OSGC Educational Resources Blog


National Space Biomedical Research Institute Announces Postdoctoral Fellowship – Deadline August 4, 2009

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute seeks solutions to health concerns facing astronauts on long missions. This research also benefits patients on Earth. The NSBRI is soliciting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowship program.

The NSBRI’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides support for Postdoctoral Fellows in any U.S. laboratory carrying out space-related biomedical or biotechnological research. The program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or persons with pre-existing visas obtained through their sponsoring institutions that permit postdoctoral training for the project’s duration. Funding is for a two-year period with an option for a third year of support.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a Notice of Intent by July 7, 2009. (NOI is not required.) Applications are due Aug. 4, 2009.

For detailed information on the application process, visit http://www.nsbri.org/Announcements/rfa09-01.html



Free Seeds in Space Kits Still Available from NASA
May 14, 2009, 9:25 am
Filed under: Biology, Educational Materials, K-12, Lesson Plans, NASA, STEM, Science

The method of distribution of seeds for the Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber experience has changed. Packets of space-flown seeds and packets of seeds not flown in space are now available as part of the Seeds in Space Kit. The kit includes the following items:

• Five packets of seeds. Each packet includes one envelope of space seeds and one envelope of Earth seeds.
• Liftoff to Learning: Plants in Space DVD.
• The Ozone Monitoring Garden Lithograph.
• The Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Bookmark.

The Seeds in Space Kit may be obtained from the Central Operation of Resources for Educators, or CORE. Seeds are available as long as supplies last.  Seed kits are free (plus shipping and handling).
http://corecatalog.nasa.gov/item.cfm?num=300.0-83B

For more information about the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber, please visit the Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/home/index.html



2009 NASA Planetary Biology Internship – Deadline March 2, 2009

The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program provides opportunities each year for nine or 10 interns to undertake research at NASA research centers, NASA-sponsored laboratories, and academic institutions. The pursuit of such studies is expected to broaden the base of this new science by encouraging people in many different fields to take part.

Graduate students accepted in the PBI program will be expected to carry out research with a NASA-sponsored investigator for eight weeks, usually during the summer months. Typical programs in which interns may become involved include: global ecology and remote sensing; microbial ecology and bio-mineralization; advanced life support; and origin and early evolution of life.

Applications are due March 2, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/pbi.html



Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences – Deadline Feb 15, 2009
November 10, 2008, 5:25 pm
Filed under: Biology, Higher Education, NASA, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities, fellowships

The NSBRI-sponsored training program in space life sciences enables students to work toward a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M is currently recruiting participants for fall 2009. Students will pursue doctoral degrees in kinesiology, nuclear engineering (health physics) or nutrition, or a M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. in medical sciences.

Application packages are due Feb. 15, 2009.

For more information, visit http://SLSGraduateProgram.tamu.edu



Hooked on Hydroponics Grant Awards – Deadline Sept 15, 2008
August 6, 2008, 11:47 am
Filed under: Biology, Funding, K-12, STEM, Science, Teacher Opportunities | Tags: ,

The National Gardening Association (NGA) invites schools to apply for the Hooked on Hydroponics Awards, sponsored by The Grow Store in conjunction with the Progressive Gardening Trade Association. Thirty-Six schools will be awarded packages consisting of hydroponic garden systems, indoor light systems (high-intensity discharge or compact fluorescent), curricula, and reference books. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2008.

Visit the Kids Gardening website for details:
http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/HOH.asp



Bugs! Educational Mini-Grants Available from the Entomological Society of America – Deadline Sept 1, 2008
August 6, 2008, 11:44 am
Filed under: Biology, Funding, K-12, Request For Proposals, STEM, Science, Teacher Opportunities | Tags: ,

Grants will be awarded for up to $2,100 for small curriculum development efforts or professional development workshops emphasizing practical and innovative uses of Arthropods in K-12 formal and non-formal educational settings. Application deadline is September 1, 2008.

