s Tentative ISS. the from downlink video a in appears and the experiments, gravity in zero at is participating Buzz in space, While space in months several (ISS), Space Station testing the International limits of microgravity. spending is Lightyear Buzz educational program. The series was available throughout the year. Space in Toys NASA’s of part was series The Series. Education 31, the Ranger Space as Parks and 2008, Disney NASA launched May on STS-124 the on mission Discovery Shuttle Space aboard figurefrom Disney’s to ISS. Off Blasts Lightyear Buzz way. the and unprecedented youth an in public inspire to general potential the have that relationships our future itworkforce, entered into multimedia groundbreaking foster will that goals three its pursue to continues Agency the As Entertainment/Media to Inspire Industry with Collaborating microgravity. or science, Earth science, space aeronautics, planetariums to enhance programs related to space exploration, WALL-E Toy Story Toy , a unique computer-animated film that © Disney films, Buzz Lightyear, flew Lightyear, Buzzto films, space NASA also teamed with Disney- teamed also NASA The popular 12-inch action action 12-inch popular The or merit of an activity or project against its stated objectives. This This objectives. stated its against project or activity an of merit or Evaluation is conducted so that managers can determine the worth reporting data a priority. NASA goals, these and toward of performance, assessment evaluation, made has outcomes. Education progress desired demonstrate achieve to and Agency document To the of ability the on dependent is programs education its implementing in success NASA’s Improving through EvaluationPerformance of NASA education programs enables NASA to better manage them, them, manage better to NASA and enables improve progress toward achieving Agency education goals. programs education NASA of has These efforts to projects determine the effectiveness, efficiency,and impact education NASA of awarded. been evaluation independent conducting for contract five-year a of addition, In results. efficiency the reporting improve and performance, project assessing in aid gathering, data and surveys user standardized enable will that Education of Office NASA’s by development in are tools New Federal funds. Management of of theuse for show accountability and results demonstrate data Office the through as Tool Rating the (PART), such Assessment Program (OMB) Budget’s and externally, reported When schedule, customer satisfaction, project quality, and relevance. including meeting and exceeding expectations, project reach, cost, education, in investment Agency’s the on return the improving in aids data of use this Internally, goals. education established meeting toward progress measure performance of indicators as data of use and analysis Data compared. be can efforts future to establish baselines for performance—a standard against which data uses and collects NASA projects, education its managing In above expected levels. or at performing are projects that ensure controls and processes needed and success of areas reviews and evaluations, improvement. External as well as internal identifying to critical also is it evaluation process guides decision-making and funding allocation; The of the Agency’s missions. the importance are communicating impact. and are well-managed, are meeting the needs of its audiences, and effectiveness actual its programs education of its that to NASA be certain allows Evaluation assessment an includes often © Disney

7 2008 NASA Education Highlights Higher Education Overview

Meeting Future Workforce Needs Higher Education Strategy

The Office of Education is strengthening involvement with Specifically, projects are in place to build connections—through institutions of higher education to ensure that NASA can meet partnerships and consortium awards—that provide institutions future workforce needs in the STEM fields. Participation in NASA of higher education and other educational entities better bridges programs and research stimulates students to continue their for students, provide fellowship and scholarship opportunities studies at all levels of the higher education continuum and earn to attract “the best and the brightest” students to NASA advanced degrees in these critical fields. Through a portfolio disciplines, catalyze institutional development to improve the of project types, the NASA Higher Education activities seek ability of colleges and universities to compete for NASA research to increase the overall capacity at all levels of universities and awards, increase the candidate pool of qualified faculty who colleges to better address STEM disciplines related to NASA. can compete for NASA research awards, and facilitate improved coordination between NASA-sponsored university research activities and teacher preparation projects to expose teachers- in-training to NASA research and discoveries, thus furthering their understanding of STEM disciplines. educate / employ

Examples of Higher Education Projects highly trained scientists and engineers in aeronautics and space-related disciplines and to broaden the base of students Higher Education focuses on strengthening the research pursuing advanced degrees in STEM. Fellowships are awarded capabilities of the Nation’s colleges and universities as well for graduate study leading to master’s or doctoral degrees in as providing opportunities that attract and prepare increasing the STEM fields related to NASA research and development. numbers of students for NASA-related careers. The research [Managing Center: KSC] conducted by these institutions contributes to the research needs of NASA’s Mission Directorates. The student projects The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program serve as a major link in the pipeline for addressing NASA’s Human (Space Grant) is a national network of colleges and universities Capital Strategies and the President’s Management Agenda. The that works to expand opportunities for Americans to understand projects help to “build, sustain, and effectively deploy the skilled, and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space programs by knowledgeable, diverse, and high-performing workforce needed supporting and enhancing science and engineering education, to meet the current and emerging needs of government and research, and public outreach programs. its citizens.” The Undergraduate Student Research Project (USRP) The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive is NASA’s largest Agency-wide internship program. USRP Research (EPSCOR) develops academic research enterprises offers immersive, STEM experiences for college sophomores that are long-term, self-sustaining, and nationally competitive through seniors. USRP internships are available during fall and by supporting states with modest research infrastructure spring semesters (15 weeks) or the summer (10 weeks) and to become more competitive in attracting research funding. allow students to work full-time in a challenging, “hands on” Funding is awarded to lead academic institutions, fostering a technical environment that relates to their field of study. USRP STEM relationship with industries for research and development students are placed with NASA scientists and engineers at all opportunities. the NASA Centers across the U.S. These nationally competitive, highly regarded internships help to prepare and enable The Graduate Student Researchers Project (GSRP) students to become members of NASA’s future workforce.

cultivates research ties to the academic community to help 2008 NASA Education Highlights [Managing Center: JSC] meet the continuing needs of the Nation’s aeronautics and space effort. This project seeks to increase the number of 9 Overall NASA EducationHigher EducationPrograms Highlights representing Canada’s Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario). (Ottawa, University racers Carleton Canada’s representing third-place and KY), (Murray, University State from Murray winners top the second-place in were Evansville Finishing with race. along the three of division college globe the and win to country the (Evansville, around from teams Evansville 23 of past sped IN), University the from innovators Student apply to future lunar vehicles. mass—may minimizing while durability challenge—maximizing rover.lunar basic The Apollo-era original theof designers the by faced those to similar problems engineering of series a The race challenged students to design a vehicle that addresses Moon- into shaped “rilles.” and lava-etched and basins, sandy sand craters, of like ridges, tons 5 and gravel of tons 20 with covered were tires—that old and plywood of obstacles—built in 1971. 15 mission Apollo Moon 17 faced course They unique they based on designed the lunar original rovers used during the moonbuggies lightweight raced Germany, and India, Canada, Rico, Puerto with along 20 states, from hailing students, The 2008. Race on students 68 teams for NASA’s 15th Great Moonbuggy annual college and school high 400 about of endurance physical and harsh lunar landscape. The course tested the engineering a savvy into transformed are Alabama Huntsville, in Center Rocket & Space U.S. the at paths of half-mile a April, around year Each Students Navigating the Moonscape Virtual Virtual Reality Improves Rocket Engine Testing while searching for anomalous conditions. the tonavigate rocket test information quickly and competently enhance will system by the providing ability Management Health Systems Integrated visualization Lecakes’s viewed. quickly and assimilated, integrated, be can sets data Large variables. differentseveralmonitor simultaneously and situation a grasp quickly to operator an allows visualizations simple into Integrating data into a virtual environment and converting it system. the in identify and anomalies and manage, faults understand, to interface operator visual a and software, analysis root-cause sensors, intelligent of array an uses which was incorporated, Management Integrated Health Systems engine. J-2X developing Program’s the on Constellation testing preliminary for used being now is and engines main Shuttle Space stand—with certify to test used technology—was same updated The Stennis stand. on test A-1 tested were Center’s Moon Space the to astronauts propelled that engines rocket V Saturn the program, Apollo the During sensor and models geometric data visualizations. through system entire an view can been have NJ) a prototyping so (Glassboro, interface reality virtual that test stand operators University Rowan and Lecakes George student (GSRP) Project Researchers Student Graduate Douglas, Arizona. “I was not prepared for college and did not did and college for prepared not was “I Arizona. Douglas, a Robeson, female, grew Hispanic up in the small town border of populations. underrepresented engage as well as careers, and research NASA-related for them prepare that opportunities of education a progression in students involve to NASA’s of efforts example exceptional an is Robeson Yuridia senior Arizona of University Student Super Flies High Education Higher NASA within USRP. mentors and students between community build and students in thatplace levels higher to included of recruit connectivity of NASA’s part being as Initiatives were put missions. future themselves visualize can they so NASA by needed disciplines core technical the in students attract to aimed campaign outreach Your Vision” “Find new a launched USRP 2008, In overall better a for making internship experience. sets, skill students’ and needs mentors’ NASA efficiency between new capabilities matching better and promoted has Connect USRP acceptances. for time turnaround the reduce which “e-offers,” through selection their of electronically students notify to project the allows then Connect USRP projects. their for match best the select to applicants USRP of number significant the rank and browse to to electronically mentors allow NASA developed also USRP project management software, “USRP Connect” was Centers. NASA at internships for highly qualifiedapplicants, placing a record 3,000 number of nearly students received USRP result, a As applying. of process the simplified has and an electronic fully is that developed application online has USRP audience, computer-savvy its with To experiences. keep in technical pace immersive summer-long or semester- in U.S. the across from 315 students placing project, internship year-round NASA’s largest became USRP 2008, In workforce. technical future NASA’s of imagination and interest the capture to changes innovative making by evolving is (USRP) Project Research Student Undergraduate NASA The Internships NASA for Vision New A

Robeson applied and was accepted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Summer program. Research Massachusetts In 2007 the into accepted was and applied Robeson 2006 in manager, Grant Space the from encouragement With possible,” seemed she said. got everything the grant, NASA I “Once Internship. Grant Space Arizona/NASA of University off as she found mentor-guided research through the prestigious paid (UA) Arizona of University the attend to choice Robeson’s said. she home,” to closest know what to once I expect so was I accepted the chose school activities and requires six months of preparation and nine nine and preparation of site. on days months six requires and activities outreach public and educational and operations, test design, experimental hands-on research, scientific in experience with space. students in provides tested Program been Opportunities never Flight has Student The gravity zero in for composite used metal currently polymer are ionic the on that experiment Robeson’s operations. materials space heavier replacing for merits possible has hopes she that composite metal polymer ionic an and testing the of the resiliency properties characterizing entails Program.Robeson’s FlightStudent Opportunities proposal microgravity. The team’s flightis part ofNASA’s Reduced Gravity to Douglas DC-9 jetliner that takes 45-degree nosedives to students simulate Florida of NASA’s aboard research McDonnell modified scientific conduct University and UA of team a with Houston in JSC NASA for head to academy robotics summer intensive the from absence of leave short a for permission special given of research of to high importance NASA’s areas space She program. was study to nationwide applicants 15 to 12 only selects that program summer prestigious highly a Maryland, in (GSFC) CenterFlightSpace Goddard NASA at Academy Robotics NASA the in participated Robeson 2008, summer During in 1986 aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. died He astronauts. African-American first NASA’s of one and physicist a was McNair Erwin Dr. Ronald activities. scholarly doctoral studies through involvement in research and other forpopulations underserved and underrepresented from Achievement program, which is designed to prepare participants Post-baccalaureate McNair UA’s E. the of Ronald a part also is She (JSC). Center Space associated Johnson NASA at its internship and summer Scholarship Technology) and Science in won theRobeson MUSTNASA (Motivating Undergraduates

11 2008 NASA Education Highlights Overall NASA EducationHigher EducationPrograms Highlights time aloft—for an electric aircraft weighing less than 5 kilograms. kilograms. 5 than less weighing aircraft electric an aloft—for time Grant planes broke was the continuous record—measuring endurance Space Oklahoma the student-made the of record significant the most said Consortium, director deputy also is who Arena, planning to break more. and are have records world three Arena’s then, broken students Since records. for world to compete airplanes designing began and 2005 in bar the raised and program engineering aerospace mechanical university’s the in students and Arena Andy professor engineering aerospace University State Oklahoma place. second and first both the school’s of in years and three those contest, took teams Oklahoma State planes have placed in the top five at theAIAA years, five last the In well. performed and competition Fly Design/Build/ (AIAA) Astronautics and Aeronautics of Institute American the in year each competed have creations Students’ engineering curriculum. aerospace the of part as airplanes remote-controlled students University have been competing State in the designing, building, and flying of Oklahoma Consortium, 13 Grant past Space the For success. Oklahoma the and by NASA and provided grant a through years, innovation student for way the paving are country the across activities Grant Space Break World Records Airplanes Remote-Controlled Student-Built

Colorado and Virginia Space Grants Help Help Grants University Faculty and Students RockOn! Space Virginia and Colorado future workforce. Nation’s the and Agency’s the strengthening of goal NASA’s research,and public The project supports outreach efforts. supporting and enhancing science and engineering education, universities and colleges of network national a is Grant Space years. 9 for stood seconds 30 and minutes 38 10 hours, of 1998 in Switzerland from team a by set record previous the because significant was feat This their home at institutions. process educational the of part a experiments flight make to RockOn! through learned lessons the use will who faculty were and states 22 members of team the in percent Eighty participated. Rico Puerto universities from people 60 Nearly results. their discussed and analysis data conducted participants approximatelyof 41 miles. Afteraltitude launch andan payload to recovery,flew rocket 27, the In June of morning early experiments. the their construct to Consortium Grant Space and then used kits developed by students from the Colorado basics of building experiments for flight on suborbital rockets, the learned teams participant Programs, Grant Space Virginia 2008. During the week-long event, coordinated by Colorado and Virginia,was the highlight of the RockOn! workshop in June asounding NASAaboard Orion rocket fromWallops Island, experiments student-built and faculty university of launch The external tank, the solid rocket boosters, and the orbiter together together the launchpad. orbiter the and torollout for boosters, Shuttle Space assembled the preparing and rocket solid the tank, the stacking external including launch, for prepared is Shuttle Space the facility, immense this In to technicians. information present to way inexpensive and easy-to-implement an establishing by ofinformation inside the Vehicle Building exchange Assembly at KSC, the improve to plan a presented paper team’s The paper competition. engineeringsystems annual (ESMD) Directorate Mission Systems Exploration NASA the in entry winning their for between (KSC) communication engineers and techniciansresearched at NASA Kennedy Space Center students from The flight. students graduate of space of human future the team improve help may a University Purdue by project research A Facility KSC for Students Create Operations Improvement Plan Nation’s the and NASA to STEM workforce. contributors major as continue serve will to alumni JPFP decade, next the in that clear is It industry. other in percent 25 and Government, other in percent 20 percent in academia, 20 percent in the aerospace industry, 15 To date, 17 of are percent employed byJPFP participants NASA, funding and research opportunities for young graduate students. providing by disciplines STEM in persons underrepresented of advancement the in role pivotal a plays JPFP NASA The NASA. at working them 11 of with industry, STEM the within employed are recipients JPFPall Ph.D. realized: been has accomplishment significant Another States. United the in programs fellowship federally funded prestigious most the of one as recognized highly is 151and has the scholars supported period, project outstanding a total of In and time 50 35 this short doctoral master’s degrees. have earned JPFP scholars inception, its after years eight Just met. officially was goal this 2008, July In workforce. STEM the by the year 2010, the JPFP would 50 into place Ph.D. recipients that set was a goal 2000, year the in (JPFP) launched Project Fellowship Predoctoral Jenkins G. Harriett NASA the When Years Early JPFPPh.D.Surpasses ProductionTwo Goal

devices could improve operations. electronic portable of use the whether explored and manuals paper using with associated issues the evaluated students into and paper manuals kept Purdue assembly, binders. in large, three-ring the for compiled are vehicles launch of procedures maintenance and integration, Building Assembly Vehicle Current of modified. are facilities current and built are vehicles new as importance technicians and the is engineers between paper communication effective students’ the of premise The Agency’s and the Nation’s future work force. work future Nation’s the the and Agency’s strengthening of goal NASA’s supports competition The project for the ESMD systems engineering paper competition. their invited about paper are engineering systems a submit to year each competitions, approved other in participating teams and project, design senior a for ESMD by funded Students a through projects national network ofservice university-based consortia. public and funds education, which research, Program, Fellowship and College Grant Space professor is of part NASA’s Consortium Grant Space National The Consortium. Indiana Grant Space engineering Indiana the of director industrial and an Purdue at Caldwell, Barrett of direction the under paper the developed and researched students The

13 2008 NASA Education Highlights Minority University Research and Education Overview

