Filed under: Aeronautics, Cool Science, Educator Kit, K-12, NASA, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
“Kids in Micro-g!” is a student experiment design challenge geared toward grades 5-8. Its purpose is to give students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment or simple demonstration that could be performed both in the classroom and aboard the International Space Station.
The winning experiments will have observably different results when the experiments are performed in the “1-gravity” or “1-g” environment of the classroom, compared to when the experiments are performed by astronauts in the “Micro-g” (one-millionth of 1-g) environment of the space station. The apparatus for the demonstration must be constructed using materials from a materials tool kit provided to the astronauts on board the space station. The tool kit consists of materials commonly found in the classroom and used for science demonstrations.
The experiment demonstration must take no more than 30 minutes to set up, run and take down. Experiment challenge winners and runners-up will be selected regionally and nationally by the Education offices of the ten NASA centers. The ten regional winners, one national winner and one national runner-up winner will have their experiments conducted by the astronauts on board the space station in the April-May 2010 timeframe. The experiments will be recorded in HD video and the winners supplied with copies of their video before the end of their school year.
Experiment proposals may be submitted by educators on behalf of their student groups. Proposals may be submitted via e-mail or postal mail during the period from Jan. 4, 2010, through Feb. 19, 2010.
The winning experiment proposals will be announced on April 2, 2010.
For more information about the challenge, including a scoring rubric, proposal requirements and a list of materials available to the astronauts, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/nlab/experimentchallenge.html
Filed under: Aeronautics, Higher Education, NASA, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
NASA is accepting applications from students at U.S. colleges and universities who want to send experiments to the edge of space on a high-flying scientific balloon.
The annual NASA project provides near space access for 12 undergraduate and graduate student experiments to be carried by a NASA high-altitude research balloon. The flights typically last 15 to 20 hours and reach an altitude of 23 miles. Experiments may include compact satellites or prototypes.
The experiments are flown aboard the High Altitude Student Platform, or HASP, a balloon-born instrument stack launched from the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility’s remote site in Fort Sumner, N.M. The goals of the project are to provide a space test platform to encourage student research and stimulate the development of student satellite payloads and other space-engineering products.
HASP seeks to enhance the technical skills and research abilities of students in critical science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The project is a joint effort between NASA and the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium.
The deadline for applications is Dec. 18, 2009. NASA is targeting fall 2010 for the next flight opportunity. NASA expects to make selections in January 2010.
Application materials and technical details are available in the Call for Proposals document at http://laspace.lsu.edu/hasp
Information about NASA’s scientific balloon program is available at http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code820
Filed under: Aeronautics, Higher Education, Internships, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) is a ten week summer research opportunity for undergraduate Juniors & Seniors, and Graduate students, under the guidance of a mentor, at a participating Navy Laboratory (list of participating universities is available at http://www.asee.org/nreip). The stipend amounts for the program are $7500 for undergraduate students and $10,000 for graduate students. U.S. citizenship required; Permanent residents accepted at certain labs.
The online application is currently open at http://www.asee.org/nreip and must be completed by January 8, 2010. All accompanying documents (official transcripts and reference letters) are due by January 11, 2010.
