OSGC Educational Resources Blog

More than any other time in space exploration history, it’s an exciting age for educators and students to be part of. Before the end of the next decade, NASA astronauts will return to the moon. This time, we’re planning to stay, building outposts and paving the way for eventual journeys to Mars and beyond. Today’s students will be tomorrow’s explorers.

In 2008, NASA will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Sometimes, in order to look forward, we must take a step back to study the past. Because of this, we want to ask - What do you think is NASA’s greatest exploration achievement in the past 50 years and why?

That’s the question this competition asks of students ages 11-18. Sponsored by the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and in collaboration with NASA, the second annual 21st Century Explorer Podcast Competition challenges students to create unique audio and video podcasts.

Running from October 1 through January 4, this competition is open to United States citizens ages 11-18. Students are grouped into two age divisions: 11-14 and 15-18. Students in each division will submit an entry in one of two separate categories of their choosing: audio podcast or video podcast. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each age group and category within that age group. An additional “People’s Choice Award”, selected by the public, will honor one podcast for each age division.

Only one entry may be submitted for each student. More competition details and the entry form can be found at the 21st Century Explorer Podcast Competition website at http://www.explorationpodcast.com . Students under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian.

All work needs to be original. Any use of copyrighted material will disqualify the entry.

So students, grab a computer, mic, and/or video camera and get busy. The competition begins October 1, and ends after the first 1,000 entries are submitted in each category OR at midnight on January 4, whichever comes first.

And teachers, encourage your students to put on their thinking caps, reflect on the past, and see how it connects to the future. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a close look at where space exploration may take 21st Century explorers!

Winners will be announced at the 3rd Space Exploration Conference in Denver, CO on February 28, 2008. Following the announcement, all winning entries will be posted on the competition website.

http://www.explorationpodcast.com

(From Our Friends at OMSI)

NASA Science News for October 1, 2007
Earlier this year, Comet Encke was passing a little too close to the Sun when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hit the comet and ripped off its tail. NASA’s STEREO spacecraft was watching and recorded a must-see movie featured in today’s story.

Read the Full Story and view the video at:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/01oct_encke.htm?list914996

The Educational Materials section of NASA’s Web site offers classroom activities, educator guides, posters and other types of resources that are available for use in the classroom. Materials are listed by type, grade level and subject. The following items are now available for downloading.

The Kepler Mission Star Field Lithograph
The Kepler Mission Star Field Lithograph is now available in the Lithographs section of the Educational Materials area.

This lithograph features an image of the star field that the Kepler spacecraft will observe during its four-year mission. The back provides information about the star field.

Download the Kepler Mission Star Field Lithograph from the following location:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Kepler_Mission_Star_Field_Lithograph.html

What is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements? Poster and Activity Booklet
The What is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements? Poster and Activity Booklet are now available in the Educational Materials area.

This poster and activity booklet provide information and classroom activities on topics in astronomy, physics and chemistry. Chemistry teachers will find information about the cosmic origin of the chemical elements. The astronomy topics include the big bang, life cycles of small and large stars, supernovae, and cosmic rays. Physics teachers will find information on fusion processes, and physical principles important in stellar evolution.

Download the What is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements? poster from the following location:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/What_Is_Your_Cosmic_Connection_Poster.html

Download the What is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements? Activity booklet from the following location:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/What_Is_Your_Cosmic_Connection.html

Strategic Coordination Framework: A Portfolio Approach Brochure
The Strategic Coordination Framework: A Portfolio Approach brochure is now available in the Program Brochures section of the Educational Materials area.

The NASA Education Strategic Coordination Framework aligns NASA’s total education portfolio with its Strategic Plan; provides a coordination structure; and creates an agency-wide strategic planning, implementation and evaluation framework for NASA’s investments in education. The plan encompasses all education efforts undertaken by NASA and guides the agency’s relationships with external education partners, including Minority Serving Institutions, professional associations, universities, school systems, industry and other federal agencies.

Download the Strategic Coordination Framework: A Portfolio Approach brochure from the following location:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Strategic_Coordination_Framework.html

NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) is offering student opportunities related to Exploration in partnership with the National Space Grant Consortia. Contact your local Space Grant Consortium for further details on the area of your interest. You may also visit http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/  for more specific information. The two areas of the student opportunities are:

Internships:
• Spend 10 weeks in private industry or at a NASA Center working on an Exploration project
• Includes a stipend of $6000 (includes travel allowance)
• Selected students will be responsible for acquiring housing arrangements and travel plans
• Students should contact their local Space Grant Consortium for internship availability in your area

Check http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/  for the application and available positions.

Applications deadlines:
Oct 1 for Spring 2008
Jan 28 for Summer 2008
May 1 for Fall 2008

Senior Design Projects:
• Student teams can be funded for Senior Design Projects related to Exploration.
• Students should contact their local Space Grant Consortium for information on the senior design project
availability in your area

Check http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/  for the available projects.