Diversity in Higher Education retaining underrepresented and underserved students in STEM disciplines through completion of undergraduate or graduate The Office of Education is strengthening involvement with higher degrees in support of their entry into the scientific and education institutions to ensure that NASA can meet future technical workforce. workforce needs in STEM fields. Participation in NASA projects and research stimulates increasing numbers of students Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology to continue their studies at all levels of the higher education (MUST) provides partial scholarships (renewable up to three continuum and earn advanced degrees in these critical fields. years) to undergraduate students (rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or transfer students) to support up to 50 percent of tuition NASA strives to ensure that underrepresented and underserved and fees. Students who have accumulated 30 credits or more students participate in Agency education and research projects will be offered an additional stipend of $5,000 to participate in to assist more of these students in their pursuit of STEM careers. an internship at a NASA Center related to their current field of The Higher Education Program will continue to focus on the study. [Managing Center: GRC] Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP), thereby enhancing the capabilities of Historically Black Colleges Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award for the and Universities’ (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions’ (HSI), Integration of Research (CIPAIR), a three-year undergraduate and Tribal Colleges and Universities’ (TCU) contributions to curriculum improvement program for MIs, including Historically the research needs of science and technology enterprises. In Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, addition, the Office of Education encourages these institutions Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other MIs, emphasizes to collaborate with teacher preparation programs that improve improvements that are directly related to the NASA mission by infusing innovative learning experiences in STEM into the the quality and diversity of STEM teachers. curriculum. [Managing Center: JPL] Examples of Minority University Research and NASA Science and Technology Institute for Minority Education Projects Institutions (NSTI-MI) provides leading-edge research Minority University Research and Education engages opportunities for faculty and students from MIs that complement underrepresented populations through a wide variety of NASA’s research programs and make original contributions to initiatives. Multiyear grants are awarded to assist Minority NASA in astrobiology, biotechnology, information technology, Institutions (MI), faculty, and students in research pertinent and nanotechnology. Faculty and students from MIs collaborate to NASA missions. The program focuses on recruiting and with the scientists at NASA Ames Research Center, industry, [Managing Center: DFRC] Center: [Managing disciplines. STEM in degrees advanced obtaining in and in research NASA-related underrepresented historically been mainstream in MIs of research, and increases the production students of increased U.S. citizens and who for have faculty by mechanisms participation develops development, and research the Nation’s expands for base aerospace concepts, technology capability among the Nation’s MIs that new fosters and science aerospace research NASA-related competitive broad-based, (URC)CentersResearch Project University NASA a at research conducting Center. [Managing Center: MSFC] year a spend faculty of STEM members MIs’ and MIs at faculty/administrators visiting year a and development mission. To that goal, NASA employees spend the of increase ability MIs to to respond NASA’s overall research NASA Administrator’s Fellowship Project (NAFP) ARC] Center: [Managing workforce. STEM the facilitate to is development of goal a more inclusive, multicultural,ultimate and The sustainable research. NASA-related disabilities who seek advanced degrees and opportunities for with those and minorities, women, including disciplines, STEM in students underserved and underrepresented for support Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship Project (JPFP) [Managing Center: ARC] prepare the next generation of explorers for NASA missions. helps that research on organizations nonprofit and academia, provides a provides provides seeks to to seeks

• • include: Projects Small MUREP from researchers and related STEM fields.[Managing Center: KSC] faculty, NASA-incommunities underserved and underrepresented teachers, students, for MUREP Small Projects KSC] Center: [Managing faculty. and students American Nat to opportunities educational high-quality provides and resourc and grants of for TCUs Federal to compete capacity enhances technology.andexploration partnership The sp to related activities in involvement incre faculty to and TCUs student with partners NASA students. and faculty Coll Tribal to support provide to agencies Federal directs which Universities, and 13270, Colleges Tribal Order Executive Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) majority institutions. Institutions,Tribal Universities,selectandand Colleges Serving Hispanic Universities, and Historically Colleges Black from teachers school middle and elementary prospective hundred several for seminars and training on TeacherPreservice Conference environment. office or lab a in either mentor a with NASA summer the 10during weeks for work Students disabilities. with students qualified highly Space Science (ACCESS) and Engineering Computing, in Competence Achieving E

du support a variety of opportunities opportunities of variety a support provides summer internships to to internships summer provides CATE has provided hands- provided has Project / EM responds to ploy ege ege ace ace ase ase the es, es, ive ive

15 2008 NASA Education Highlights Minority University Research and Education Highlights education education workshop, tour, and possible launch viewing. an for K–12KSC program—to University a in participating youth— to to inner-city HBCUs four were awarded bring Grants (HBCU) K–12 Student Experience Launch Universities and Colleges Black Historically careers. STEM pursue and college attend to and students (MSFC), Center inspire to is project the of goal Flight The industries. Space aerospace area Marshall NASA of center visitor official the is which Center, Rocket and Space U.S. the visited Students professors. University A&M Alabama and and engineers scientists NASA by taught were sessions The mechanical assembly. and surveying, land design, page Web building, participatedschools high 12 from and competedStudents for awardsinstruction. in robotics,mathematics bridgeand a through challenges design engineering of careers session intensive three-week technical to them introduce and science and engineering in students school high minority underserved engage to designed is project The accident. Columbia Shuttle Space the during 2003 in died African who an astronaut was NASA American Anderson Michael Technology. of School Engineering University A&M Alabama the by year second a for was P.The Project Michael hosted Outreach Summer Anderson Careers Engineering Project: Learning About Hands-on Michael P. Anderson Summer Outreach Universities (TCU) Universities with TribalPartnership and Colleges to for underserved and order underrepresented students. in schools secondary of opportunities and a academic ensure progression more seamless NASA between partnerships This the meets initiative of Agency’s strategic challenge building and astronauts. and opportunities to interact with NASA engineers, scientists, dedicated Visitor to international culture and KSC’s technological innovation; of tour a workshop; Center and Epcot, a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort STEM-related hands-on a ams; progr Skylab and NASA’sApollo by used rocket V Saturn multistage actual an Center, featuring KSC a NASA museum V Apollo/Saturn the at experience overnight an included: Activities careers. aerospace and STEM of importance the of awareness student raising on focuses project The University. University State Tennessee and View, TX), (Prairie University Prairie A&M View State University, State A&T Morgan Carolina were North MD), (Baltimore, universities selected The faculties’ need to be closer to home. to closer be to need faculties’ and students’ the accommodate and communities collaborate to American intends Native to experiences and project resources The NASA bring to TCUs with 2008. summer during students American the (AIHEC) and tested with 20 and Consortium Education Higher Indian GSFC NASA by developed was Institute, (SRE) Experience Research Summer TCU the project, pilot A

with Hampton University faculty, staff, and students. and staff, faculty, University Hampton with him and mission assisting is team science along an international entiretheforresponsible is direction,Hampton University Russell’s Atmospheric Under investigator. for AIM’s principal (CAS), is Sciences Center University’s Hampton of codirector and professor III, Russell, M. Dr. James $140M award. this win HamptonUniversity competed against major universities to change. climate of to understanding leading long- of better a ultimately study climate for basis mesospheric the the in variability provide term will mission this from Results changing. whyare and they whyclouds—toout they form find explore to (PMC)—alsodesigned noctilucentClouds called Mesospheric Polar was mission satellite (AIM) Mesophere in of the Ice Aeronomy The control. mission and development HBCU for first responsibility has the and is mission, space NASA a lead to Virginia Hampton, in University Hampton Clouds at the Edge of Space HBCU Leads NASA Mission To Explore summer/year. following the for Center NASA a at activities research in participation their facilitate to end of the summer, the students gained enough experience Tribal the at College Forum in August and at AIHEC conferences. By the videoconferencing via teams findings research, their the of presented conclusion the At weeks. seven for research their continued and and colleges their to students returned the faculty institute, the at weeks three the Following the and aerospace industry. Colleges, Tribal NASA, from mentors of supervision the under institute the at weeks three initial the during project and performance expectations. Participants began a research method,thescientificclimate change,mapping,business, InformationsuchGeographicas Systems, remote sensing, subjects on given were Courses audiences. American Native Space Science, and teaching Sciences, to Earth Sun-Earth, astronomy, including disciplines, of variety a on briefings teams the orient to to science and NASAprogram in a culturalfull a context.in NASA provided participate and June in weeks three for Dakota North Bismarck, in College Technical NASA solicited TCU student-faculty teams to visit United Tribes

The program also continues to lead national education activities to The also activities continues program lead education national clouds.” mesospheric of polar phenomena the study to mission Explorer Small in the launching and achievement developing outstanding “for Award Achievement Group NASA a received team AIM the 2008, May In seasons. seven additional an for continue to clouds mesospheric of evolution from the of 2012 tracking allow will September extension through 2009 June The mission. baseline Explorer two-year the following funding mission extended for selected been has AIM viewed Mars terrain using 3-D glasses. 3-D using terrain Mars viewed and arms, robotic with worked Mars, on living for habitats built visitors. Astronaut Lee Morin signed autographs, while 85,000 students over attracted that event an Day, Community HESTEC during exhibit its explore to public the invited and NASA engineers. scientists NASA with activities hands-on in participated and exhibit the through rotated Students sample. lunar a and meteorite, Mars a Rovers, Exploration Mars displayed which Mars on working and living on focused that exhibit an featured robotics, STS-118, and future space exploration. NASA also to related activities in STEM enrichment educators engaged workshops NASA of Explorers.” Generation Next the “Inspiring on focused that families their and students, educators, for held During HESTEC Week 2007 in late September 2007, events were students. Texas South Hispanic predominantly among careers STEM Education promotes that program a is year-round HESTEC on Committee House the and Labor. of Subcommittee Competitiveness and Learning, Lifelong of Education, Higher the Chairman the is Hinojosa Congressman (TX-15). Hinojosa Rubén Congressman of Office the with conjunction in (UTPA) annual event organized by the of University Texas-Pan American an is (HESTEC) Technology and Science Engineering Hispanic and Living on Mars HESTEC WorkingAbout Learn Participants clouds. noctilucent about learn and see to Alaska in activity student school high a hosted AIM students. and teachers for

17 2008 NASA Education Highlights Highlights

A Partnership to Expand the Research NASA Science and Technology Institute (NSTI)

Agenda at Minority Serving Institutions The NASA Science and Technology Institute (NSTI) was The fourth Minority Serving Institutions Research Partnerships established in June 2006 with capital funds from NASA Higher (MSIRP) Conference, hosted by Dillard University in New Education for the main purpose of providing leading-edge Orleans, LA, provided a venue for more than 500 NASA, research opportunities for faculty and students from MIs and industry, and academia participants to discuss avenues to MSIs. The NSTI Research Clusters and student internships advance the research capacity and infrastructure at Minority support the NASA research agenda and the development Serving Institutions (MSI). One such avenue is through the NASA of next generation of explorers. NSTI faculty and students University Research Centers (URC) project, which has resulted in are strongly encouraged to pursue applied research and to

Minority University Research and Education Education and Research University Minority the establishment of 21 multidisciplinary scientific, engineering, establish collaborations with NASA scientists, industry partners and/or commercial research centers at MSIs over its 16-year (such as those resident in the NASA Research Park, Silicon history. After a six-year hiatus, the NASA URC solicitation will Valley, California), academia, nonprofit organizations, and other yield five new cooperative agreements at five million dollars over Federal agencies. five years by the end of 2008. Launched at Google headquarters in 2006, the NSTI has placed During a preconference workshop, 25 MSIs participated in a three research clusters at NASA facilities. Selected following unique collaboration between the URC project and the MSFC a competitive process, the clusters are currently conducting Office of Small Business Programs, which set the stage for research at Ames Research Center (ARC), Glenn Research academia to identify potential partnership opportunities in Center (GRC), Johnson Space Research Center (JSC), and their NASA-related areas of interest with 17 of NASA’s current home institutions. The three research clusters are Information prime contractors in a special matchmaking session. These and Emerging Technologies Research Cluster, Energy and partnerships will strengthen the research agendas at MSIs Environmental Research Cluster, and The Mission Enabling as well as strengthen the STEM workforce for NASA and the Technologies Research Cluster. aerospace community for years to come. and employ the diverse, talented STEM workforce of the future; STEM workforce talented the diverse, and employ graduation. NASA education aims to inspire, engage, educate, after employment full-time for opportunity great a gain and apply classroom theory in a practical, real-world environment; academic enhanced experience; work paid diverse, a in receive participate knowledge; study; of field with their to school in related semesters work at directly in Students alternate NASA positions Centers. semesters students co-ops, As the NASA KSC Cooperative Education Program. into accepted then was Brittani internship, summer the contributions during her of result a As enthusiasm. and ethic, work experience, Brittani displayed exceptional professional talents, 10-week her Throughout facilities. launch critical on outages of preventiveanalyzing power and maintenance unscheduled consisted that project research a assigned was Brittani intern, CCSMO a As Office. (Technical) Integration the in (CCSMO) Office Management Spaceport Canaveral Cape the at assigned work to was and 2007, June in KSC at arrived She Florida. at spend her 10-week NASA experience KSC in Cape Canaveral, to chose Brittani from, choose to Centers ten of Out Center. at NASA a experience research summer a significantly most her with academic resources, a tuitionpartial scholarship, and provided project MUST The Scholars. (MUST) Technology and part become to Science in selected Undergraduates Motivating of group NASA’sof first students 100 among was Sims Brittani Co-op KSC to Scholar MUST From other NASA programs. through degrees advanced pursuing are interns summer NSTI the of Many years. 3 last the over students 44 supported that NSTI has summer administered student successful internships workforce at NASA Centers and facilities. and Centers NASA at workforce of the as part mission the NASA disciplines, 11 supporting are JPFP alumni STEM in minorities of As of 2008, to pathways employment. NASA important opening a advancement the plays in (JPFP) role Project pivotal Fellowship Predoctoral Jenkins The JPFP Propels Students to New Heights impact positive program’s the of through a progression of example opportunities. great a is Sims Brittani even more along the way,” said Prakash. said way,” the along more even me help should skills new these and ton, a learn I JPL, at am I radar MSL’s that day F-18. an “Every on and field-testing helicopter, a on work desert, Landing the in his by and excited is Descent, He Entry, design. (MSL) (EDL) Laboratory Science Mars the at and supports has worked JPL NASA years, for three Prakash had he learned what in college. apply and studies trade lead to chance the him gave the fellowship that recalls Prakash in career. his milestone a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, an instrumental received Prakash JPFP in time his during however, and did, He may never have applied. Prakash fellow, JPFP a also Tech, Georgia at roommate his of Ravi Prakash is one of those scholars. Without the encouragement

19 2008 NASA Education Highlights Elementary and Secondary Education Overview

Preparing the Next Generation Aerospace Education Services Project (AESP) serves the elementary and secondary education community by providing NASA is taking bold steps at the K–12 grade levels to prepare professional development, classroom demonstrations, faculty the next generation of explorers. Building on previous workshops, parent training, in-service training for teachers, accomplishments, NASA has established a series of innovative and identification of appropriate classroom resources. programs designed to stimulate student interest in order to [Managing Center: LaRC] motivate higher levels of study in STEM subjects. NASA Explorer Schools (NES) establishes partnerships These activities provide unique learning experiences for between NASA and school teams, consisting of teachers and students, teachers, administrators, and families. NASA strives education administrators from diverse communities across the to ensure that underrepresented and underserved students country. The project is designed for education communities at participate in education programs, thereby encouraging more of the 4–9 grade levels to help middle schools improve teaching these students to pursue STEM careers. NASA is also working and learning in STEM education through significant educator to develop new digital media methods that will make NASA’s resources and curricular support materials based on NASA exciting discoveries and missions available to K–12 students content. [Managing Center: GRC] and educators. Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Examples of Elementary and Secondary Research and Education Experience (INSPIRE) is a Education Projects multitiered project for students and their parents or legal guardians. Participating students must be in grades 9–12 NASA Elementary and Secondary Education projects provide or in their freshman year of college. INSPIRE is designed to K–12 educators with tools, experiences, and opportunities provide grade-appropriate NASA resources and experiences to further their education. By participating in unique NASA to encourage and reinforce students’ aspirations to pursue learning experiences, they enhance their knowledge of STEM, STEM education and careers. INSPIRE maximizes student which increases their ability to inspire students to pursue participation and involvement in STEM, and enhances the STEM STEM careers. These activities support the role of educational pipeline from high school (grades 9–12) into the undergraduate institutions, providing the foundation to bring together students, level. The first INSPIRE students were involved with NASA families, and educators for educational improvement. Centers in the summer of 2008. [Managing Center: KSC] ENgAgE / EduCATE

Science Engineering Mathematics and Aerospace disciplines. EAP facilitates the Network of Educator Astronaut Academy (SEMAA) reaches K–12 minority and underserved Teachers (NEAT), a group of highly motivated K–12 educators, students that are traditionally underrepresented in careers and provides professional development and support for the involving STEM. Students meet during school, after school or on group. The project infuses content and advanced technological Saturday mornings, and during the summer to engage in hands- tools based on human space flight into K–12 education. on, interactive learning sessions that are specifically designed [Managing Center: JSC] for each grade level. [Managing Center: GRC] K–12 Competitive Educational Grant Program awards grants *Education Flight Projects (EFP) develops and provides to public schools and nonprofit organizations on a competitive NASA-unique education experiences, opportunities, content, basis. The goal of the solicitation is to seek out and support and resources to K–12 educators and students. EFP engages new, innovative, and replicable approaches to improving STEM students and educators via hands-on experiences and learning and instruction. [Managing Center: TBD] participation in research applications on board NASA flight platforms, including the International Space Station (ISS), Space *Educator Astronaut Project was recently merged with Shuttle, and Sub-orbital Flight Platforms. Activities include Education Flight Projects ISS Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM), Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS), ISS in-flight education downlinks, and on-orbit education activities. The project builds internal and external partnerships with formal and information education communities to create learning opportunities and professional development experiences. [Managing Center: JSC]