Filed under: Aeronautics, Competitions, Contest, Higher Education, NASA, Science
The ESMD Space Grant Project would like to invite our students and faculty to please join us for an internet chat on Monday, November 16, 2009 about the ESMD Research Paper Competition. Students will have a chance to talk to a NASA engineer who is considered an expert in the competition topics. Information about the competition, including eligibility requirements and directions for submitting a paper, can be found at http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/ResearchPaper.htm
One half-hour will be dedicated to each of the 4 topics of the competition following the schedule below:
2:00 p.m. EASTERN/1:00 p.m. CENTRAL/12:00 p.m. MOUNTAIN/11:00 a.m. PACIFIC Determination of the Optimum Internal Cockpit Layout
2:30 p.m. EASTERN/1:30 p.m. CENTRAL/12:30 p.m. MOUNTAIN/11:30 a.m. PACIFIC Loading of Cryogenic Propellant in Space Launch Vehicle
3:00 p.m. EASTERN/2:00 p.m. CENTRAL/1:00 p.m. MOUNTAIN/12:00 p.m. PACIFIC Synergistic Degradation Effects of Materials Exposed to Radiation, Micrometeors, Thermal Sinks and Lunar Dust
3:30 p.m. EASTERN/2: 30 p.m. CENTRAL/1: 30 p.m. MOUNTAIN/12: 30 p.m. PACIFIC Spacecraft Landing and Recovery Architecture: Historical Approaches and Ideas for the Future
The chat will be held at http://ESMDSpaceGrantProject.universitywebchat.com/chat9385/. Participants can choose to attend for all the topics or any single topic they choose.
Please keep in mind, the room will not be available until 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. There are 100 slots available that will be filled on a first come/first serve basis.
Keep an eye on our Facebook group, ESMD Space Grant Project, for more details and the chance to meet fellow ESMD Space Grant students. We are encouraging all participants to submit questions ahead of time to Mandi.C.Falconer (at) nasa.gov.
General chat relating to the overall ESMD Space Grant Project, including internship opportunities, senior design projects and the Lunabotics Mining Competition will take place 15 minutes before and after the chat at http://ESMDSpaceGrantProject.universitywebchat.com/chat2400/
Filed under: Aeronautics, Higher Education, Internships, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The Connecticut Space Grant Consortium is pleased to accept applications from students at space grant affiliated institutions for the Summer 2010 Helicopter Training Workshop which will be held on the campus of Central Connecticut State University from August 1 – 6, 2010.
Any full-time undergraduate or graduate student of a Consortium college who meets the minimum eligibility requirements and who is at least 18 years of age may apply. Students will attend a 1 week workshop, August 1 – 6, 2010, in which they will learn how helicopters operate through a combination of classroom, lab and testing experiences. Students will also network with professionals within the helicopter aerospace industry. The Consortium expects to admit 20-30 students. (NASA restricts grants to U.S. Citizens only.)
Summer 2010 Helicopter Training Workshop
Award – Undergraduate/Graduate Students of NASA Space Grant affiliated institutions are eligible to apply. Students should apply to their state’s space grant consortium for a travel grant to cover the $250 registration fee and transportation to and from the workshop. Dorm housing at Central Connecticut State University and 3 meals/day are included in the registration fee.
Eligibility – Undergraduate/Graduate student applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a full-time student at one of the NASA Space Grant Consortium Member Institutions with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed at least 2 semesters of an engineering or related program (algebra and trigonometry for non-engineering students). Selected applicants must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Award Opportunities – This opportunity provides participants with a classroom instruction and hands-on opportunity to learn more about why helicopters behave as they do during flight operations. Workshop participants will construct and flight test (wind tunnel and outdoor) radio controlled coaxial helicopters, and compete in an obstacle course using the coaxial helicopters and VTOL aircraft that they build. Two human powered helicopter test fixtures will also be used for experimentation, to maximize the lift over drag. Participants will also have an opportunity to network with aerospace leaders, present their wind tunnel test results to aerospace professionals, tour Sikorsky and KAMAN manufacturing and engineering facilities, and experience a 1-hour ride in a Robertson 4-place helicopter (up to 3,000 ft. and 140 mph) during this unique training experience. Transportation to and from all workshop-sponsored events, lodging and food are included in the workshop registration fee.
Proposal Format and Checklist: Complete the National Helicopter Training Workshop Student Application and fax (860/768-5073) or email (ctspgrant@hartford.edu) it, along with the following 4 items, to the CT Space Grant Consortium office by January 15, 2010.
- Resume/CV
- Transcript (Demonstrating completion of at least 2 semesters of an engineering or related program)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Will be required of all students selected to participate in the workshop.
