OSGC Educational Resources Blog

On May 25, 2008, the NASA Phoenix spacecraft will arrive at Mars. Phoenix will be the first vehicle intended to land on the surface of Red Planet since the Mars Exploration Rovers “Spirit” and “Opportunity” landed in January 2004.

Phoenix is a three-legged lander that will perform its “entry, descent and landing” sequence and, if successful, will commence a three-month surface science mission. Phoenix will dig down to an ice-rich layer that scientists calculate lies within inches of the surface. The lander will check samples of soil and ice for evidence about whether the site was ever hospitable to life.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California will be conducting a live webcast for schools on Thursday, May 22, at 9:00 a.m. PDT (12:00 p.m. EDT). This webcast will preview the events of the entry, descent and landing, the path to Mars so far, and the science mission.

Appropriate for 4th- through 12th-grade classrooms, the program will feature information and video clips for 30 minutes. Four selected schools connected through the NASA Digital Learning Network will engage in Q&A with JPL staff for an additional 20 minutes.

For information on how to view the webcast live, visit http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/
To learn more about the Phoenix mission, visit http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/present/phoenix.html

Would you like to send your name into space?  Submit your name as part of the Name in Space program at the SETI Kepler website.  Submitted names will be stored on a DVD and rocketed into space on board the Kepler spacecraft.  The deadline to submit your name is November 1, 2008.  More information about the Kepler mission is available at the official NASA website.

Name in Space website: http://namesinspace.seti.org/
Kepler Mission website: http://kepler.nasa.gov/

Kepler is NASA’s first mission capable of detecting Earth-size and smaller planets in the habitable zone of solar-like stars. The spacecraft is planned to be launched from Kennedy Space Center in February 2009. The spacecraft will be launched into orbit around the Sun, not the Earth, with an orbital period of 372 days. The spacecraft will slowly drift away from the Earth, such that in about 25 years it will be half an Earth orbit away, 300 million kilometers distant from the Earth, passing behind the Sun as viewed from Earth.

Name in Space is an activity in association with the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and is an activity in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Kepler’s publication of his first two laws of planetary motion. Read more abou the International Year of Astronomy at http://www.astronomy2009.org/

The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience, also known as INSPIRE, is seeking educators to supervise high school students during eight-week summer internships. Positions are available at several locations across the U.S. One counselor will be selected for each of the ten NASA Field Centers.

The position requires a professional educator to coordinate NASA INSPIRE activities within the NASA Center region. The INSPIRE Counselor will be the designated point of contact for INSPIRE participants at the assigned NASA Center. Training will be provided prior to the assignment.

The position requires a minimum of a four-year degree in science, mathematics and/or technology education, a valid teaching certificate, and a minimum of three years teaching experience in grades 6-12. A combination of teaching experience and NASA education experience is also acceptable. U.S. citizenship is required.

Counselors who are chosen will receive lodging and meals during the eight-week event, travel to and from the NASA field center, and a stipend of $5,800. Oklahoma State University graduate credit is also available to those who are interested. Applications are due May 30, 2008.

To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, visit https://opportunities.nasa.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=applications.PositionDetails&JobPostingID=20

Join NASA and NSTA for a series of free Web seminars focusing on a wide range of topics. All Web seminars will include information and resources for educators available from NASA Web sites. During the live Web seminars, presenters will share their expertise and answer questions live from the participants.

Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom

Join NASA and NSTA for a Web seminar focusing on the topics of lunar exploration, mapping, remote sensing, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. LRO will launch in late 2008 with these objectives: to find safe landing sites for future manned lunar missions, to locate potential resources, to characterize the radiation environment and to demonstrate new technology. Designed for educators of grades 4-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 13, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminar.aspx

Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet

Join Greg Mehall, instrument manager, systems engineer and mission manager for multiple robotic missions to Mars, as he shares his expertise in systems engineering. Mehall will give participants a “behind-the-scenes” look at what it takes to build complex robots, like the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. Designed for educators of grades 5-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 14, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar12.aspx

21st Century Explorer: Today’s Knowledge for Tomorrow’s Explorer

Join NASA and NSTA for a Web seminar focusing on the 21st Century Explorer project. Each of the 21st Century Explorer project activities promotes higher-order thinking skills and expands the space exploration knowledge base of the bilingual educator, learner and family. Designed for educators of grades 3-5, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 15, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminar.aspx

From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students’ Interests in Science Careers

Join scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science for a free Web seminar focusing on the wide variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers available and the many paths to becoming a scientist. The presenters will share their science expertise, answer participant questions, and provide information regarding Web sites students can use in the classroom. Designed for educators of grades 6-9, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 20, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminar.aspx

Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers

Join NASA, NSTA, the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a Web seminar celebrating the International Polar Year. The seminar will focus on global climate change and the research findings from the first year of IPY. Topics will include living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration and weather. Designed for educators of grades 5-8, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 22, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminar.aspx

Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?