*Educator Astronaut Project (EAP) facilitates education opportunities that use the unique and exciting environment of space flight. The project develops and provides NASA 2008 NASA Education Highlights experiences, opportunities, content, and resources to educators to increase K–12 student interest and achievement in STEM 21 Elementary and Secondary Education Highlights o T t e t D h A e a F a N t N s e a N B S C E S E h r o e n n x d f i u h g ng i l e p i a E A e A g d g t e p r l p d d s u e t e h e v n S t a S h h h S u a u s s e s c l a e c n i ag t c t c o i l e t A n r A s h i m e i e h at a e l t c c e o ce g e e ra d o p o a e r c e a e e y e p h n io c at s r ( k x n e n h n C S t d d ’ C f t d l s o a e, t i s t u e c na s a d o u u p r e , e N n O T o n b m t t e c c i c n n a u p p d n s t r c n h A ra l m e T r r o a a a . t e c r r r t t e o o T w s f s S F e o o to t t e u e i n e e o a p n i t w s t v ) A v f o c r r t o p l r h - . o r L e, T s c t i s m e e hnolo m n n p s f t e s ( N r r S E o i , h d e S k a t g s a p r . l w e u a u w h x S A e a a s p l v S a r a T n t n p p l e h n m C S e c e o a t e a e l d C d w r o l i o d l r t c A o ek s U t , c a n g o t b r i d ” ) f o p u r e t c r e - i t h ie u h o n i r e c e t f r e t a de s n e e o s e A s n b a a k o i a r s o r p t t u n x e w t o te i r s e s n e . S e c i a m b o n a p n a p h t l o d d r e u o d l c d o n u f i l t s r a o a n o f o o e s e o a h f u c l t s g . S c y r g a p , r e k r d u k o o c h y C c t a g t R t t - d h e w i o S a i a a r h t t l o w c e v o o o o a e w s i a n l t t e p o t e n i s n s t v b e e n d i i n p d t n o n a o t h t e t a p s e g r ( h p d l a p e e c . r N n C e e t b r e , l t v k a h n t e n t a t a c E r E O l e i i d r s c h w e t e o n v n t C l a t S d S) P h e e T e i b u p t e i v N d a ac l f u h e f o n t v e e F o r r u o e o l b c u r e A i e l r a e p s r l e a l r a a d a “ w s s t t d e s n S r l s s fi i c t t n v o P i to e t e u , v u d d l h o o A n h e e t a e p r f c r c i c i e a n r g n o e l v t v l , o t p e C i m m a s r a ie , l o f s e e d s c l e N p e i t f t l e , o v d D a i o u e o u a d o s w u l s N a n o e e i s i s s n r r t , u c f n n l a e n r u t s A s n w s d s s e t u c q h w t s i r w d i r g e i r S , v d e f b t e s a u u o e c o r o n h t s b A c m l t o s i i r n o e h e i d n g r o o n i o e t e i hnolo u m c y : . m a e n n e e ’ i r S n d f s i n g t - h s s n m s t e P L b t s s e N s e . t u a o i e s f o u g p i p a o p o r a c S f s t A s n w n s a s a e f r a w a r i t i S n e f S i e n e e n g c c s c h c e o l e s w i l C A d t d d g g e e e e e s y y s r r , . s s b T r m w T c r s d E a S e m I R N n o o c c t o c n h h a i o e i i N i v b o b A t ho n d h m ho a e c e F u t h i o e o s w b h o d b t e A S N i p s h t r i ol n t l l o ol b , o S e t a e e, oti e m e s A o A e l r s l n t e d t A r s f S a u i w a n n t o s t a n i J o e m A a n i L l E a c na v C o o n l r a f r e E e m S N n d o r s E s a x y c m t m G o r t P r ou l x a o A w i p i h io b 2 m f M s O i p s t e n o n i r S a 0 i o . lo g t e n l o o l u s r u o he s e 0 A t r ni h S a v w n i p l s o t r s a m 8 r d e e s e t u a t s t b i r t e u , a h e de a e r c r s e n l e c N o s a d a n s r s d , d S n n h h i C t l A i d t o e d . i M s g t c d o S o u n a a m S n n h n J r o f t d a c l r L a f t c A a o if o e e P l o g y l s e s o u b r o d s o h a L E n a n s c u s d c b r o s l b s x i t o to s o t n r c n u e i i u h u o p n s r ia u t s h p s i o t i s r r t n e l g e l t r o t a o e r . t t t u g l a f n o h he re 2 u t s t c a o r d a a o m g h j e e 0 s c t e l r n e r a e l s i t C i e c s y 0 t y r S n r n d g lo e . t t i i c s t c g e r p f e o a n s e i l r a c p e h s o v e m o P , t mp l n l a l r o i h c e f r a a a m n o d - l s f o a e k m n p c g o g t e N l s m h d a r t i r 1 R d r a e n e s o e m r A a n 2 “ t d o e n i i a p m n h d m t t SA e b M e t h t l e a e o e a r -ye n o m c u m e o e d c c v a r t o l I a o i a e s pa i y a o a n c , d m a C l a n e t d l - r s n e n d r r i w a c p e r t LE e C A d d t l e p a o t n e o l u t h ne e . o s t a y n d s p r , e t t m m ” a r l e d o G d l i o o t h r a n r m r n f p e f a a t S n s d r O f e L e n w s n o d t i ; e T r E t d a t h n t s a r i m t E t a t s G d a i h h u i w r g r M 2 o k a e r l i a i y O p o h n 5 e y s s l - , . l l SEMAA Sites Collaborate on National INSPIRE Kicks Off at NASA Centers

Science Foundation (NSF) Grant to Develop INSPIRE is a multitiered student pipeline project that is designed NASA Astrobiology Curriculum to encourage students from the 9th through 12th grades to Science Engineering Mathematics and Aerospace Academy pursue STEM education and careers. (SEMAA) sites at Tennessee State University (TSU), New Mexico In March 2008, Oklahoma State University was awarded a State University, and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools grant to provide administrative services for the INSPIRE project are collaborating on a Discovery Research K–12 grant from NSF student recruitment, online resources, logistics, and program totaling $300,000. evaluation. The INSPIRE project’s phased implementation began The NSF Discovery Research K–12 program seeks to enable in summer 2008 with the offering of eight-week internships at significant advances in K–12 learning of the STEM disciplines each Center and JPL. A total of 153 students from 23 states and through research, development, and implementation of Puerto Rico were selected to participate. innovative resources, models, and technologies for use by During fall 2008, other components of INSPIRE were students, teachers, and policy-makers. Activities funded under implemented beginning with an Online Community. The this solicitation begin with a research question or hypothesis electronic community will provide students and parents with about K–12 STEM learning or teaching; developing, adapting, grade-appropriate information, activities, and educational or studying innovative resources, models, or technologies; and modules containing NASA content relevant to courses being demonstrating if, how, for whom, and why their implementation taught in school. During spring 2009, students in the Online affects learning. Community will compete to participate in unique hands-on The SEMAA sites are working together to advance STEM summer experiences, many hosted at the NASA Centers. education by pilot-testing high school curriculum in astrobiology NASA Hosts U.S. Department of Education’s based on NASA content, and conducting educational research Teacher to Teacher Workshop on the project and its impact on underrepresented students. The Web-based curriculum, Astrobiology in the Secondary Who can better provide support to teachers than other teachers? Classroom (ASC), includes hands-on science activities, That’s the idea behind the U.S. Department of Education’s computer simulations, and analysis of real-world NASA data. Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative. Through the initiative, free summer SEMAA students currently participating in the project are regional workshops around the Nation allow educators to share practicing authentic science inquiry while pondering the “big ideas for raising student achievement with their peers. questions” of life on Earth. Once the pilot-testing and research For the second consecutive year, JSC was selected to host a phase is complete, the curriculum will be replicated at SEMAA regional Teacher to Teacher workshop. The event took place sites nationwide. on July 1–2 and over 250 teachers from across the country The ASC curriculum was developed through a collaboration of participated. Teachers participated in an array of activities the Minority Institution Astrobiology Collaborative, the NASA including peer-discussion opportunities, JSC facility tours, and Astrobiology Institute, and educators and curriculum developers presentations by NASA educators regarding activities centered from TSU. Additionally, scientists from the Goddard Center for around the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission in Fall 2008 and Astrobiology, the Carnegie Institute of Washington, and the the STS-119 mission in Spring 2009. As a special highlight, Indiana-Princeton-Tennessee Astrobiology Initiative contributed Astronaut John D. Olivas led a hands-on learning experience to the curriculum development. that focused on spacewalks—Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA)

occurring outside of a craft orbiting Earth. 2008 NASA Education Highlights

23 Highlights

What’s for Dinner on the Moon? (NEAT) members. Interested teams developed reduced gravity proposals through teamwork between teachers and students Future explorers will need to grow food in order to inhabit within the classroom. Each selected team was assigned a NASA permanent settlements on the Moon and Mars. NASA scientists technical mentor to assist them in integrating the project and anticipate that astronauts may eventually be able to grow plants on related NASA materials into the classrooms. the Moon, and the plants could be used to supplement meals. Digital Learning Network events were used as an integral Elementary and Secondary Education Secondary and Education Elementary In anticipation of the need for research into lunar plant growth, part of this opportunity to keep the students involved in the NASA and the International Technology Education Association entire process. The first videoconference event included (ITEA), launched the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar an introduction to microgravity and the Reduced Gravity Plant Growth Chamber. Elementary, middle, and high school Education Flight Project. Then, several months into the activity, students were invited to design, build, and evaluate lunar plant students and teachers reconnected with NASA to present growth chambers—while engaging in research and standards- their hardware to the technical panel. A third connection was based learning. coordinated allowing teachers to follow up with their students Educators who complete the challenge with their students in the classroom from Ellington Field immediately following their can request cinnamon basil seeds that flew into space on research flight. The teachers concluded by having their students the STS-118 Space Shuttle mission. Students are comparing analyze the collected data and conduct outreach events to share plants grown from both space-flown and Earth-based control the experience with their local communities. seeds, and testing the designs of the lunar plant growth chambers. Currently, over a million students are participating NASA Competitions Challenge Students in the challenge and over 57,000 packets of seeds have To engage students in NASA’s missions and encourage been distributed. creativity, NASA has sponsored several STEM and aerospace Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers competitions that provide unique learning experiences as well as a variety of highly desirable prizes and awards. (NEAT) Members Fly on Weightless Wonder Administered by the X PRIZE Foundation in Fall 2007 under an The NASA Educator Astronaut Project teamed with JSC’s educational grant from NASA and carrying the name of the late Reduced Gravity Education Flight Project to provide an NASA astronaut, the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award opportunity for K–12 Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers challenged high school students to create concepts that could The project is the longest-running K–12th grade effort in NASA’s accelerate the personal space flight industry. education history. Under the agreement, Penn State will use NASA’s myriad educational assets to aid America’s formal and NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program and Office of Education informal education communities in promoting STEM. announced the NASA 50th Anniversary Essay Competition for middle and junior high school students during the 2007-2008 A professional development project, AESP provides educators academic year. The essay competition challenged students to and students with tools, experiences, and opportunities to describe current and future benefits to their everyday lives from further their education through educator workshops, classroom NASA aerospace technologies. demonstrations, parent programs, and classroom resources. The goal is to attract and retain students in STEM disciplines In Spring 2008, NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), through Langley Research Center (LaRC) vital to the Nation’s space program. presented the NASA Lunar Art Contest for students in arts, Outer Space Base Students Engage in Real science, and engineering to collaboratively engage in NASA’s Space Dialogue mission to return humans to the Moon by 2020. The contest was cosponsored by Christopher Newport University (Newport Students blasted their local libraries into orbit after completing News, VA) and supported by the NASA Center for Educational Outer Space Base, a library series of space science events Technologies. and activities in Tucson, Arizona. Nine- to thirteen-year-olds participated in a live educational downlink with NASA Expedition In collaboration with the American Institute of Aeronautics and 17 astronaut, Greg Chamitoff aboard the International Space Astronautics (AIAA), ESMD also presented the second annual Station (ISS) on August 15, 2008. The Pima County Public 21st Century Explorer Podcast Competition, which challenged Library is the first public library system to host an ISS downlink. students to create an audio or video recording conveying The downlink also was also a first for the State of Arizona. NASA’s greatest exploration achievement. Outer Space Base events are the product of a partnership NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Fundamental between the library, NASA, the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Aeronautics Program presented a NASA Aeronautics and the Mars Education Program at Arizona State University, Competition for high school students worldwide to develop in Phoenix. papers during Spring/Summer 2008 that describe the passenger and cargo aircraft of the future. Participants engaged in a week-long series of hands- on activities, focusing on human space flight and NASA’s Through these competitions, NASA has provided incentives and exploration plans, in preparation for the event. Outer Space opportunities that involve the next generation in the Agency’s Base is celebrating the 50th anniversary of NASA by promoting compelling missions and attract them to STEM fields. STEM skills among students.

NASA Selects Penn State to Lead National NASA’s education downlinks support the Agency’s efforts to Education Initiative encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. These events, made possible by the education office at NASA Johnson NASA has selected the Pennsylvania State University’s Center Space Center and its Teaching From Space project, use the for Science and Schools in University Park to lead the Agency’s unique experience of human space flight to promote and Aerospace Education Service Project, a comprehensive enhance STEM education. educational program designed to reach out to all 50 states and U.S. territories. 2008 NASA Education Highlights The cooperative agreement has a maximum value of $27.5M over five years. 25 Informal Education Overview

Education Beyond the Classroom The Informal Education Program Goals are to: In the 21st century, people of all ages are accustomed to seeking • Increase interest in and understanding of STEM disciplines by knowledge and enriching their lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a inspiring and engaging individuals of all ages week at home, at play, and in settings outside of formal learning. • Establish linkages between informal and formal education NASA seeks to enhance the capabilities of individuals and • Stimulate parents and others to support student STEM informal education communities by providing access to NASA learning endeavors by becoming informed proponents for staff, research, technology, information, and/or facilities; offering high-quality, universally available STEM education professional development opportunities for informal science educators; and facilitating collaborative partnerships between the informal and formal education communities. The informal education communities include but are not limited to amateur astronomy groups, after-school programs, libraries, museums, science centers, planetariums, zoos, aquariums, and community groups. Informal Science Education provides stimulating experiences for STEM learning outside of formal classroom environments through media, exhibits, and community-based programming. engage / inspire

Examples of Informal Education Projects NASA Visitor Center awards will be provided to NASA’s visitor centers to enhance NASA STEM education activities, including Informal Education inspires learning by educating students, exhibits, events, and materials. They will address one or more of educators, and the general public on specific STEM content the NASA Education Outcomes and align with NASA Education areas, resulting in the expansion of the Nation’s future STEM principles, and state or national standards. workforce. Projects within the program produce supplemental education materials that are standards-based and support life-long learning in the STEM fields. Self-directed learners and education professionals are engaged through NASA-themed, hands-on activities.

Science Center, Museum, Planetarium Grants will be used to enhance education programs related to space explora- tion, aeronautics, space science, Earth science, or micrograv- ity. Funding will be awarded as grants—including cooperative agreements—to museums, science centers, and planetariums. [Managing Center: JPL] 2008 NASA Education Highlights