- Letter of Support from Applicant’s State Space Grant Consortium – Please attach a letter of support from your state’s Space Grant Consortium acknowledging that if you are selected for participating in this Workshop, that your state’s Consortium will award you a travel grant to pay 1) the Workshop Registration Fee of $250 to the CT Space Grant Consortium, and 2) cover your travel to and from Connecticut. The Workshop registration fee covers your dorm housing and meals for the Workshop (August 1-August 6, 2010).
Reporting – A short project report is due upon completion of the workshop from all participants. A reporting format will be provided to awardees.
About the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium: The Connecticut Space Grant College Consortium, a NASA supported Space Grant Consortium, consists of Bridgeport University, Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut Colleges of Technology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Southern Connecticut State University, Trinity College, the Universities of Connecticut, Connecticut Health Center, Hartford, and New Haven, Wesleyan University and Yale University. The purpose of the Consortium is to encourage research and education in Space/Aerospace Science and Engineering.
For more information, please contact:
Teresa Turner
Program Coordinator
Connecticut Space Grant Consortium
University of Hartford (Lead Institution)
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
860/768-4813
mailto:ctspgrant@hartford.edu
http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/ctspgrant/
Link to application: http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/ctspgrant/CTSPGRANT/National%20Helicopter%20Training%20Workshop%20Application.docx
Filed under: Aeronautics, Competitions, Engineering, Higher Education, NASA, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites undergraduate and graduate students to research and design a civilian amphibious tiltrotor vehicle. The vehicle must be able to take off and land on water or land; carry up to fifty passengers; cruise at 300 knots; and cover 800 nautical miles. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. International students may participate but are not eligible for certain prizes. A notice of intent is requested by Jan. 15, 2010. Final papers are due May 3, 2010.
Participants will submit a conceptual design for an amphibious tiltrotor that meets or exceeds the design goals and capabilities described on the official context website. Participants will also describe the technical issues associated with water landings and take-offs and describe the design trade-offs considered to accommodate marinization. Format and content guidelines are available on the website.
To review the contest details and submission guidelines, please visit http://aero.larc.nasa.gov/competitions_univ.htm
Filed under: Aeronautics, Funding, NASA, STEM, Scholarships, Science, Student Opportunities
Applications are being accepted from students in aeronautics and related fields for the 2010-11 academic year. Twenty undergraduate students in their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and a summer internship at a NASA center with a $10,000 stipend. Five graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for three years and two summer internships at a NASA center with $10,000 stipends. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are due Jan. 11, 2010.
To review the application, supported fields, and eligibility requirements, please visit their website at http://nasa.asee.org/
Filed under: Aeronautics, Astronomy, Engineering, Funding, Higher Education, NASA, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities, fellowships
NASA announces a call for graduate fellowship proposals to the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) program for the 2010-2011 academic year. This call for fellowship proposals solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space sciences, or related disciplines. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to the respective universities.
The deadline for NEW applications is February 1, 2010, and the deadline for RENEWAL applications is March 15, 2010.
The NESSF call for proposals and submission instructions are located at the NESSF 09 solicitation index page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ – click on “Solicitations” then click on “Open Solicitations” then select the “NESSF 10″ announcement. Also refer to “Proposal Submission Instructions” listed under “Other Documents” on the NESSF 10 solicitation index page.