Join Dr. Steve Ruff of Arizona State University as he presents an update on the Mars Exploration Rovers, including a description of an important new discovery by the Spirit rover in the Gusev crater concerning water and habitability on Mars. Dr. Ruff will also talk about initial results from the proposed May 25th landing of the Phoenix mission and describe future Mars exploration plans. Designed for educators of grades 5-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar13.aspx

The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative has opened registration for its free summer workshops. Each workshop will target specific grade levels and content areas. A number of workshops will be held across the country. Registration for the workshops is currently open and space is limited. For more information and to register online, visit the links below.

June 18-19, 2008: Denver, Colo.

The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Mint are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Colorado History Museum in Denver, Colo. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading and history strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. Tours of the U.S. Mint building will also be offered. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=76  

June 25-26, 2008: Nashua, N.H.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Aviation Administration are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, N.H. This workshop provides opportunities to learn mathematics, science and reading strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=77

July 9-10, 2008: Lower Manhattan

The U.S. Department of Education and the National Park Service are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop in Lower Manhattan in New York City at the site of the African Burial Ground Memorial. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, history and science strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=84

July 10-11, 2008: Newport News, Va.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Energy are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Va. This workshop provides opportunities to learn math, science and reading strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=81

July 15-16, 2008: Fort Worth, Texas

The U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Aviation Administration are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Tarrant County Community College Northwest Campus in Fort Worth, Texas. This workshop provides opportunities to learn math and science strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=90

July 17-18, 2008: New Orleans, La.

The Office of Charter Schools at the U.S. Department of Education is sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, La. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=85  

July 22-23, 2008: Washington, D.C.

The Office of Charter Schools at the U.S. Department of Education are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Carlos Rosario Public Charter School and Career Center in Washington, D.C. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science, history and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=86  

Aug. 4-5, 2008: Lakewood, Wash.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity is sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Lakeview Hope Academy in Lakewood, Wash. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, math and science strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=89  

Aug. 7-8, 2008: Philadelphia, Pa.

The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Mint are hosting a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading and history strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. Tours of the U.S. Mint will also be offered. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=82

Aug. 11-12, 2008: 29 Palms, Calif.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop on the Marine Corps Base in Twentynine Palms, Calif. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=88  

Aug. 13-14, 2008: Los Angeles, Calif.

The Office of Charter Schools at the U.S. Department of Education and the California Charter Schools Association are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Pacific Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, Calif. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science, history and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=87

NASA has just opened an exciting new artifact loan program!

What innovative and inspiring things would your organization or school do with space shuttle tires? NASA has released a call for proposals from museums, planetariums, schools, civic groups, etc for exciting and unusual plans to use and display shuttle tires. This is your organization’s chance to get a real NASA artifact for use in hands-on exhibits, artwork, furniture, or whatever your group can dream up!

NASA is waiving some preservation requirements for these tires due to the nature and number of the tires to allow a wide range of possible uses. The tires may be displayed outdoors, may be cut, drilled, painted or otherwise modified, but all pieces will remain the property of the federal government. Any and all other uses for these artifacts will be considered, but must be approved by NASA and the item will remain the property of the federal government.

The deadline to submit a proposal is June 11, 2008. Please review the official press release below or visit the official website for details: http://artifacts.nasa.gov/space_shuttle_lgt.htm

(NASA PRESS RELEASE: 08-113)
NASA ROLLS OUT NEW ARTIFACT LOAN PROGRAM WITH SPACE SHUTTLE TIRES

WASHINGTON — With the help of the space shuttle program, NASA kicks off a new artifact loan program for museums, planetariums, and other organizations. NASA’s new Artifact Loan Opportunities Program will help organizations borrow NASA artifacts for education and outreach purposes.

The first artifacts available are main landing gear tires from space shuttles. The space shuttle tires, including some flown on missions, are available to proposing organizations that NASA determines best meet the agency’s education and public outreach goals.

This new program gives organizations that are not traditionally associated with the agency the chance to have access to NASA artifacts. The shuttle tires and future available artifacts represent NASA’s many decades of exploration and discovery.