27 Informal Education Highlights regional, and national robotic or rocketry competitions. local, in compete to NASA by sponsored Girl be to opportunity Challenge. Rocketry thehave workshop NASA a attended have that troops Scout America Team and Robotics competition League LEGO (FIRST) Technology and Science of Recognition and Inspiration For the particularly rocketry, and robotics through STEM explore to girls inspire to Alabama in troops Scout with Girl In partnered MSFC addition, also has experience. space engaging an girls the gives which aspend night at the U.S. andRocket Space Center Habitat, to opportunity the given are participants All study. of fields STEM-based in interest student spark to designed activities in the are from around engaged region Girl Scouts STEM careers. explore to Scouts Girl participating the inspire to designed is event This AL. Huntsville, in center visitor MSFC official the Day” each November atSpace the U.S. Space and Rocket“Alabama Center, annual an hosts America, of Scouts Girl the with (MSFC), in Center Flight partnership Space Marshall NASA Girl Scouts: Alabama Space Day Event The game “You’ve Been Sentenced!” can be used in classrooms mission content. classrooms in NASA upon used based be curriculum teaching can in educators aid to Sentenced!” Been “You’ve game The STEM. and space of areas the in focusing particularly literacy, community groups, formal educators, and families to promote centers, visitor NASA providers, education informal among partnership strategic a build to is project this of purpose The students. for memorable and fun both is that terms these understand to programs. “You’ve Been Sentenced!” delivers a unique way and missions, explorers, future and current, past, the from contains words used in space exploration, as well as terminology Deck Add-On Edition Special Anniversary 50th NASA The game. the enhance to created been have decks theme additional play, and game cards during sentences the words. create to used pentagon-shaped of various deck from word a contains sentences game The create to goal the with game card is a unique “You’ve Sentenced!” Deck. Been Add-On the NASA create to 2008 April in partnership a formed Minds Brighter for Designs McNeill and NASA Edition.” Special Anniversary 50th Sentenced!—NASA “You’ve Been game, card educational an of creation the with anniversary 50th its commemorated NASA You’ve Been Sentenced, NASA! intermixed with NASA exhibits. Students were further inspired inspired further were Students exhibits. NASA with activities intermixed hands-on lunar-related, through exploration experienced space families their and students K–12 of Thousands and innovation, inspiration, of discovery of future space exploration. themes the on forum open and discussions presentations through leaders Government and business/industry 300 Governor—engagednearly Lieutenant Missouri the and astronauts, Administrator, Deputy panel—includingNASA’sforum The Forum.Future Louis St. 2008, with 25, March the for Center Science Louis collaborated St. the NASA anniversary, 50th country NASA’s the across marking events of series yearlong the of part As Thousands Future Forums Bring Space toExploration June 2008 with additional galleries slated for 2009. in opened Two Symphony. galleries by Nashville the performed a soundtrack with Hamill show, by Mark “STARS,” narrated is way new a in initial planetarium’s The exhibits. universe interactive hands-on, the through experience can visitors Chase,” “Space wing, exhibit permanent square-foot 15,000 the In imagery. amazing and stories inspiring her night and through sky universe the of excitement and wonder the sharing of A dream her living from McCall stopped hasn’t impairment extraordinary. visual also is McCall, Kris director, planetarium’s The and old. immersive and dynamic a environment that is nationally recognized and inspires young provides system, sound the-art combination of these sights with the planetarium’s state-of- Theuniverse.thein phenomena variousofanimations and images projects simultaneously system high-definition 3, Digistar A world. the in four of one and States United the in use in one only the stars, million six beautiful, over a of with projection dome realistic the fills that sphere 28-inch optical a is Chiron GOTO Planetarium Sudekum new the of center the At Education. of Office NASA the through part in possible made was and years in six for development in 2008 been has June on opened Center.Nashville, TN at the Adventure Science new The hall planetarium Sudekum new The The Beauty of Our Up Galaxy Close possible possible by the Exploration Systems Mission made Directorate (please tasks, team-building inquiry-based with animation DVD combines that product educational a NASA is Trip Moon to the educational activities to bring back to their Fieldclassrooms. interactive and educators session Moon the to local Trip 25 Field a experienced students, today’s with begins space in with success Since videos. interviews Byte Career NASA for student presenters forum school high as well as with discussions astronauts, interactive and autograph-signing through Mars Rover. Mars scale full a and the Vehicles Space “Constellation” NASA including new vehicles, space future NASA’s of models were on display Also in space. activities for extravehicular equivalent astronaut robotic functional a create to seeks that project JSC toview “Robonaut,” a humanoid robot developed through a able were Attendees Tech.” The at Week “Space of part were interactive exhibitsNASA 50th at anniversary the Tech Museum, whichexperienced students local young of Thousands and Television NASA on the Internet. distribution for segments video National educational the new, short produce to with (NIA) Aerospace of Institute partnership a eClips, NASA announced of Dale and launch Shana the video Administrator streaming Deputy live NASA played audio. that screens theater-like the Future experienced andpanelists Forum throughmovie Life Second the of in questions moderators online ask to “avatars” participants their used Digital Innovation. of Museum Tech the Future at Valley Jose Silicon of heart San the in the convened at that Forum ideas exchanged leadership NASA and spaceinnovation industry front-runners, educators, and gurus, technological 200 nearly 14, 2008 May on Similarly, see page 36 for more information).

29 2008 NASA Education Highlights Education Technology and Products Overview

Leveraging Technology for Engagement There are four ways to receive NASA educational materials:

Education technology and products are on the horizon and • www.NASA.gov—the online gateway for information regarding will enable new learning environments using simulations, NASA content, programs, and services; visualizations, immersion, online game playing, intelligent tutors, • OfficeMax—partnership provides printing of NASA curriculum learner networking, e-Professional Development (e-PD), digitized support materials; building blocks of content, and more. The goal is to leverage • Educator Resource Center Network (ERCN)—helps teachers multimedia-rich products and technology infrastructures to gain local access to NASA’s educational resources and deliver exploration-related content to audiences while partnering training; and with NASA’s Mission Directorates, professional education organizations, and others to create effective learning experiences • Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE)— and connections for a range of audiences. through mail order, educators can purchase items such as subject area classroom modules, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, Examples of Education Technology & including closed- and descriptive-captioned videos Products/eEducation Projects and Activities and guides.

NASA Educational Materials Dissemination. NASA Learning Technologies Project (LTP) develops and refines Education products are available in multiple formats to meet the leading-edge or cutting-edge technologies that are in use within needs of the Agency’s educational audiences. Types of products NASA missions and/or projects to enhance the teaching and include CD-ROMs, DVDs, videos, educational topics and briefs, learning of scientific concepts. Technologies funded under educational wallsheets (posters with educational material on the LTP are incubated and developed, evaluated, and leveraged reverse side), educator guides, education program/services with strategic partners to extend reach into educational and brochures, and lithographs. commercial applications. [Managing Center: GSFC] inspire / engage / educate

NASA Educational Technologies Services (NETS) is *Classroom of the Future (COTF) conducts empirical responsible for publishing and maintaining the educational educational research, then develops and tests off-the-shelf content on the NASA Web site and managing the operation of and new or evolving educational technologies that incorporate the Office of Education Web site, and other electronic-based research findings on cognition and effective application dissemination networks. Additional Web support is provided in of technology to educational settings. The educational the identification and linkage of multimedia resources to support technologies tested and/or developed use NASA research, the education video file (education programming) on the NASA datasets, or subject matter experts, and are integrated with TV Public Services channel and NASA TV Education Services curriculum support and teacher enhancement activities. channel. [Managing Center: MSFC] [Managing Center: LaRC]

*Learning Environments and Research Network (LEARN) e-Education Small Projects develop infrastructure and deploy encompasses three major activities: NASA-sponsored research-based technology applications, products, and services Classroom of the Future, Digital Learning Network (DLN), and to enhance the educational process for formal and informal electronic professional development infrastructure. The intent education. The emphasis is implementation of educational of LEARN is to conduct empirical educational research that is product development, review, and meta-tagging processes the basis for development and testing of off-the-shelf and new and final distribution through approved media, electronic, and/ educational technologies that incorporate research findings on or site-based channels. [Managing Center: MSFC] cognition, effective application of technology to educational e-Education Small Projects include: settings, integration of NASA content and delivery through videoconferencing, Internet multimedia and handheld devices, Central Operations for Resources for Educators (CORE) is and dissemination infrastructures available to the Agency. a national distribution center for NASA’s audiovisual educational [Managing Center: LaRC] materials based at the Lorain Country Joint-Vocational School in Ohio.

*COTF was incorporated into new LEARN project beginning FY 2009 2008 NASA Education Highlights

31 Highlights

Engaging Students in the Digital Age NASA Explores Virtual Worlds

NASA aims to continue contributing to the development of Second Life. “NASA eEducation Roadmap: Research the Nation’s STEM workforce of the future by identifying Challenges in the Design of Persistent Immersive Synthetic and developing the critical skills and capabilities needed to Environments for Education & Training,” was released in 2007, support the U.S. Space Exploration Policy. To do so, NASA and NASA Learning Technologies (LT) ramped up the exploration Education Technology and Products Products and Technology Education must implement effective outreach strategies for engaging its of virtual worlds in 2008. The JSC LT team collaborated with audiences, and the best way to reach today’s students is often the NETS and DLN teams to establish experimental education through digital and electronic environments. sites in Second Life, an online, 3-D virtual world entirely created by users, which hosted over 5000 unique visitors in 2008. LT In 2007, a team at NASA MSFC began the process of currently works in a leadership capacity with NASA offices, researching new ways to engage students using technology. academia, industry, and other Federal agencies to tap the power The team reviewed multiple styles of podcast, ultimately settling of immersive synthetic environments. on an interview-style format where a NASA education student participant is interviewed about their experiences supporting The JSC LT team facilitated mixed reality events with both NASA missions. internal and external partners which brought participants in a physical location together with those in a virtual space through The resulting NASA Student Opportunities podcast series Second Life. JSC LT was recognized on National Public Radio debuted in February 2007 and provides timely information to for facilitating the Science Friday broadcast on the Second Life students on experiences of their peers, while also promoting Teen Grid. future educational opportunities. The weekly podcasts are radio-style shows that feature interviews with students who have Innovation in Gaming. NASA has also received international participated in NASA learning opportunities and allow potential media attention for releasing a request for information and participants to hear first-hand what it’s like to be a student subsequent request for proposals to develop a ground member of a NASA team. The free podcast also provides up- breaking, NASA-based, massive multiplayer online (MMO) to-date information on approaching application deadlines. STEM learning game.

Forty-two episodes of NASA Student Opportunities were Persistent immersive synthetic environments in the form of MMO created from February to December 2007, and as of March 2008 gaming and social virtual worlds, initially popularized as gaming about 650,000 downloads have been collectively logged. NASA’s research, exploration, and discovery with education communitieseducation and the with public. discovery and of exploration, outcomes research, the NASA’s and technologies instructional emerging of use NASA’s share specialists AESP (AESP). Education Project Aerospace Services NASA’s from specialist education by an hosted was videoconference The videoconference. the to prior on worked had they designs engineering presented and Mars to mission human a sending with involved challenges the videoconference about learned Students Mars. on working interactive and living an about for NASA with connected Turkey in school a from students grade 5th and Tennessee Hobgood Elementary, a NASA Explorer School in Murfreesboro, at students grade 5th when 2008 spring in case the was This world. the around and Nation the across to university-level kindergarten from educators and to students experiences educational interactive providing at no charge, streaming technology), media using Internet the over or (distributing casting Web videoconferencing through experts NASA with educators and students by linking content unique to deliver capability NASA’s enhances (DLN) Network Learning Digital NASA The Tennessee and Turkish Students A Human Mission to Mars Connects to change. rapid and adaptation and cooperation, building analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, team- interpretative thinking, strategic include skills These employers. planning, learning, and technical skills increasingly in demand by thinking, the matching closely set skill a exercise and develop quickly understanding to this practical problems. MMOs help players transfer and concepts complex grasp to easier it making repairing expensive equipment,and and experience microgravity, operating practice cells, living in reactions chemical with scientificallywith accuratesimulations worlds could permit learners toVirtual tinker subjects. complex of range a teaching for tools “hands-on” as powerful serve can environments synthetic venues. training and and social settings, are now findinggrowing interestas education There is increasing recognition that these these that recognition increasing is There © Disney of the STS-124 mission in May 2008 as part of a partnership to to partnership a of part as 2008 May in STS-124mission the of action figurefrom the Lightyear Buzz 12-inch-tall A Station. Space International the to Discovery travel to Shuttle Space of liftoff the with coincide to Series Education Ranger Space the as known program online new a developed have Series Educational Youth Disney’s and NASA and Beyond!” NASA Kids’ Club “ToGoes Infinity Shuttle Discovery. Space of launch exciting the with culminated program The air. on- live answered and site Web DLN the via sent questions Spaceport, America’s DLN STS-124,viewer the of and mission of and crew the on briefing a version modified a was session from Floridaand University. engineering A&M Following this in of and University professor Virginia, the science distinguished State Hampton Texas, and in Tennessee University A&M View from Prairie University, engineering of deans the were They careers. and education STEM discussed and hosts interviewed were guest four as background the in pad launch and clock countdown famous the viewed in and tuned viewers May 2008, STS-124 in of launch the before hour One hosts. as Intern and Coordinator DLN KSC the with cast Web launch Shuttle Space DLN live the for pilot the launched Office Education KSC The interactive classroom sessions. Spaceport America’s (DLN) Network Learning Digital KSC 474NASA the 2008, offrom July As have benefited students Spaceport Distance Learning Network America’s andbeyond!” “infinity, they,so that too, explore can careers STEM to pursue students encourage activities and games The mission. the throughout audio messages, and “mission blogs” from Buzz Lightyear special activities, witheducational games fivecreate interactive with the Disney Parks partnered NASA curriculum. Kids’ Club to classroom their into integrate and download to educators interactive for includes materials as well as students, Series for games educational Education Ranger Space The encourage students to pursue studies in STEM. Toy Story Toy movies joined the crew

33 2008 NASA Education Highlights Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Higher Education

(ARMD) conducts long-term, cutting-edge research ARMD is committed to the development of the future aerospace in the core aeronautics disciplines across all flight workforce. A robust workforce of sufficient quality and quantity regimes (subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight) is required to support the Nation’s future aerospace endeavors. As a result, ARMD is focusing its educational efforts on students that will lead to the development of revolutionary at the higher education levels in order to encourage an expanded ideas, concepts, approaches, technologies, pipeline of talent entering aerospace careers. Curriculum will be and capabilities that have broad applicability to developed through partnerships with external groups to fill in the aeronautics community. New investments in subject matter gaps and to expand current programs to meet undergraduate and graduate education will focus on future aerospace workforce needs. This development will include Web-based, supplemental materials related to undergraduate developing technical excellence in future NASA and and continuing educational activities in the aeronautics field, aerospace industry researchers and engineers. Over as well as design competitions for university students using the next several years, ARMD will continue to adjust capabilities unique to NASA. All of this will be accomplished its education portfolio, consistent with the NASA through collaboration with aerospace professional societies. Scholarships and fellowships are currently being offered Education Strategic Framework, to emphasize by ARMD at the graduate level to support master’s degree- high payoff efforts in support of the undergraduate level students performing aeronautics-related research and and graduate communities. Examples of ARMD to provide real-world experience at NASA Centers through educational activities are listed below. summer internships. Undergraduate scholarships provide both monetary support for the students and opportunities to http://aerospace.nasa.gov perform actual research at NASA Centers during the summer. The NASA Postdoctoral Program will also support a number of postdoctoral students performing research on topics of interest to ARMD. a subset of the case studies to make them readily available available readily them make to studies case the of subset a to publish the AIAA with past an by agreement has NASA topics. select gained on studies knowledge case of a series presenting by programs aerospace hard-earned the students to transfer AerospaceinCaseStudiesResearch. 2009. in launch for scheduled been has protection material for the Mars Science RoverLaboratory that work at ARC to assist in the test and evaluation of thermal- opportunity the having engineer astronautics and aeronautical graduate a in resulted competition to AIAA’s particular, In given were Competition. awards Presentation Oral Guard Old internship The of Society (ASME) winners the American the Engineers and Mechanical internship; of rotorcraft-based a offered was who winner Award Paper Best to Lichten the awarded was internship (AHS) International Society Helicopter American the (ARC); Center Research Ames NASA at internship summer a in was winner internship chosen from student papers at regional competitions resulting (AIAA) Astronautics and of Institute Aeronautics American The competitions. society individual of internshipswinnerstosummer qualifying offering societies professional of a number with partnered ARMD NASA 2008, In Professional Society Internship/Fellowship Partnership. program. scholarship this on year each $1.8 million approximately invest to plans ARMD Center. NASA a at valued at $125,000, nearly scholarship two including internships three-year a receive potentially can students Graduate Center. NASA a at internship summer a including $40,000, nearly worth scholarship two-year a receive Undergraduates participation. ASP for selected annually be will number similar and 5 graduate students were ARMD selected. anticipates that a the undergraduate 20 In 2008, FY ASP. operation, of year first manage program’s to NASA by selected was which Education, is program The now beingdisciplines. offered by the American Society for Engineering aeronautics-related in degrees congressional request for support of students pursuing master’s Program (ASP) expanded Scholarship Aeronautics is based on a NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program. ARMD Education Highlights hardware. flight design the andhighlights models tunnel wind through vehicles aerospace exhibit of design aerospace traveling A Informal Education and students. K–12 educators for resources print and electronic of portfolio extensive an the offer to for continues also it levels, products education and higher programs new develops ARMD While Education and Secondary Elementary ARMD hopes to hopes ARMD NASA’s new and and NASA’s new

their technical libraries. These three volumes are the first of first the are volumes three These libraries. technical their engineering departments across the country and offered to aerospace to distributed was volume This Publication. Special asNASA a (GPO) Office Printing by the Government the published on was volume Jenkins Dennis by Flight” of Frontiers the larger Extending much a “X-15: X-15entitled the of operation series, and development this to addition In the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. of development the of study a is W. Merlin, Peter by Blackbird” “From second, toArchangel Senior Crown:The and Design Development of the vehicle. X-43A the of testing study a flight the Peebles, of Curtis by Program” Research the Flight from X-43A Learned Lessons 10: Mach to “Road the of with 2008 publication spring during appeared volumes two first The work. printed the to supplement to reports, videos from resources, additional containing DVD and study book a of Each consists engineers. practicing and students aerospace to related and aviation careers. in math- students educate to and excite continues Skies Smart hands-on activities and ties to standards based mathematics, engaging its With Network. Learning Distance NASA the over conferences, NASA Explorer School meetings, and presentations professional aviation National conferences, education National include venues These country. the across venues at teachers inservice and preservice to Skies Smart on training offer that workshops development professional providing also education is NASA training by efforts specialists on outreach its use. into Skies Smart incorporate to worked has NASA Nation, the across schools in activities the expand To further classrooms. into more bring controllers to Association Controllers Traffic Air National the classroom The visits. with collaboration through are expanded greatly being activities classroom and days, career camps, activitiesStudentincludeaviation exhibits/shows, summer teacher and activities student of professional development array workshops. broad a in students, grade 9th through 5th for simulator control traffic air online an Skies, Smart using by aviation and math in teachers and students school middle to interest efforts their to expand continue (FAA) Math About and Aviation Teachers and Students Excites Skies Smart lessons learned from aerospace programs. real-world the transfer and capture to program continuing this . NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration Administration Aviation Federal the and NASA .