Visit the Entomological Foundation for application details:
http://www.entfdn.org/awards_request_proposal.php



Astrobiology Techniques – Laboratory Course for Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers

Astrobiology Techniques: A research-based laboratory course for Pre-Service and In-Service Science Teachers

microscopic image from Yellowstone Astrobiology lab course

Offered by: Portland State University, Department of Geology July 28 – August 1, 2008

Details:
G410/510, Astrobiology Yellowstone Techniques – 2 credits
Lab Fee: $50 – covers chemicals and electron microscope beam time
Undergraduate Tuition Fees: $375 for 2 credits
Graduate Tuition Fees: $701 for 2 credits

Course Description:
The field of astrobiology focuses on the search for early life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets. The Cady Research Group ( http://cadylab.pdx.edu/ ) investigates how life leaves an imprint on the rock record. This course will focus on laboratory techniques used to detect fossil signatures left by microorganisms. Specifically, we will examine samples acquired from Yellowstone National Park using the optical light microscope (OLM) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Lectures will cover fundamental concepts in astrobiology and microscopy. Laboratory projects will focus on samples gathered during the Yellowstone field trip, and will give students hands-on experience in OLM and SEM techniques. Class discussions will also consider methods to incorporate Astrobiology concepts and laboratory techniques into K-12 science curriculum. The final assignments, due Aug 8, are to write a short research report and draft a K-12 astrobiology lab. Contact Professor Sherry Cady – (503)725-3377, cadys@pdx.edu and/or Dr. Rick Hugo – (503)725-3356, hugo@pdx.edu for more information.



Astrobiology in Yellowstone National Park: A research experience for Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers

Astrobiology in Yellowstone National Park: A research experience for
Pre-Service and In-Service Science Teachers

Students collect samples at Yellowstone hot spring

Offered by: Portland State University, Department of Geology on July 8-15, 2008

Details:
G410/510, Astrobiology in Yellowstone 2 or 4 credits (graduate or undergraduate)
Trip Dates: July 8-15, 2008 Official course dates: July 7-25, 2008
Trip Fee: $725 – covers transportation to Yellowstone, meals and camping fees (tuition fees extra)
Undergraduate Tuition Fees: $375 for 2 credits or $602 for 4 credits
Graduate Tuition Fees: $701 for 2 credits or $1254 for 4 credits

Course Description: The field of astrobiology focuses on the search for early life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets.  The Cady Research Group ( http://cadylab.pdx.edu/ ) investigates how life leaves an imprint on the rock record. In this course, students will be exposed to a variety of field and microscopy techniques used to detect signatures left by microorganisms.  We will travel to hot springs in Yellowstone National Park to study the formation of microbial fossils in hot spring environments.  Participants will conduct original research projects related to current research questions posed by NASA with regard to Mars exploration.  We will also discuss methods to incorporate this multidisciplinary field into K-12 science curriculum.  Assignments, due after returning from the field, are to write a short field research report and draft a K-12 lab or field activity.  The 4-credit version will also require you to prepare a complete curriculum module to share with others.  All students must be prepared to hike 5-6 miles/day on moderate trails, carrying light to moderate loads.

Contact Professor Sherry Cady – (503) 725-3377, cadys@pdx.edu and/or Dr. Rick Hugo – (503)725-3356, hugo@pdx.edu for more information.



NASA Planetary Biology Internship – Application Deadline March 3, 2008

The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program provides opportunities each year for nine or 10 interns to undertake research at NASA research centers, NASA-sponsored laboratories, and academic institutions. The pursuit of such studies is expected to broaden the base of this new science by encouraging people in many different fields to take part.

Students accepted in the PBI program will be expected to carry out research with a NASA-sponsored investigator for eight weeks, usually during the summer months. Typical programs in which interns may become involved include: global ecology and remote sensing; microbial ecology and bio-mineralization; advanced life support; and origin and early evolution of life.

Applications are due March 3, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/pbi.html



NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Photo Gallery

Follow the growth of cinnamon basil seeds on the International Space Station with a gallery of images documenting the experiment from its very beginning. The gallery features images of astronaut Clayton Anderson’s 20-day in-orbit experiment, including close-up views of the plants’ growth. Students participating in the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber can compare the growth of the plants on the space station with the growth of plants in their own growth chambers.   Visit the  following website to view the gallery and find more information about the NASA challenge.  http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plant-growth-gallery-index.html