All proposals must be submitted in electronic format only through the NASA NSPIRES system. The advisor has an active role in the submission of the fellowship proposal. To use the NSPIRES system, the advisor, the student, and the university must all register. Extended instructions on how to submit an electronic proposal package are posted on the NESSF 10 solicitation index page listed above. You can register in NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/
Filed under: Aeronautics, Contest, Educational Materials, Engineering, K-12, NASA, STEM, Science
Space Math IV – Grades 9-12
This collection of activities is based on a weekly series of problems distributed to teachers during 2007-2008 school year. The problems in this booklet investigate space phenomena and math applications such as black holes, sunspots, the moon’s atmosphere, scientific notation, evaluating functions, Benford’s law and geometry. The problems are authentic glimpses of modern science and engineering issues, often involving actual research data. Each word problem includes background information. The one-page assignments are accompanied by one-page teachers answer keys.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Space_Math_IV.html
Aeronautics Research Poster – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. The X-48B blended wing body test vehicle on the front of the poster is an example of NASA’s cutting-edge research. Besides aeronautics education and scholarship information, the back of the poster details the programs, work, research and careers of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
Aerospace Design Poster – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. The Aerospace Design poster reflects images from the “Aerospace Design: The Art of Engineering from NASA’s Aeronautical Research” exhibit to commemorate 100 years of powered flight. Artifacts on the poster include architectural and engineering designs for wind tunnels, wind tunnel models, and designs for conceptual airplanes, past and present.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Aerospace_Design_Poster.html
INSPIRE Brochure – Grades 9-12
Students in grades 9-12 can apply to be participants in the Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience. INSPIRE is a one-year program for students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Online Learning Community, the centerpiece of the program, allows INSPIRE students to interact with their peers, NASA experts and education specialists.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/INSPIRE_Brochure.html
Decades of Contributions to Tilt Rotor Aviation Lithograph – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Over NASA’s 50-year history, and even before as the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, or NACA, the agency has helped to improve aircraft. The front of the Decades of Contributions lithograph shows an artist’s concept of a tilt rotor aircraft with labels pointing to NASA contributions. The back of the lithograph lists and explains how research has improved the safety, efficiency and performance of tilt rotor aircraft.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Rotorcraft_Aviation_Litho.html
Decades of Contributions to Commercial Aviation Lithograph – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Over NASA’s 50-year history, and even before as the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, or NACA, the agency has helped to improve commercial air travel. The front of the Decades of Contributions lithograph shows an artist’s concept of a commercial aircraft with labels pointing to NASA contributions. The back of the lithograph lists and explains how research has improved the safety, efficiency and performance of commercial jetliners.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Commercial_Aviation_Litho.html
Decades of Contributions to General Aviation Lithograph – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Over NASA’s 50-year history, and even before as the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, or NACA, the agency has helped to improve commercial air travel. The front of the Decades of Contributions lithograph shows an artist’s concept of a general aviation aircraft with labels pointing to NASA contributions. The back of the lithograph lists and explains how research has improved the safety, efficiency and performance of general aviation aircraft.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/General_Aviation_Litho.html
Decades of Contributions to Rotorcraft Aviation Lithograph – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Over NASA’s 50-year history, and even before as the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, or NACA, the agency has helped to improve rotorcraft. The front of the Decades of Contributions lithograph shows an artist’s concept of a helicopter with labels pointing to NASA contributions. The back of the lithograph lists and explains how research has improved the safety, efficiency and performance of rotorcraft.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Rotorcraft_Aviation_Litho.html
Decades of Contributions to Military Aviation Lithograph – All Grades
The first A in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Over NASA’s 50-year history, and even before as the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, or NACA, the agency has helped to improve military aircraft. The front of the Decades of Contributions lithograph shows an artist’s concept of a military aircraft with labels pointing to NASA contributions. The back of the lithograph lists and explains how research has improved the safety, efficiency and performance of military airplanes.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Military_Aviation_Litho.html
Neutral Buoyancy: Astronaut Training Is Not Always “Sink or Swim” – Grades 9-12
Watch the short NASA Brain Bites video “Why Do Astronauts Practice Underwater?” and use the accompanying resource sheet to explain sinking and floating. NASA astronauts simulate floating in space as they train for spacewalks in a huge pool called the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The video shows the NBL, and the resource sheet lists questions, answers and resources to stimulate a discussion on density and Archimedes’ Principle. The resource sheet includes links to more buoyancy activities.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Neutral_Bouyancy.html
What Is the Temperature of Space? – Grades 9-12
Watch a short NASA Brain Bites video and use the accompanying resource sheet to explain why objects traveling through space have a temperature but space does not. The resource sheet contains questions and answers to stimulate a discussion about the types of heat transfer, solar absorptivity, IR emissivity, and how NASA designs spacecraft and spacesuits for astronauts.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/What_Is_the_Temperature.html
Spacesuits: Pressurized Protection from Thermal Effects – Grades 9-12
Start with the NASA Brain Bites video “How Do You Scratch Your Nose in a Spacesuit?” for basic information about the suits. Then build on the video with a discussion of how the suit is like a “personal spacecraft.” This resource sheet lists discussion questions, answers, and resources about spacesuits and air pressure. In an application of Ohm’s Law, students calculate the current drawn by the heaters in a spacesuit glove. The resource sheet includes additional links and resources about spacesuits and albedo.