35 2008 NASA Education Highlights Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Center-managed efforts, such as the Building Bi-Generational (ESMD) is developing the next generation of ESMD R&D Teams and Spaceward Bound projects, sponsor faculty and/or undergraduate teams to participate in hands-on spacecraft, including capabilities and technologies research in ESMD mission activities. To engage undergraduates that enable sustained and affordable human and further in the engineering fields, ESMD is funding internships robotic exploration in support of the U.S. Space within the aerospace industry and is providing funds to encourage Exploration policy. the use of ESMD-themed activities for senior design courses. Elementary and Secondary Education ESMD research also ensures the health and ESMD Elementary and Secondary Education reflects the performance of crews during long-duration missions. Agency goal of providing STEM-focused educational materials The ESMD education portfolio supports the broad and training to K–12 students and educators. ESMD supports Agency education goals and is specifically tailored to Agency-managed elementary and secondary activities, meet NASA’s long-term workforce requirements. including the NASA Explorer Schools. Many new K–12 projects are in development and are managed at NASA Centers. Types http://exploration.nasa.gov of investments include educator professional development workshops (e.g., Fundamentals of Lunar Exploration), lesson Higher Education plans, and guides (such as 21st Century Explorer). Activities represent ESMD themes of robotic and lunar exploration, ESMD Higher Education focuses on increasing the future physical and life sciences, mathematics, engineering and workforce for ESMD, specifically in the areas of systems, technology development, and health and human performance. mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, as well as applied physical and life sciences research. Emphasis is placed Informal Education on providing authentic research and engineering experiences to ESMD Informal Education partners with informal education faculty and undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. providers to offer STEM learning opportunities in venues outside Each year, ESMD supports the Agency-sponsored Graduate the classroom. Through partnerships with museums, science Student Researchers Project (GSRP) and the NASA Postdoctoral centers, after-school programs, libraries, and community-based Program (NPP) by providing funding for additional participants. organizations with an emphasis on education, these projects Nurturing the Next Generation of Aerospace Systems help students find applications and relevance for the STEM Engineers for NASA. The Systems Engineering Educational concepts learned during the school day. Discovery (SEED) Project at Johnson Space Center (JSC) includes three major components that enhance aerospace- The theme of lunar exploration is being emphasized in current based systems engineering educational and instructional collaborations with the Girl Scouts of America, the American opportunities nationwide. Museum of Natural History, and other partners. The first is a partnership between NASA and the University of ESMD Education Highlights Texas at Austin to develop systems engineering curriculum Field Trips to the Moon. The idea of taking a field trip to the that provides a basic introduction to undergraduate aerospace Moon would prove exciting to many students and educators. engineering students. Three students from the spring semester The Field Trip to the Moon DVD makes this dream a reality, with were selected for summer internships at NASA JSC working on a 3-minute introduction, a 21-minute feature presentation and 7 systems engineering tasks for the Constellation program. minutes of extra materials (including “AstroViz: Our Moon” and Secondly, students from across the U.S. (nine states) were Moon trivia questions). Field Trip to the Moon combines DVD selected to participate in reduced gravity flights to test NASA- animation with inquiry-based, hands-on, team-building tasks. identified systems engineering concepts. Engineers from four During this adventure, explorers are divided into six highly Centers participated by mentoring the students who were testing specialized scientific teams: ecosystem, engineering, geology, their systems engineering in microgravity. habitat, medical, and navigation. Within these teams, educators Finally, in August 2008 a national workshop was conducted and students are challenged to select organisms for their food to discuss the effectiveness of the pilot systems engineering web and ecosystem, chart a path to the lunar landing site with the curriculum and disseminate it within Space Grant consortia most accessible natural resources, design a medical kit with the universities. Sessions included panels of NASA interns and best advantage for treating an emergency, and prioritize payload Systems Engineering experts who shared feedback on the for Ares V. Teams present their findings after each challenge and curriculum to over 50 faculty members from universities in 15 negotiate with other teams to achieve optimal “field trip” mission states who participated in the workshop. success. The DVD, along with five supplementary toolbox kits, is available on the NASA Education Web site. Spaceward Bound. In early April 2008, NASA hosted the Spaceward Bound expedition at the California State University From High School Student to Rocket Scientist. Managed at Desert Research Station in Zzyzx, CA. This year’s team trekked JSC, the Space Exploration Advanced Placement (AP) Project into the Mojave Desert and set up camp for a five-day science is a multi-Center education effort that develops and tests free research expedition aimed at studying how the Mojave is similar AP calculus, statistics, chemistry, biology, and physics study to Mars and the Moon and how to search for life in extreme materials via partnership with the College Board. Problems are environments. available at the NASA Human Research Program Education and Outreach Web site and the Texas Instruments Education Activity The expedition offered teachers and students an opportunity Exchange Web site for use by educators around the world. These to collaborate with scientists, help conduct scientific fieldwork, problems challenge students to think like NASA engineers as study the Mojave’s unique geologic formations, and learn more they tackle problems such as calculating the habitable volume about the supremely adapted microbes that live there. of the new Orion crew capsule. The project is tied directly to NASA’s goal of engaging Americans In June of 2008, NASA JSC conducted a collaborative working in its missions through participatory educational activities. session between local Clear Creek Independent School District This year’s Mojave program was in partnership with the AP math/science teachers and Mission Control Center Front California State University Chancellor’s Office, San Francisco Room flight controllers and instructors. Participants received State University, and the California State University Desert tours and briefings at JSC, and arrangements were made for Research Station. the AP teachers to partner with the flight controllers. Together they developed free-response styled application problems using authentic NASA situations and data which ultimately will provide students with the opportunity to temporarily trade their lives as 2008 NASA Education Highlights teenagers for those as rocket scientists and engineers.

37 Science Mission Directorate

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) invests research, including improvement of academic projects in Earth in the continued development of a workforce able to and space science, and providing mentoring and undergraduate research for underrepresented groups of students, etc. pursue Earth and space science research from space, Elementary and Secondary Education partners with institutions and professional societies in These activities aim to improve formal education by: increasing the public’s understanding of science and • the use of SMD missions/programs to support local, state, technology, and informs the teaching and learning regional, and national STEM education change efforts through of STEM subjects in the classroom. Education and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders Public Outreach (E/PO) is built into all aspects of • the use of SMD missions, facilities, human resources, and Science Mission Directorate activities. programs to provide exposure and experiences to teachers and faculty to support the enhancement of knowledge and

http://nasascience.nasa.gov skills and to provide access to NASA information in science and mathematics Higher Education • the development, utilization, and dissemination of science, mathematics, geography, and technology instructional Higher education provides research support to outstanding materials based on SMD missions and results students pursuing degrees in all disciplines engaged in Earth and space sciences. Such investments ensure the continued • the use of SMD missions, facilities, human resources, supply of highly trained and qualified individuals to continue and programs to provide information, experiences, and the scientific exploration of space. SMD collaborates with the research opportunities for students in order to support the Office of Education on the Graduate Student Researchers enhancement of knowledge and skills in the STEM areas Project (GSRP) and Undergraduate Student Research Project (USRP) and enhances them with additional support such as Informal Education the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship. SMD also Informal education and public outreach activities inspire and focuses on strengthening the instructional capacity at colleges engage learners of all ages through partnerships with community- and universities that are not routinely exposed to new scientific based groups, including museums and planetariums, Girl Scouts, and amateur astronomers/citizen scientists. Examples This innovative book was created with support from a Chandra are planetarium shows developed or produced with direct SMD education grant and collaboration between Spitzer, Chandra, mission/program involvement, exhibits developed with direct and Hubble Space Telescope observatories and the NASA SMD mission/program involvement and installed in a science Education Forums at the Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical center or museum, and materials or content supplied by SMD Observatory and Space Telescope Science Institute. missions/programs for use as components of planetarium Sun-Earth Day 2008: Space Weather Around the World. shows or museum exhibits. NASA Sun-Earth Day engages millions of participants with heliophysics throughout the year through live Web casts, NASA Early-Career Programs TV programming, museum programs, amateur astronomy These activities provide competitive research support to recent events, and classroom activities culminating with a celebration science and engineering Ph.D. graduates who are pursuing on or near the Spring Equinox. Heliophysics is the study of the academic and/or research careers in Earth system science, Sun-solar system connection. heliophysics, planetary studies, or astrophysics. Examples Classroom-based Space Weather Action Centers (SWAC) and include the New Investigator Program in Earth science, the podcasts have raised public awareness of education technology Early Career Fellowship Program in planetary science, and the as well as heliophysics data. In 2008 middle schools teachers Chandra and Hubble Fellow programs in astrophysics. and students were invited to participate in Solar Week in Spring 2008 to learn about solar science, solar energy, and careers. SMD Highlights ESSEA: Teaching Teachers of Earth Science. The Earth DEVELOP Team and NASA SSC Use Earth Science to Aid System Science Education Alliance (ESSEA) is training K–12 Gulf Coast. The Stennis Space Center (SSC) DEVELOP team educators in the systems approach to Earth science so they looks to bridge NASA remote sensing technology with local can provide future scientists with the broad perspective policy and decision makers along the Gulf Coast. Utilizing SSC’s necessary to better understand Earth and tackle complex unique position in coastal Mississippi, the team has conducted an environmental problems. in-depth examination of NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Through ESSEA, teachers earn undergraduate or graduate credit Satellite (ICESat) capabilities in post-hurricane forest damage while learning to teach Earth system science using inquiry-based detection. They have also examined the Earth-observing satellite, classroom methods. The courses are offered online through a Landsat, and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer’s network of educational institutions across the country. More (MODIS) carbon estimation capabilities along the Gulf Coast. than 40 institutions are engaged in ESSEA by offering courses, Unveiled in 1998, DEVELOP is a student-led, student-run providing resources to the network, and helping to develop new project that provides a framework for initiating activities to modules for the courses. As of June 2008, over 2,500 teachers help communities. Under the guidance of science advisers across the U.S. have completed ESSEA courses. from NASA and its contracting organizations, high-school and The Exploring the Solar System Toolkit gives amateur college students demonstrate to community leaders prototype astronomers current NASA mission science, hands-on activities, applications that could help them solve local problems using the and mission information to be used in public presentations Agency’s rich store of remote sensing data. and star parties. So far, the kit has been used by over 27,000 In 2008, the Stennis DEVELOP team met with NASA officials individuals associated with the NASA Night Sky Network and such as the NASA Science Mission Directorate Associate will provide major support to events focusing on 2009, the Administrator and the NASA Applied Sciences Associate International Year of Astronomy, the United Nations-sponsored Director. They also presented at national scientific forums. celebration of the 500th anniversary of Galileo using his telescope to study objects in the sky. “Touch the Invisible Sky” Unveils the Unseen Universe The toolkit is a product of collaboration between NASA’s Solar A new NASA publication is introducing readers of all visual System Exploration Forum and the Astronomical Society of abilities to the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum. the Pacific. Using Braille, large print, and tactile images from the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and ground-based telescopes, the book explores how various observatories complement the findings of one another. “Touch the Invisible Sky” debuted at a ceremony at the National Federation of the Blind on January 15, 2008 and is 2008 NASA Education Highlights available through the National Federation of the Blind, Library of Congress repositories, and a wide-range of public institutions. 39 Space Operations Mission Directorate

NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate NASA Means Business challenges science, communications, and (SOMD) seeks to provide educational projects, fine arts students to produce NASA public service announcements and conduct educational outreach with their product. products, and activities to inspire the next generation The NASA Postdoctoral Program allows postdoctoral students to of explorers to take the next steps in the U.S. Space conduct research for the SOMD at participating NASA Centers. Exploration Policy. Additionally, SOMD strives to Elementary and Secondary Education support educators who prepare students to meet The NASA Educational Exploration Team (NEET) Educator national elementary and secondary education Resource Center provides educational materials and multimedia standards in STEM. The Mission Directorate resources for all visiting classes and educators from around the engages learners in hands-on experiences related country at KSC. The NEET Exploration Station provides training for visiting educators and classes at KSC’s unique facilities. to space operations. Below are examples of SOMD educational activities. The Digital Learning Network provides K–16 educators and students, along with science museum audiences, with a chance

http://spaceoperations.nasa.gov to talk to scientists and see NASA-unique facilities via two-way video and Web cast. Higher Education The Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System (KLASS) Reduced-Gravity Student Flight Opportunities encourage offers software that converts a computer lab into a launch undergraduate students to propose, design, fabricate, fly, and simulation room. Teachers can select scenarios for various evaluate a reduced-gravity experiment over six months. science content areas and grade levels. The Great Moonbuggy Race challenges undergraduate and high The Student Launch Initiative challenges high school students school students to compete in teams, applying engineering skills to with a competition to design, build, and test reusable rockets design a collapsible vehicle powered by one male and one female with scientific payloads. and ride it through a simulated lunar terrain obstacle course. Informal Education Preservice Teacher Institutes train preservice teachers on how to use NASA educational materials with hands-on NASA Brain Bites produces Emmy award-winning broadcast TV science pedagogy. products, 30 and 60 seconds in length, that share high interest concepts and answer frequently asked questions. They are used educators. The 2007 conference featured a presentation on the for classrooms, museums, exhibits, broadcast TV, and NASA TV NASA Great Moonbuggy Race and other NASA engineering and radio. design challenges and sessions—presented by former Mi Futuro students currently enrolled in college—on skills required to achieve Astro Camp provides a variety of one-day to one-week camp success in college. Project Mi Futuro offers school-based, after- experiences that are tailored to middle school students. These school STEM enhancement and career awareness, and a week- camps are held at SSC, schools, exhibits, and other venues that use exciting, hands-on activities to help students learn long residential summer Mathematics and Science Academy. about propulsion. NASA’s Student Launch Initiative (SLI). Top-performing Team America Rocketry Challenge and Rockets for Schools Minority Outreach teams are eligible to participate in the NASA SLI, an advanced Diversity Education Grants offer grant awards to three high-powered rocket and payload project. NASA’s SLI involves higher education institutions to serve underrepresented and middle and high school students in an 8-month project to underserved K–12 educators and students and help them pursue design, build, and test a reusable rocket that will reach 1 mile STEM careers. above ground level with an associated scientific payload. In addition to actual vehicle and payload performance, teams are Minorities in Science and Engineering serves as a work-study also evaluated on design and other criteria through reports, program for scholars and provides faculty mentoring, peer tutoring, presentations, and safety checks. and ongoing research for African-American high school students to encourage college enrollment in science and engineering. The initiative is more than designing and building a rocket from a commercial kit: it involves diverse aspects such as Exploration Infusion delivers NASA content, training, workshops, scheduling, purchasing, performing complex calculations, coaching, and activities to the Gulf Coast Education Initiative financial planning, logistical coordination, media relations, and Consortium and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; it serves documenting impact made on education through reports and 21 districts, 252 schools, and 128,000 students and teachers. design reviews. Teaming with engineers from Government, SOMD Education Highlights industry, and academia, students get a hands-on, inside look at science and engineering careers. The NASA SLI educational NASA Astro Camp Introduces Children to Space experience culminates in the spring with a tour, technical Exploration. NASA SSC’s Astro Camp summer 2008 theme presentations, and launch at MSFC. was “Soar to Explore: NASA Turns 50,” and campers studied Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System (KLASS) propulsion, NASA history, and future missions. Astro Camp Counts Down! KLASS is a launch countdown software introduces thousands of children to space science through week- package that simulates a firing room for students in any long summer camps, Saturday camps, and traveling events. group of networked computers. The students serve as the 2008 Astro Camp students learned about the principles of engineers to solve issues and problems, and launch the Shuttle propulsion and NASA’s Constellation program through exciting successfully. During prototype testing at Fort Caroline Middle hands-on activities including rocket launches, egg drops, ISS School in Jacksonville, FL, students were excited to learn model construction, and biosphere and spacesuit design. This science and math. Because of the impact on student interest year, the Astro Camp project partnered with Mississippi State and achievement, the school has developed a virtual science lab University Bagley College of Engineering to bring their “Summer for all students to participate in the KLASS simulation. Students Engineering Experience” (SEE) program to SSC for students will use KLASS and the KLASS curriculum to enhance to their aged 13–15. Teenage campers studied robotics, mathematics, current content in Science Process skills, Earth Science, Life and the principles of motion in catapults and roller coasters. In Science and Physical Science. One teacher stated, “KLASS addition, the Astro SEE students had the opportunity to build and has made these students hungry to learn more about NASA’s launch solid rockets. mission for human space exploration.” Funded by SOMD, a All of these activities serve to inspire and engage students and current contract is expanding educational materials and making help foster an interest in NASA and science and technology. implementation easier for all schools. The software and newly expanded educational content was publicly released in 2008. MI FUTURO (My Future) Holds 6th Annual NASA Hispanic Youth Conference. Project Mi Futuro, is a NASA-sponsored project designed to inspire Hispanic high school students to stay in school, graduate, and pursue STEM majors in college.

The project sponsors an annual conference hosted by NASA 2008 NASA Education Highlights MSFC that is attended by over 150 Hispanic students and their

41 Ames Research Center

NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) specializes in exploring the solar system, exploring extreme environments on research geared towards creating new knowledge Earth, and research aircraft. and new technologies that span the spectrum of Science Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Project provides NASA interests. ARC education serves Alaska, science majors who are planning to be 6th-12th grade science teachers the opportunity to engage in paid laboratory research Northern California (southern-most counties of internships. ARC implements this project in partnership with the Inyo, Kings, Monterey, and Tulare), Hawaii, Idaho, California State University (CSU) system.

Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Foothill-DeAnza Internship provides opportunities for and Wyoming. students in Foothill-De Anza Community College District to participate in onsite internships. For more than 35 years, this http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames program has been serving students as well as sponsors of internships, including NASA ARC. Internships are offered in Higher Education multimedia/Web, computer science, communication, business, International Space University Summer Session 2009 is an engineering, and science.

intensive nine-week course of study for postgraduate subjects NASA Exploration Academy identifies potential future NASA ranging from engineering and physical sciences to satellite leaders and brings them to NASA ARC for an intensive ten applications and policy. An international cadre of distinguished week overview of all aspects of NASA missions. Potential future professors will teach the classes, and students will benefit from NASA engineers learn firsthand about the challenges of space the mentorship of NASA scientists, engineers, and researchers, transportation in the new millennium. and the Agency’s academic and industry partners, including Google and Lockheed Martin. NASA Robotics Academy is a NASA multi-Center, 10-week residential internship during the summer for undergraduate Education Associates Project, administered through the students specifically interested in robotics. Participants are Space Grant Foundation, offers college and university students assigned to a team project developed by NASA, local industry and faculty the opportunity to participate in a hands-on or an academic institution. This project is funded by SOMD. experience at a NASA Center working with NASA scientists, engineers, and managers on a NASA project. The projects will run the gambit of NASA’s missions—from the Space Shuttle to Systems Teaching Institute (STI), provided through Science Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Project at ARC University of California Santa Cruz and NASA ARC, offers a 10- Launched and is a partnership of CSU with Department 12 week summer research experience for graduate students of Energy (DOE) national research laboratories (Lawrence in fields relevant to ARC research. Students work closely with Livermore National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley ARC scientists and engineers, and attend seminars, career National Laboratory) and NASA ARC. The purpose of STAR is development workshops, and an end-of-summer symposium. to provide science majors who are planning to be 6-12th grade Elementary and Secondary Education science teachers the opportunity to engage in paid laboratory research internships. Launch into Technology, offered in collaboration with the Girl The 11 STAR participants in the 2008 summer pilot at ARC Scouts of the San Francisco Bay Area, hosts high school-aged conducted research projects alongside NASA scientists and Girl Scouts for two, seven-day residential institutes, focused on attended weekly enrichment workshops. Using NASA resources, robotics and aeronautics. the workshops are designed to focus on and enhance the Ames Research Center Education Highlights students’ knowledge of science education and foster inquiry- based science teaching and learning strategies to increase Ames Exploration Encounter (AEE). The Ames Exploration science interest and learning among K-12 students. On July 26, Encounter (AEE) is a Center-unique project that provides 2008 a science education and career planning conference was students in grades four through six a half-day, hands-on held at ARC for all 30 students from the 5 local STAR laboratory educational experience. Over the last 17 years, the AEE has sites. The event featured STAR mentors, university faculty, hosted more than 100,000 students. Set in a retired wind Federal laboratory and project staff, master teachers, CSU tunnel, the students are introduced to the basic science and deans, and local K-12 panelists and speakers. mathematics concepts that form the basis of NASA research and map to California Science Standards. In 2008, a third- ARC is currently pursuing a Space Act Agreement with the CSU party evaluation of the facility was conducted, and the results system to extend the partnership beyond STAR to include other indicated that the project had strong positive results on the preservice and inservice professional development activities. students, and was highly regarded by teachers. The project inspires students to learn more about STEM and intrigues them about the possibility of working for NASA.

University Affiliated Research Center (UARC)– Systems Teaching Institute creates student activities and resources that offer practical training to students pursuing careers in STEM fields of relevance to the NASA mission. The Institute hosts an annual Graduate Student Internship, now in its third year, that supports approximately 10-15 students each summer. In 2007, the UARC piloted a new student activity: the Small Spacecraft Summer Study Project, or S4P. The UARC solicited proposals from University of California scientists to develop a low-cost scientific mission in collaboration with the NASA Ames Small Spacecraft Center—a mission that is relevant to the NASA strategic plan. A national recruitment yielded six talented graduate students, each with a unique expertise, who came together for an intensive concept design study led by NASA scientists and engineers. This year, 12 students and 7 scientists are working at ARC to develop the design for a mission to a potentially Earth-crossing asteroid. 2008 NASA Education Highlights

43 Dryden Flight Research Center

As the lead for flight research, NASA Dryden Flight The general categories within the cooperative agreement are: Research Center continues to innovate in aeronautics a. Partnerships and collaborations with industry, academia, and space technology. The newest, the fastest, the and other Federal and State organization in support of technical workforce development. highest—all have made their debut in the vast desert skies over DFRC. DFRC education serves Arizona b. Facilities and Equipment: Colocation of staff and sharing of educational materials and equipment. and Southern California (northern-most counties of c. Education Programs: Design, coordination and implementation Kern, San Bernardino, and San Luis Obispo). of various education elements: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden Higher Education

DFRC is currently partnering with the Aerospace, Education, AERO Higher Education/MUREP Activities support the Research, Operations (AERO) Institute, a Palmdale, CA- implementation of DFRC’s Higher Education Student and based nonprofit organization, via a cooperative agreement for Faculty projects, including scholarship and internship projects the purpose of supporting education and outreach activities and activities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate aligned with NASA’s education goals and DFRC’s mission. students who receive mentorship by professionals within NASA, The AERO Institute is a consortium of Federal, State, and industry, and academic partners. local Governments, industry, and academic partners with the common goal of enhancing the current STEM research, along with educational and operations programs needed to enable and maintain the viability of the aerospace workforce. Elementary and Secondary Education Science Olympics, educational programs for students—and most recently—a week-long Teacher Academy in Aerospace AERO Pre-college Program Activities include development Education for teachers. of educational materials and educational project plans of the SOFIA aircraft and the DC-8 Airborne Laboratory project Arizona mathematics, science, and technology teachers aircraft. Expedition Two Base Camp is an activity for middle participated in the Teacher Academy during June 23-27, 2008. school students held in July 2008. Goals included: building educators’ content knowledge and Informal Education skill base in aerospace science and equipping teachers with engaging and advanced STEM teaching methods thereby AERO Informal Education Activities. NASA is commemorating increasing teachers’ ability to positively influence students’ congressional enactment of the National Aeronautics and interest in and understanding of aerospace science. The Space of 1958 by incorporating a 50th anniversary theme in Academy included a mini-course in aerospace education; a informal education activities during FY 2008. The AERO Institute campus-unique experience utilizing physics labs, and utilization cooperatively demonstrated and distributed educational of NASA educational materials. activities/products to the informal education community. Dryden Flight Research Center Education Highlights

Bringing the Moon Closer to Classrooms. As NASA prepares to embark on return missions to the Moon with the Constellation Program, over 220 educators have received procedural certification in handling and storing NASA’s lunar samples. Targeting underserved areas of Arizona, the Arizona Moon Project’s goal is to provide activities and resources to promote students’ science process skills, and complement science and mathematics educational standards while applying lunar themes.

In addition to educator workshops, multiple student assemblies were presented to inspire and inform approximately 600 students. Both the workshops and assemblies included an overview of Constellation including the Crew Exploration Vehicle. Students and teachers learned about the historic Apollo missions while viewing lunar samples under microscopes. They also worked on several in-class activities from the “Exploring the Moon” educator guide, to creating their own mission patch for a “future” Moon mission.

This project enabled teachers and students in Arizona to have the opportunity to work with real lunar samples, while understanding the importance of NASA’s upcoming missions to the Moon.

Arizona Educator Resource Center’s Teacher Academy in Aerospace Education. Arizona’s Educator Resource Center is located on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus and is instrumental in bringing NASA education resources to teachers and students in Arizona through monthly workshops for educators, an annual Middle School Math & 2008 NASA Education Highlights

45 Glenn Research Center

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) develops October through April to work on group projects in aeronautics, and transfers critical technologies that address computer technology, and human space flight. national priorities through research, technology Lewis’ Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Project (LERCIP) for High School provides a summer development, and systems development for opportunity to permanent residents of Northeast Ohio who will safe, reliable aeronautics, aerospace, and space be juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year and are applications. GRC education serves Illinois, Indiana, interested in STEM and professional administration. Internships of eight-week duration will be available mid-June through Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. early August.

New Approach to Self Achievement (N.A.S.A.) Project is http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn a six-week summer program for students attending Cleveland Higher Education Metropolitan and Lorain County Schools who will be 7th or 8th graders in the fall. The program is designed to capture Lewis’ Educational and Research Collaborative Internship/ students’ interest in science and mathematics. Located Fellowship Project (LERCIP) provides internships for students in an urban setting, the N.A.S.A. Project seeks to target of science, engineering, professional administrative, and students who have a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 3.0, technical areas. Internships of ten-week duration are available demonstrating a deficiency in the areas of mathematics and during the summer months at NASA GRC. The project is a science, and requiring a gentle push to reach their academic collaborative undertaking by the GRC Educational Programs and life potential. The program is also designed to help prepare Office and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI). students for the Ohio Achievement Test by providing a weekly Elementary and Secondary Education Scholastic Challenge Contest. Shadowing provides high school students with a career Exploring is a worksite-based project for young men and exploration experience for one day or up to one week on- women who have completed 8th grade and are aged 14 to 20. site at GRC. Opportunities are available during the school GRC collaborates with the Boy Scouts of America to provide the year for students interested in STEM areas and professional project which has five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, administration. life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience. Activity groups led by GRC volunteers who serve Tennessee State University College Bound (CB) is an as Exploring Advisors meet one weekday evening a week from intensive two-week summer academic workshop designed to introduce minority and female students to the profession on the STS-118 mission, which could sustain plants on the of environmental engineering. CB participants will examine surface of the Moon. The student chambers were constructed environmental issues from engineering, social, and political and designed using household items in relation to the various perspectives. CB is held in the College of Engineering, atmospheric challenges the Shuttle would experience. Technology, and Computer Science on the campus of NASA Education Project Provides Students and Families Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. with a New Approach to Self-Achievement. Activities Glenn Research Center Education Highlights for students include classroom instruction and projects that provide hands-on experience in applying science and Astronaut Shares Space Tales with Students. The Lewis mathematic concepts, innovative proficiency for test-taking Educational Research Collaborative Internship Program strategies, computer education classes, and a variety of (LERCIP) is a collaboration between the GRC Educational enrichment activities such as future career counseling and Programs Office and the Ohio Aerospace Institute and is field trips. Unique to this project are the Saturday Family hosting 39 participants representing 27 local high schools in Workshops, which are designed to engage students and their Northeast Ohio. families in the NASA culture and inform them about factors that In 2008, students were presented with a rare opportunity during influence educational development. These family workshops their orientation when NASA astronaut and STS-123 crew equip students with tactics to become advocates supporting member Michael Foreman, an Ohio native, visited with them. STEM education in their communities and to continue on to Foreman shared information about his 16 days in space aboard become part of NASA’s workforce in the future. the Space Shuttle Endeavor where the crew delivered the first module of the Japanese laboratory, Kibo, and the final piece of the station’s mobile servicing system to the space station. LERCIP has also been shown to lead to employment at GRC, and contributes to NASA’s goal to educate and eventually employ students in STEM careers. In 2007, 9 out of the 18 cooperative education participants hired at GRC were participants in the LERCIP. In 2008, 48 out of 115 LERCIP students were past participants of other GRC student programs (i.e. Exploring, LERCIP High School, Shadowing, etc.) Exploring Receives Highest Recognition from Boy Scouts of America. The NASA GRC Exploring project received the 2008 William H. Spurgeon, III award from the Boy Scouts of America, which is the highest recognition for individuals and organizations contributing significant leadership to the Exploring Program. Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America, for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years old. The success of the GRC Exploring project can be attributed to the volunteers who work with its Educational Programs Office, engineers, scientists, and technologists. Participants were engaged in the basic principals of aerospace, vehicle, and propulsion systems, and built rockets infusing aerodynamic/ structural design and fabrication, and worked on power system modules. In the realm of computer technology, participants designed Web pages, worked on product development, and processed acoustics. Participants also created space growth chambers and participated in the Engineering Design Challenge. They designed a lunar plant growth chamber similar to the one used 2008 NASA Education Highlights

47 Goddard Space Flight Center

The mission of NASA Goddard Space Flight Consortium. Students are placed in state-of-the-art projects Center (GSFC) is to expand knowledge on Earth, with aerospace companies providing experience in skills marketable to NASA and aerospace partners. its environment the solar system, and the universe through observations from space. GSFC education NASA/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Student Intern Project is a 10-week research experience at Applied serves Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Physics Laboratory (APL), a research and development division Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, of The Johns Hopkins University that supports the Department New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, of Defense (DOD), NASA, and other Government agencies and Vermont. through innovative applied research, technical development, and problem solving.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard NASA/Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) Internship consists of a 10-week resident summer research Higher Education activity for diverse undergraduate and graduate students NASA Academy is an intensive, residential, 10-week summer interested in careers in computer science, software engineering, experience at the university level with laboratory research information systems, or related fields.

work, a group project, lectures, meetings with experts and Student Internship Project (SIP) is designed for students administrators, visits to NASA Centers and space-related whose primary interest is space-related research. SIP is industries, technical writing, and presentations. an intensive 10-week summer research activity for diverse Robotics Academy is a 10-week residential internship during undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in the summer for undergraduate students specifically interested in aerospace fields.

robotics. Participants are assigned to a team project developed Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications by NASA, local industry, or an academic institution. (SIECA) broadens participants’ professional perspectives NASA Summer Aerospace Workforce Development through exposure to a variety of research/application Research Intern Program (SAWDRIP) is a collaboration environments through a 10-week “hands-on” work experience among: GSFC Higher Education Office, Maryland Space in various space-related scientific and technological fields. Business Roundtable (MSBR), and Maryland Space Grant Summer Institute on Atmospheric, Biospheric, and Goddard Space Flight Center Education Hydrospheric Sciences is a 10-week student research project Highlights which consists of lectures by prospective mentors describing their proposed research followed by 9 weeks of research on Collaboration with Bureau of Indian Education. In 2008, a projects the students have selected with results presented in a Space Act Agreement was signed between Goddard Space concluding symposium. Flight Center (GSFC) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). The purpose of this agreement is to enable a collaborative Science Technology, Engineering Pipeline for Underserved partnership between NASA GSFC and BIE that advances the Populations (STEP—UP) is an eight-week internship at Wallops educational needs of American Indian and Alaskan Natives (AI/ Flight Facility or Maryland Institute for Space Technology. AN) in science and technology. Pursuant to NASA’s Education Graduate Student Summer Program (GSSP) in Earth Science Framework, this agreement contributes to NASA’s goals of provides students with the opportunity to conduct intensive attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines, and research in one of GSFC’s Earth Science laboratories. strengthening NASA and the Nation’s future workforce. Through focused educational support that promotes learning among New York City Research Initiative is made up of 12 research targeted populations, the education activities and opportunities teams composed of a high school student, a high school will enable AI/AN students to move through a focused teacher, and an undergraduate student assigned to an existing progression of engagement and education aimed toward group of researchers led by the principal investigator. Seven fostering employment within a wide-range of NASA-related teams are located at various universities in the NYC Metropolitan STEM disciplines. This collaboration is designed to: 1) promote area, and five teams are working at the Goddard Institute for science and technology literacy among AI/AN communities, 2) Space Studies. develop a common/shared understanding of the most effective Elementary and Secondary Education practices for engaging AI/ANs in STEM careers, and 3) build High School High Tech is an ongoing endeavor to encourage on BIE strengths and competencies that support these goals. high school students with disabilities, particularly minorities, This partnership extends and strengthens efforts in promoting to prepare themselves and pursue STEM degrees in college, science and technology literacy and encouraging AI/AN peoples then technical careers. Activities include site visits, six-week to excel in science and technology careers. summer employment opportunities, meetings with mentors who NASA’s First Nobel Laureate Addresses GSFC Higher are technical professionals with disabilities, and workshops on Education Students. GSFC Higher Education summer intern technical fields of study and college preparation. projects have over 175 participants for summer 2008. Interns High School Intern Project engages rising high school juniors participated in the NASA Academy, Summer Intern Program in real-time STEM applications in a research-focused work (SIP), Robotics Academy, Summer Institute in Engineering and world. Interns learn more about space exploration and GSFC- Computer Applications Program (SIECA), American Indian specific areas of Earth science, space science, engineering, Science and Engineering Society Intern Program (AISES), and technology. ACCESS, MUST, USRP, and other programs.

NASA/Morgan State Summer Institute of Robotics is Dr. John Mather, NASA’s first Nobel Laureate, addressed these a 4-week session designed to provide 25-30 students the students during the second week of the summer session, gave opportunity to learn and discover the science and technology the keynote address during the symposium, and posed for of robot design and operation. photos with some of the interns.

Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering and NASA’s MUREP Symposium was cosponsored by GSFC and Research (SISTER) is a five-day experience giving middle the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Office, school girls the opportunity to explore career fields with research July 21–25, 2008. The symposium included the Jenkins scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Predoctoral Fellowship Program, NASA Administrator’s Fellowship Program, Curriculum Improvement Partnership History of Winter (HOW) is a winter camp in Lake Placid, NY Award Project, and the Motivating Undergraduates in Science that instructs science teachers about snow and ice. and Technology participants. 2008 NASA Education Highlights

49 Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed a research fellowship under SURF are available through this by the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) project. Faculty representatives at the colleges nominate students each year. is NASA’s lead Center for robotic exploration of the Solar System. JPL education serves California. Alliance for Learning and Vision for Underrepresented Americans (ALVA) is a partnership between JPL and the

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/jpl University of Washington College of Engineering. Freshmen are assigned high-tech responsibilities that improve their college Higher Education financing and give them a taste of a professional career. The 10- week experience consists of 30 hours of high-technology work Space Technologies Education Project (STEP) develops assignments augmented with 10 hours of workshops to promote the technical talent necessary for NASA’s and JPL’s workforce. proficiency in mathematics. STEP is modeled after successful programs such as the previous STEP—Skilled Trades Employment Program—that JPL Research Apprenticeship (RA) Project allows ended in 1992, enjoyed support from a period of more ample experienced and qualified students to participate in research resources, and provided JPL with quality technicians. activities at JPL. Because JPL missions involve major engineering design and fabrication efforts and produce a huge Student Independent Research Internship (SIRI) is a amount of scientific data, a pool of high-quality student research one-semester internship at JPL for students enrolled in an apprentices can help in the engineering and scientific work on independent study course at a participating college. these projects. JPL Summer Faculty Research Project is a series of Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) collaborations between NASA Research and Development is a project based at Caltech and introduces undergraduate Centers and nearby universities that allow engineering and students to research at the Caltech campus or at JPL under science faculty members to spend 10 weeks working with the guidance of seasoned mentors. Students experience the professional peers on research. process of research as a creative intellectual activity and gain JPL Undergraduate Scholars Project (JPLUS) was a more realistic view of the opportunities and demands of a developed to recognize achievement and high potential in professional research career. students attending the 30 community colleges closest to JPL and Pasadena. Scholarships and an opportunity to apply for Jet Propulsion Laboratory Education Highlights Cassini Scientist for a Day. With its stunning rings and dozens of moons, Saturn is an intriguing planet. The Cassini spacecraft NASA Museum Alliances Celebrate Mars Landing. When is the first to explore the Saturn system of rings and moons from the Mars Phoenix spacecraft arrived at the red planet on May orbit. Cassini entered orbit on June 30, 2004 and immediately 25, 2008, NASA’s Museum Alliance members were poised began sending back images and data. to share the excitement of the landing in real time with their own members. Earlier that spring, JPL hosted a number of In 2008, Cassini gave 5th-12th grade students across the teleconferences with mission scientists and technical personnel U.S. and the world the opportunity to study Saturn and make to familiarize the Museum Alliance members with the mission’s authentic scientific decisions similar to the mission’s scientists. objectives and timeline so that they could host educational Cassini’s cameras were programmed to take images of three programs in their communities. The members also received designated targets on June 10, 2008: Saturn’s moons Rhea and presentation materials and DVDs for the events. A live Mars Enceladus, and a region of Saturn’s rings that includes the tiny landing visually generates a great deal of excitement and moon Pan. Student competitions involved a 500-word essay on Phoenix landing on the polar region of Mars was no exception. the scientific importance of their choice for camera target, and Museum Alliance partners in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, the essays were judged by a panel of Cassini scientists, mission Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and many other parts of the country planners, and the JPL education and outreach team. Winners reported large crowds. The goal of the Museum Alliance is to were invited to discuss their essays with JPL Cassini scientists assure that museums, science centers, planetariums, and other via teleconference. The essay contest generated 197 essays informal education organizations have ready access to news, by 289 students, including some homeschooled and special image products, schedules, and professional development education students. for NASA missions. Over 300 U.S. museums and 35 non-U.S. Across the world, “Scientist for a Day” inspired parallel activities museums are represented in NASA’s Museum Alliance. in several countries (including India, Iran, Columbia, Spain, and NASA Explorer Schools Engage in Robotics. Robotics Sri Lanka). An international version was led by Dr. Carl Murray, education is a JPL strength area, and the facility frequently imaging team member at Queen Mary, University of London, provides teacher training based on NASA’s current and future and involved secondary schools in the underserved borough of robotics missions which in turn lead to student projects Tower Hamlets. connected to exploration. JPL conducts the Southern California NASA Explorer Schools Robotics Competition (SoCaNESRoC) for NASA Explorer Schools located in Southern California. The competition and engineer/scientist presentation is disseminated through NASA’s Digital Learning Network. Teams of four students program their robots to accomplish a series of tasks on a simulated planetary surface within a fixed time. Simulated tasks include retrieving mineral formations, clearing rocks for a base, positioning a habitation module, and retrieving a stranded rover. In 2008, 84 students on 21 teams traveled to JPL for a competition that featured elementary, middle, and high schools competing in two divisions. Students also had a chance to interact with JPL scientists and engineers about robotics and career pathways. The purpose of SoCaNESRoC is to give students the opportunity to employ inquiry-based problem- solving skills while working toward a goal in teams, much like JPL scientists and engineers. This competition encourages the schools to make technology education a regular part of their school year and the Webcast serves as a model of a successful and intense competition. 2008 NASA Education Highlights

51 Johnson Space Center

From the early Gemini, Apollo, and Sky Lab projects undergraduate students work part-time while pursuing a four- to today’s Space Shuttle, International Space Station, year degree at a local college or university. and Constellation programs, NASA Johnson Space Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) Early College attracts Center (JSC) continues to lead Agency efforts in outstanding students from all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds. The project seeks to recruit talented students Human Space Exploration. JSC education serves in academic disciplines relevant to NASA’s mission. Interested Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North students must be TAS alumni, which encompasses former Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. student participants of High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) and Community College Aerospace Scholars (CAS). Qualified http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a STEM-related degree field. Selected participants will be offered Higher Education a 15-week, hands-on internship at NASA JSC.

Reduced Gravity Education Flight Project allows teams of Community College Aerospace Scholars (CAS) Early undergraduate science and engineering students nationwide College is an annual aerospace-related experience for to propose, design, and fly a reduced-gravity experiment. To community college students and professors throughout Texas date, student teams from 49 states have flown in this project; and includes Web-based assignments prior to a 3-day visit to these include more than 2,200 undergraduate students from 150 JSC where students and professors interact with engineers universities, 81 students from 9 community colleges, and 446 and scientists while working on team projects. Participants high school students from 73 schools. are encouraged to pursue 4-year degrees in STEM-related Career Exploration Project (CEP) is a competitive student career fields. employment project that provides opportunities for both high Elementary and Secondary Education school and college students to receive rich on-the-job training High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) Grade 11 includes experiences supporting NASA’s mission and encouraging interactive Web-based lessons, distance learning, and a educational advancement and academic achievement. Tier 1 residential experience during the summer at JSC. Students high school students work part-time during their senior year from across the State of Texas are selected to participate in high school and the summer following graduation. Tier 2 by their state legislator through a competitive process. was his employment, and his continued job experience through Selected students are Texas residents, U.S. citizens, and JSC/Universities Space Research Association work-study currently in their junior year of high school (rising senior) with programs has dramatically shaped his education and career an interest and aptitude for math, science, engineering, or goals. Upon completing his education, he plans to move computer science. Participants are eligible to receive formal back to Houston and pursue his new dream of becoming a recognition for their extracurricular work in the form of a NASA astronaut. one-year science elective credit toward their respective high JSC Celebrates “Bring our Children to Work Day.” Amid school diplomas. the normal hustle and bustle at JSC on June 12, 2008, minivans Middle School Aerospace Scholars (MAS) Grades 6-8 full of children pulled up to the Center to get a close-up look at Educators provides teams of middle school teachers from their parents’ workplace during the annual “Bring our Children across the State of Texas an opportunity to participate in a to Work Day.” The event, sponsored by the JSC Office of unique professional development project. Teachers spend one Education, celebrated the contributions that all employees week during the summer at JSC learning to integrate NASA make to JSC work environment. Young visitors, ranging from resources into their own curriculum. During the following school preschool to high school age, were able to experience a day year, their classes participate in a series of distance learning in the life of an employee. Special presentations on astronaut events hosted by NASA. The summer workshop is funded by the training by NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, as MAS project with no costs to the teachers or school districts. well as spacesuits and space food, were scheduled throughout Johnson Space Center Education Highlights the day. Additional events, such as a visit from PBS character Clifford the Big Red Dog, and opportunities to visit a new Systems Engineering Educational Discovery Takes Flight. Exhibits Trailer on the Constellation Program, further enhanced In 2008, JSC offered its first-ever nationwide solicitation of the visitors’ experience. student applications aimed at addressing systems engineering challenges within microgravity and lunar gravity environments. Unlike the traditional reduced gravity flight project where students propose the research to be carried out, the NASA technical workforce identified ongoing projects that are systems engineering and reduced gravity-related. Selected student groups were then paired with NASA research projects under the leadership of a NASA Principle Investigator to carry out scientific research, hands-on investigational design, test operations and education/public outreach activities.

In addition to student involvement, one university/college faculty member was invited to fly with each team. This provided faculty members with teaching materials for their classroom that will increase student interest in systems engineering.

On a Mission to Success. Adolfo Cortez is an example of the Career Exploration Project’s success in advancing students through educational work-study experiences into careers benefiting the future of space exploration. As a high school senior, he was excited about the opportunity to work at NASA even though he planned to pursue a business degree. However, a tour of JSC’s Mission Control Center inspired him to consider a different career path. He graduated from high school with honors and earned a full-tuition scholarship to attend San Jacinto College, where he began his pursuit of an engineering degree.

During fall 2008 he transferred to Texas A&M University to 2008 NASA Education Highlights pursue electrical engineering. He will be the first in his family to graduate with a college degree. His work experience at NASA 53 Kennedy Space Center

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is America’s Elementary & Secondary Education Gateway to the Universe—leading the world in NASA Education Exploration Team (NEET) is a partnership preparing and launching missions around the Earth between KSC and SOMD to provide NASA STEM content to regional/national educators and students. NEET is comprised and beyond. KSC education serves Florida, Georgia, of two components, the Educator Resource Center (ERC) and Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. the Exploration Station (ES) located in the Center for Space Education (CSE) at KSC. NASA ERCs provide expertise and

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy facilities to help educators at all levels access and utilize science, mathematics, and technology instructional products that are Higher Education aligned with national standards and state frameworks and based on NASA’s unique mission and results.The Exploration Community Outreach Projects in Education (COPE) Higher Station offers free educational and interactive student programs Education encompass a broad array of projects and activities for school groups as well as other student organizations, and to educate higher education students and faculty. The majority provides hands-on STEM learning activities. of the activities are local and customer-driven. Students, faculty, and education institutions have numerous requests for NASA Community Outreach Projects in Education (COPE) educational information and assistance. Some requests are Elementary and Secondary Education encompass a broad spontaneous, some recur each year, and some result in the array of projects and activities to inspire and engage elementary development of sustainable, repeatable programs. and secondary education students and teachers. The majority of the activities are local and customer-driven. Students, teachers Kennedy Intern Project (KIP) Higher Education is managed and education institutions have numerous, diverse requests for by KSC’s Human Resource Office. KSC’s Education Office NASA educational information and assistance. Some requests supports KIP in order to integrate education and human resource are spontaneous, some recur each year, and some result in projects. KIP is intended to attract students pursuing degrees in the development of sustainable, repeatable programs. COPE KSC-identified competency areas for work during an academic activities are often participants’ first interaction with NASA KSC term. The objective is to provide students valuable work and allows them to enter the NASA education pipeline. experience related to their academic studies and knowledge of KSC’s mission. The project also provides KSC an opportunity to Kennedy Intern Project (KIP) Elementary and Secondary evaluate the student’s suitability for participation in the Co-op Education is modified for elementary and secondary students. Program or full-time employment upon graduation. The program also provides KSC an opportunity to evaluate the student’s suitability for participation in other NASA education or 2008 DuPont Challenge. The DuPont Challenge Science Essay human resource projects. Competition began in 1986 and is sponsored by the DuPont Center for Collaborative Research & Education in cooperation Informal Education with NASA KSC, National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Community Outreach Projects in Education (COPE)— and Walt Disney World Resort. It honors the memory of the crew Informal Education. The KSC Center-unique Community of the Space Shuttle Challenger STS-51L mission and all who Outreach Programs in Education (COPE) encompass a broad work to encourage the next generation to explore the frontiers array of programs and activities. The majority of the activities of science. are local and customer-driven. Civic groups, local residents, The 2008 DuPont Challenge award ceremony took place in the and informal education organizations have numerous, diverse Debus Conference Facility at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) requests for NASA educational information and assistance. Visitor Complex. NASA guest speakers and hosts included James Some requests are since requirements, some recur each Hattaway, KSC Associate Direrctor for Business Development, year, and some result in the development of sustainable, who welcomed the group and introduced keynote speaker Kelvin repeatable projects. COPE activities are often the segment of Manning, manager of the Orion spacecraft for KSC. The Orion the pipeline through which participants move from informal to Capsule is the crew exploration component of the Constellation formal programs. Program, which is developing the next generation of spacecraft Kennedy Space Center Education Highlights for human spaceflight. The DuPont Challenge is a prominent student science and technology competition in North America. NEET Engages Thousands. NASA Education Exploration Team The competition’s objective is to increase scientific literacy among (NEET) is comprised of the Educator Resource Center (ERC) students and to motivate students to excel in communicating and the Exploration Station (ES). The KSC ERC has established scientific ideas. It also recognizes the invaluable role of science strong partnerships with KSC’s Education Office, NASA’s Space teachers in motivating students to communicate scientific ideas Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD), and NASA’s Office of through writing. Education. In 2008, approximately 4,826 educators participated in professional development workshops at the ES, and 8,248 educators visited the ERC to receive information on NASA resources. KSC’s ERC team also conducted more than 300 K–12 student activities reaching approximately 18,328 students. The team supported numerous informal educational activities that educated over 8,500 students on STEM topics. Florida Governor’s School Pilot Project. The State of Florida has given three universities—Florida Institute of Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Florida State University—funds to plan and test a pilot governor’s school of math and science for gifted students during summer 2008. From June 1–6 and June 29–July 4, KSC, in collaboration with Space Florida and these three universities, hosted two, one-week sessions for 16 gifted students. The students were selected from around the state. Participants were from the following counties: Bay, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, and Volusia. Delaware North Park Services of Spaceport, a commercial company that operates the KSC Visitor Center, Space Florida, the principal organization charged by the Florida legislature with promoting and developing Florida’s aerospace industry, and KSC are providing intensive STEM activities for the students. NASA engineers and senior managers are involved 2008 NASA Education Highlights in each week’s activities, and students will also work in KSC laboratories. 55 Langley Research Center

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) continues to juniors, engages students in an interactive 10-week distance forge new frontiers in aviation and space research for learning course. The NASA-developed coursework uses a Space Exploration theme to teach a broad range of STEM skills aerospace, atmospheric sciences, and technology aligned with state and national standards of learning. Students commercialization to improve the way the world lives. who successfully complete the coursework will attend a six- LaRC education serves Kentucky, North Carolina, day residential summer academy at LaRC. South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Preservice Teacher Project (PSTP) is a two-week, residential summer STEM institute and an annual, two-and-a-half day, http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley national professional STEM development conference. The conference and institute are designed to stimulate prospective Higher Education grades 4-8 teachers’ (and their university advisors’) interest, knowledge, and confidence in developing new strategies for NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars team teaching an inquiry-based, integrated, STEM Curriculum (LARSS) Project is managed for NASA by the Virginia Space with a focus on systemic change. Grant Consortium (VSGC) under the auspices of the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA). LARSS provides paid internship opportunities for eligible students during spring, summer, or fall sessions. Participants gain exciting hands-on research experience while working side-by-side with NASA LaRC scientists and engineers who serve as mentors.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a partnership between LaRC and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. The project, which targets high school Langley Research Center Education Aeronautics Competition Places Two Students at LaRC. Highlights Alex LePage and Nicholas Heinz worked as summer interns in the Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) College Students Design Future Aircraft In NASA Project. Their internships were awarded by the annual university Competition. Sixty-one students from fourteen colleges and student competition, Fundamental Aeronautics Program, part universities around the globe have imagined what the next of the ARMD at NASA Headquarters. The contest placed generation of airliners and cargo planes may look like. Fourteen interns at all of NASA’s aeronautics research centers. teams and two individual students submitted their designs in For the contest, 16 teams from around the globe submitted the annual competition sponsored by NASA’s Fundamental designs for a futuristic subsonic fixed-wing aircraft. Heinz, Aeronautics Program, part of the Agency’s Aeronautics a rising senior at the University of Miami, was part of a four- Research Mission Directorate. member team that won second place. LePage, a senior at the “The Nation’s air transportation system is under tremendous University of Central Florida, was part of a two-member team pressure to increase performance and capacity without that won an honorable mention. causing additional damage to the environment,” said Juan As part of the subsonic fixed wing project, Heinz and LePage Alonso, director of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. work alongside NASA engineers to study the structural design “Through competitions such as this, we are nurturing a new of an experimental blended wing body aircraft. The LARSS generation of engineers who can deliver the solutions we so project served 156 students in summer 2008. desperately need.” The contest challenged students to create a future subsonic transport aircraft that could carry up to 50,000 pounds, operate on runways between 1,500 and 3,000 feet long, and cruise at speeds between 595 and 625 mph—about the average speed of airliners today. The competition also stressed that concept planes should use alternative fuels and be quieter and more environmentally friendly than today’s commercial fleet. The highest scoring graduate team was from Georgia Tech in Atlanta and undergraduate team honors went to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Virginia High School Juniors Experience Exploration. Forty- eight Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) attended a week-long immersive summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center July 27 – August 1, 2008. These dynamic high school juniors from throughout Virginia were actively engaged with NASA scientists, engineers, and technologists during the Academy. Beginning in April, the scholars participated in a NASA-developed distance-learning course with a space exploration theme. The 10-week course covered a broad range of STEM skills aligned with state and national standards of learning. The project seeks to broaden students’ STEM knowledge while providing meaningful, real- world experiences and career role models in the aerospace sector. During the summer academy, scholars were divided into four teams to plan a mission to Mars: getting there, living there, working there, or mission integration. VASTS is a partnership between NASA LaRC and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, and is modeled after the highly successful, NASA award-winning Texas Aerospace Scholars program developed by JSC. 2008 NASA Education Highlights

57 Marshall Space Flight Center

Bringing people to space, bringing space to people. Higher Education

MSFC is world leader in the access to space and use Cooperative Education/Recruiting. The Cooperative of space for research and development to benefit Education Program at MSFC is open to Ph.D., graduate, and humanity. undergraduate students from around the country who alternate semesters at school with semesters at MSFC working in a NASA and MSFC strive to help maintain a strong paid, full-time position directly related to their field of study in cooperation or support of NASA’s Mission Directorates. American education system, nurturing students’ interest in the fields of mathematics and science Elementary and Secondary Education from elementary school through their college years, Workforce Coalition: Education Task Force. In 2006, MSFC transitioned leadership for the Integrated Stakeholder Coalition and encouraging young people to consider careers for Workforce Development (ISCWD) to the Huntsville/Madison in engineering and the aerospace industry. We also County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Coalition. The forge strong ties with the Nation’s academic centers MSFC Academic Affairs Office now leads the Education Task of excellence and the educators who anchor the field Force subcommittee of the Workforce Coalition to focus on K-12 education initiatives identified by the Workforce Coalition. The of learning. Our main goals are to inspire and motivate Task Force utilizes a systems approach to engage community students to pursue STEM careers and to engage stakeholders in facilitating partnerships to build skills needed the public in shaping and sharing the experience of for the workforce. exploration and discovery. MSFC education serves Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall MSFC Educator Resource Center Network. The Marshall interactive activities, including NASA Digital Learning Network Space Flight Center Educator Resource Center Network (DLN) career modules, space exploration presentations, and (MSFC/ERCN) consists of centers located in the states of bio-tech/DNA experiments at the pilot schools. Also, the Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, and Tennessee. participating educators took part in professional development Each Educator Resource Center (ERC) demonstrates and at the MSFC Educator Resource Center, and through work site facilitates the use of educational technologies; provides in- visits and shadowing tours/mentorship at industry sites. service and pre-service training utilizing NASA curriculum INSPIRE Students Provide Educational Opportunities at support products; and partners with local, state and regional Huntsville International Air Show. NASA’s Interdisciplinary educational organizations to become part of the systemic National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education initiatives in the state. (INSPIRE) brings unique education and work experiences to Marshall Space Flight Center students. The INSPIRE students at MSFC became the teachers Education Highlights when they guided educational activities for children at a local air show in the summer of 2008. This was an opportunity for Visiting Researcher Exchange and Outreach (VREO). students in the NASA workforce pipeline to reach out to others The Visiting Researcher Exchange and Outreach (VREO), who may potentially be interested in NASA’s education projects instituted in May 2001, is a MSFC project managed through or future employment. a cooperative agreement between its Academic Affairs Office The INSPIRE students participated in training sessions prior to and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). the event and gained knowledge on propulsion terminology and VREO facilitates the process of establishing on and off-site working relationships between university, private sector, facts. They then used their newly acquired skills to demonstrate and Government agency researchers and NASA scientists, straw rockets to hundreds of air show participants. It was a engineers, and technologists. Visiting researchers with contracts fun and unique way to “inspire” future education participants during the period of October 2007 through September 2008 using NASA-unique aerospace content against the backdrop of included five scientists, engineers, and distinguished senior an air show. researchers, one K-12 teacher, three college faculty, and six undergraduate and three graduate students. VREO’s outreach component facilitates the exchange of scientific, engineering, and technical information between NASA and external partners through the coordination of seminars, meetings, workshops, and colloquia. The benefits of tapping into the knowledge base that resides within academia and industry are two-fold, with both sides reaping benefits from the collaboration. Task Force Provides Career Focus to Middle School Students. In 2007, MSFC’s Academic Affairs Office began leading the Education Task Force, a sub-group of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Coalition. The Coalition recognized that education-to-workforce partnerships should provide experiential/hands-on, problem- solving skills and career focus in real work-world environments. During the 2007-08 academic year, the Education Task Force implemented the Career Tech/Cluster Initiative in four local pilot middle schools. MSFC’s Academic Affairs Office collaborated with Junior Achievement of North Alabama to engage students and teachers in classroom career cluster activities and real work experiences at industry sites. To insure sustainability, work site visits were followed by STEM and healthcare 2008 NASA Education Highlights

59 Stennis Space Center

Stennis Space Center (SSC) is responsible for Elementary and Secondary Education NASA’s rocket propulsion testing and leads the SSC works to increase awareness of the U.S. Space Agency’s research effort in coastal management Exploration Policy with Mississippi and Louisiana educators issues involving the northern Gulf of Mexico. SSC and students. The SSC Educator Resource Center (ERC) uses STEM curriculum materials to engage the education education serves Mississippi. communities of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium, along with other http://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis schools in the area. Activities include educator professional development workshops, hands-on student activities and new Higher Education teacher orientations. NASA facilitators base activities on local SSC offers opportunities to visiting scholars and students curriculum requirements, Mississippi curriculum frameworks from around the country. This includes the full array of national and national education standards. fellowships, grants, and internships available through the Stennis Space Center is a strong supporter of FIRST (For Agency and Space Grant consortia. In addition, SSC annually Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) hosts the Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI). Robotics and LEGO League (FLL). SSC hosts the FLL The Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI) is an intensive, two- Mississippi Championship Tournament, helps host the FIRST Bayou Regional Robotics Competition, and provides volunteers, week summer residential session for college students who mentors, and judges for robotics competitions. In the past are preparing to teach elementary or middle school. College three years, NASA has provided over $1 million in grants and students from diverse backgrounds spend a dynamic and support to local schools and regional robotics committees. exciting time at a NASA Space Center where they are exposed to problem-based learning, mathematics and science enrichment activities, and specific NASA missions and technologies. Informal Education SSC is the primary sponsor of FLL tournaments in Mississippi, providing staffing, logistic and material support to students, Astro Camp at SSC introduces thousands of children to NASA, teachers and mentors. In December 2008, 31 teams and more space flight, and STEM. The camps include Saturday camps than 300 students participated in the Mississippi Championship and week-long summer camps for students ages 7–15. A Tournament. This was the largest FLL event ever in Mississippi, traveling Astro Camp provides stimulating educational activities with 14 different school districts and 3 home school organizations to thousands of people at events across the United States. represented. Through SSC’s efforts, the Mississippi FLL program Astro Camp students learn principles of propulsion and has experienced phenomenal growth (more than 300 percent in spaceflight through exciting, hands-on projects including the past 3 years). Statewide, students have had the opportunity rocket launches, egg drops, neutral-buoyancy exercises, and to participate in a truly unique program that celebrates STEM. much more. NASA-Honeywell FMA Live! Partnership Reaches Astro Camp Plus, a special camp for 13–15 year-olds, Thousands. NASA SSC has reached over 1500 middle school emphasizes technology. As NASA prepares to send humans students and teachers through FMA Live! FMA Live! is an back to the Moon and on to Mars, campers join in the excitement innovative and dynamic stage show that uses live actors, music, by learning about the different goals and assignments it takes and video to teach Newton’s Laws of Force and Motions, that to make the space program a success. Counselors work with is the result of a strategic partnership between NASA and the campers on team projects and games that teach science and Honeywell Corporation. The show tours throughout the United math principles as they inspire future scientists, engineers, and States during the school year. astronauts to follow their dreams. In addition to bringing FMA Live! to Mississippi, SSC worked with Stennis Space Center Education Highlights Mississippi State University to host the event in its coliseum, thus enabling students from all over North Mississippi to attend. The Rocketry and Space Exploration Day for Area Girl Scouts. production was highly successful, and SSC is already working SSC has historically provided a variety of informal education with Honeywell and Mississippi State University to host a two- opportunities for Mississippi Girl Scouts. In October 2007 nearly day FMA Live! in 2009. FMA Live! is a collaboration between 150 Brownies participated in NASA Brownie Day at SSC. The NASA and Honeywell International, Morris Township, NJ. girls explored hands-on activities related to astronomy, rocketry, and space exploration. NASA curriculum materials were used to support STEM concepts for the girls to earn their Earth and Sky, and Space Explorers Try-It Badges for Brownies In May 2008, Mississippi Junior Scouts and leaders participated in an Aerospace Train-the-Trainer. This event was the first step in preparing the Scouts and leaders for conducting their own Girl Scout Aerospace Badge events. During the training, participants utilized NASA curriculum to learn hands-on activities in aeronautics, propulsion and space travel. This will be further reinforced during a Junior Aerospace Badge event during 2008, in which the trained scout will facilitate the content previously learned. By empowering the girls with knowledge and confidence, SSC is providing them with a foundation to succeed.

SSC Champions FIRST LEGO League. Since 2001, the Stennis Space Center education team has championed robotics education programs for elementary and middle school students in Mississippi. A cornerstone of this endeavor is the Center’s support for Mississippi FLL. FLL is a science and technology competition for teams of ten students or less. Each year, students are required to design and build a LEGO robot to complete autonomous missions on a playing field. The team must also conduct and present original research about a 2008 NASA Education Highlights scientific problem.

61 Appendix A

NASA Education Goals and Framework In 2006 and beyond, NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals:

Strengthening NASA and the Nation’s future workforce NASA will identify and develop the critical skills and capabilities needed in aeronautics, Earth and space science, and space operations to ensure achievement of the U.S. Space Exploration Policy. To help meet this demand, NASA will continue contributing to the development of the Nation’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce of the future through a diverse portfolio of education initiatives that target America’s students at all levels, especially those in traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities.

Attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines NASA will pursue the minds, imaginations, and career ambitions of America’s youth. The Agency will focus on engaging and retaining students in STEM education programs to encourage their pursuit of educational disciplines critical to NASA’s future in aeronautics, Earth and space science, and space operations and for participation in engineering, scientific, and technical missions.

Engaging Americans in NASA’s mission NASA will build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education providers. Through hands-on interactive educational activities, NASA will engage students, educators, families, the general public, and all Agency stakeholders to increase Americans’ science and technology literacy.

The Guiding Education Strategic Framework

The Education Strategic Coordination Framework is an Agency portfolio approach to education that builds upon the above education goals that were identified in the Agency 2006 Strategic Plan. It aligns NASA’s total education portfolio with the strategic plan; provides a coordination structure; and creates an Agency-wide strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation framework for the Agency’s investments in education.

NASA delivers this comprehensive portfolio through its Office of Education, Mission Directorates, and Field Centers, and contributes to our Nation’s efforts in achieving excellence in STEM education.

The Education Strategic Framework chart depicted in Appendix B provides a conceptual basis for examining, guiding, and coordinating the NASA education portfolio. It is a strategic management tool that allows the Agency to monitor participant movement through education activities, with each category leading to the next. Education programs and projects draw from the category below them as a key source for participants, and they connect participants to the category above them, providing a more experienced and focused group, and creating a measurable pipeline.

More information about the NASA Education Strategic Framework can be found at http://education.nasa.gov/about/strategy/ Appendix B

NASA Education Strategic Framework A Clearly Defined and Coordinated Portfolio Approach

Outcome 1 Contribute to the development of the STEM workforce in disciplines needed to achieve Employ Higher Education NASA’s strategic goals through Outcome 2 a portfolio of investments. Attract and retain students Elementary & Educate in STEM disciplines through Secondary a progression of educational Outcome 3 Education opportunities for students, Engage Build strategic partnerships and teachers, and faculty. Informal linkages between STEM formal Education and informal education providers Inspire that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA’s mission.

NASA Partnerships/ Principles/ Criteria Relevance Diversity Evaluation Continuity Content Sustainability

Cultivate Diversity of Workforce Disciplines and Practitioners

Overarching Philosophy (Cultivate Diversity): The cultivation of diversity is both a management philosophy and core value for all NASA education efforts. Diversity of the skills and talents needed in our future workforce is critical to our success. Potential at both the individual and organizational levels will be maximized by fostering awareness, understanding, and respect for individual differences. The knowledge, expertise, and unique background and life experiences—including ethnicity, gender, race, religion, and cultural identity—of each individual strengthen the Agency.

Relevance: To effectively strengthen the Nation’s STEM workforce, NASA must implement activities that are useful to the education community and that enhance its ability to engage students in the STEM pipeline.

Content: Education investments use NASA content, people, or facilities to involve educators, students, and/or the public in NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Diversity: NASA strives to ensure that underrepresented and underserved students participate in NASA research and education programs to encourage more of these students to pursue STEM careers. Programs and projects are representative of American demographics; engage underrepresented and underserved minorities, women, and persons with disabilities; and reflect an atmosphere of equity, balance, and inclusiveness. NASA will continue to focus on enhancing the capabilities of Minority Serving Institutions to contribute to the research needs of the Agency.

Evaluation: Education investments document their intended outcomes and use metrics to demonstrate progress toward and achievement of these outcomes and of annual performance goals. Evaluation methodology is based on reputable models and techniques appropriate to the content and scale of the targeted activity, product, or program.

Continuity: Projects and activities draw from audiences who have already demonstrated interest in NASA and connect participants to the next level of engagement. A blend of projects and activities encourages continued student affiliation with NASA throughout their academic careers.

Partnerships/Sustainability: Education investments leverage and achieve sustainability through their intrinsic design and the involvement of appropriate local, regional, and/or national partners in their design, development, or dissemination. As appropriate, 2008 NASA Education Highlights key aspects of projects and activities are replicable, scalable, and demonstrate potential for continuation beyond the period of direct NASA funding. 63 Appendix C

NASA Education Categories of Involvement

Four Categories of Involvement Inspire

Activities focused on promoting awareness of NASA’s mission among the public, primarily through informal education and outreach activities. This category is heavily supported by the outreach activities of other NASA organizations, such as the Office of Public Affairs. Inspire-level efforts are broad, with the goal of reaching a large number of people. This category forms the base of an education structure that becomes more focused at progressively higher levels of the framework pyramid. Engage

Education activities that in some manner incorporate participant interaction with NASA content for the purpose of developing a deeper understanding. Participants are strategically identified and targeted. Educate

Focused education support that promotes learning among targeted populations. Education activities focus on student learners or pre and inservice educators and are designed to develop and/or enhance specific STEM knowledge and skills using NASA resources. These activities promote new knowledge acquisition and strengthen an individual’s skills. NASA’s elementary and secondary education efforts are supplementary to formal classroom instruction. NASA’s higher education efforts may include development of specific university curricula in support of the NASA mission and student-built instruments. Employ

Targeted development of individuals who prepare for employment in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s mission and strategic goals. Through internships, fellowships, and other professional training, individuals become participants in the Vision for Space Exploration and NASA science and aeronautics research. At the apex, they have acquired sufficient mastery of knowledge for employment with NASA, academia, industry, or within STEM fields of teaching. AMES FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER DRYDEN GLENN RESEARCH CENTER GLEN RESEARCH CENTER PLUMBROOK STATION STUDIES GODDARD INSTITUTE FOR SPACE FLIGHT CENTER GODDARD SPACE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY CENTER JOHNSON SPACE CENTER KENNEDY SPACE LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER FLIGHT CENTER MARSHALL SPACE CENTER STENNIS SPACE OHIO TEXAS VIRGINIA FLORIDA ALABAMA LOUISIANA NEW YORK MARYLAND MISSISSIPPI CALIFORNIA NEW MEXICO WEST VIRGINIA

Appendix D

NASA Education K-12 Service Areas LaRC KSC GSFC HQ

GRC

MSFC SSC White Sands Test Facility, New Mexico Facility, White Sands Test Louisiana Michoud Assembly Facility,

NASA Headquarters (HQ), District of Columbia Stennis Space Center (SSC), Mississippi Johnson Space Center (JSC), Texas Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida Center (LaRC), Virginia Langley Research Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Alabama JSC

DFRC

ARC JPL Plum Brook Station, Ohio Station, Ohio Plum Brook Institute for Space Studies, New York Goddard West Virginia Validation (IV&V) Facility, and Independent Verification Software Virginia Flight Facility, Wallops

Ames Research Center (ARC), California Ames Research Center (DFRC), California Dryden Flight Research Center (GRC), Ohio Glenn Research Space Flight Center (GSFC), Maryland Goddard Laboratory (JPL), California Jet Propulsion [CA Only] NASA Centers NASA Centers

2008 NASA Education Highlights

65 For More Information

For more information, please visit www.nasa.gov.

The NASA Web Site is the single point of entry to NASA public content and the most popular Government site on the Web. It serves as the gateway for information regarding content, programs, and services offered by NASA for the general public and, specifically, for the education community.

Visit www.nasa.gov to find out more information about NASA’s mission, research, and activities; NASA Education strategy and programs; and NASA Mission Directorates and Field Centers. “NASA’s pursuit of discovery pushes the extremes of science to answer fundamental questions about who we are and where we come from; to achieve a greater understanding of the universe; and to determine what is happening to the Earth’s climate and why. These discoveries... serve to whet the appetite of future generations and inspire them to push further the ever- expanding frontiers of human understanding.”

—NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale

http://www.nasa.gov/education National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Building the Foundation for the Next 50 Years of Exploration.

inspire engage educate employ 2008 NASA Education Highlights the next generation of explorers and innovators.

www.nasa.gov

NP-2008-10-557-HQ