Ares I Can Model – All Grades
NASA plans to send humans back to the moon and on to Mars. To do this, the agency is developing a new rocket called the Ares I. Teachers and students can build an Ares I model. This easy-to- build model, made of cans of foods, was originally created to give visually impaired students an idea of the structure and relative sizes of the parts of Ares I.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Ares_I_Can_Model.html
“Out of Sight” Remote Vehicle Activity – Grades 5-9
Engineers and scientists tested the FIDO rover in the Mojave Desert. The rover drivers worked out of a trailer without watching the rovers. In similar fashion, in this activity students drive a remote-controlled car through a course to learn the challenges faced while trying to operate a planetary rover. They will use measurement, geometry and problem-solving skills to move through the course.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Out_of_Sight_Activity.html
Rover Races Activity – Grades 5-9
Students learn the challenges of operating a robot on Mars from Earth. In this simulation, the rover drivers upload their commands to their rovers (team of three blindfolded students) to travel around obstacles on the Martian surface (red paper on the floor) and complete the mission.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Rover_Races_Activity.html
Buzz Lightyear ‘Putting It All Together’ Activity – Grades 3-8
Buzz Lightyear has the distinguished honor of having been the longest-serving toy in space. He launched May 31, 2008, aboard the space shuttle Discovery with mission STS-124. He returned on Discovery 15 months later on Sept. 11, 2009, with STS-128. Now, back on Earth, Buzz has a challenge for your students: Create a Rube Goldberg-type device that incorporates at least 10 steps to put a marble in a cup. Students use their knowledge of the design process and physical science to design, test, modify and build a successful device.
Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge Educator Guide – Grades 5-8 & Informal
This guide is a starting point for middle school students to research and answer the challenging questions of how to maintain human habitations on the moon and other planets in the solar system. The guide focuses specifically on the need for water recycling. The guide includes background information on topics relating to the moon, Earth’s water cycle and water recycling. Several basic classroom activities on water recycling are also included.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/WLMR_Guide.html
Celebrating Apollo U.S. History and Human Geography Series – Grades 9-12
The Celebrating Apollo series provides challenging supplemental problems for students enrolled in advanced U.S. history and advanced human geography courses. NASA’s Apollo Program had a great effect on the history, politics, and social and economic indicators of the United States. Students are exposed to this rich history as they interpret its meaning and connection with other events in that era. Each problem set includes a teacher edition with scoring guide and a student edition.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Celebrating_Apollo_Series.html
Filed under: Aeronautics, Educational Materials, Higher Education, K-12, NASA, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities, Teacher Opportunities
On Oct. 27, 2009, NASA launches the first flight of a new era with the flight test of the . In preparation for the flight test, NASA has launched a new Web site to involve the public in this exciting and historic event.
The “MyExploration” Web site encourages visitors to learn, explore and participate in the upcoming mission. NASA is asking the public to upload 60-second videos that finish the statement “Space exploration is important because …” These videos will be posted on the site for others to see.
The “MyExploration” Web site also has links to Ares information on the Web, including links to the latest news and information on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
To learn more, upload your video, view videos submitted by others, and take the “MyExploration” quiz, visit http://www.nasa.gov/myexploration