Organizations interested in proposing uses for loaned shuttle tires should be external to NASA. Organizations may include, but are not limited to, museums, schools, and civic groups. The long-term loan of these tires may be used to educate, inspire or inform the public about NASA’s scientific and technological achievements through art, sculpture, furniture, building structures, exhibits or other innovative uses of the artifacts.

The deadline for proposals on this initial opportunity is June 11, 2008.
For information about artifact loan opportunity, visit: http://artifacts.nasa.gov

Are you interested in Microgravity?
Join us at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum IMAX® Theater

Friday May 16, 2008
10:00 – 11:00 am

In preparation for the grand opening of a new space wing at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, students and teachers are invited to attend a special presentation at the Evergreen IMAX® Theater on May 16. Limited space is available so please call (503) 434-4005 if you plan to bring a group or if you require further details. The cost is $9.00 per student for the Microgravity Program and IMAX show or $11.00 per student for the Microgravity event, IMAX, and Museum Self-Guided Tour.

Hear a presentation on microgravity research from the Portland State University Microgravity Team
What is surface tension and why does it matter? What is phase separation? What does our experiment do? We are a group of undergraduate students at Portland State University who designed, built, tested, and flew our experiment on NASA’s C-9 aircraft in Houston in April. Come see what it’s like to experience low-gravity like astronauts do, learn how cool the science is, and bring questions!

Participate in hands-on microgravity experiments
Learn more about the experiments performed in microgravity and the science behind gravity.

Watch a film about microgravity experiments performed by an Oregon State University student
Marci Whittaker, a senior in nuclear engineering at Oregon State University, has set her sights on Mars. First, she has to design a nuclear reactor that will work in space so that we can reach the red planet. It has been five years of hard work, but finally, her prototype is ready to be tested aboard NASA’s C-9 microgravity plane.

Stay to view the IMAX movies!
11:00 am “Fighter Pilot”
12:00 pm “Space Station 3D”

For more information about Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, please visit the official website at http://www.sprucegoose.org/

Join NASA and the Girl Scouts for an exciting summer residential program June 22-28, 2008, at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif.

Registration is open to girls entering grades 9-12. Participants choose to attend the Aeronautics Institute, Robotics Institute or Astrobiology Institute. They then explore their chosen topic with other high school girls and get a taste of how things are done the NASA way. Applications are due May 23, 2008. Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.

Adults are needed to share the excitement of technology, engineering and science with girls. Volunteer and paid staff positions are available. Opportunities include advisor, health supervisor, chaperones and drivers. Training dates are June 19-21, 2008.

For more information about the week-long program, visit http://www.girlscoutsbayarea.org/pages/initiatives/ggt/events.html

As part of NASA’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Digital Learning Network will inspire students across the country with a five-part series highlighting the contributions of each NASA center to a specific topic in NASA history. The DLN will take students on a journey into NASA’s past while linking them to the vision for space exploration. A look at past, present and future goals of the space program will offer a unique connection to student participants as they are invited to be a part of the future of space exploration.

Each live webcast will link participants to two of NASA’s centers with programs focusing on NASA’s past, present and future efforts of space exploration. All series segments will include discussions of the past, present and future of each center’s topic.

Go Flight!
May 13, 2008, 1 p.m. — 2 p.m. EDT
The year was 1958 and nothing would ever be the same. For the first time, the United States sent a man-made device into space. This new frontier of exploration required ingenuity and creativity. Much of the effort made to make space exploration a success was expended at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center. Join this webcast to re-live the incredible past events at these two centers, realize that the future milestones of NASA will be accomplished by the students inside today’s classroom!

Astronomy: Bringing the Past to Light
May 14, 2008, 1 p.m. — 2 p.m. EDT
May 14, 2008, 3 p.m. — 4 p.m. EDT
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are combining forces to bring the rich history and science of telescopes to light. This interactive learning event will peer back through time to “first light” for Galileo’s refractor, highlight the evolution of the telescope into today’s large mountaintop reflectors, and focus in on the present and future promise of NASA’s space-based Great Observatories. Witness the inspiring trek of innovation and discovery as NASA continues to explore.

Advancements in Aeronautics
May 20, 2008, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT
Fly away with NASA’s Langley and Dryden Flight Research Centers to learn about their roles in the development of aeronautics during NASA’s 50 years. Combined, the two centers have been studying aviation for more than 90 years. Participants will learn more about this fascinating area of science and how NASA’s advancements have benefited mankind.

Propulsion: Past, Present and Future
May 20, 2008, 1:10 p.m. — 2:10 p.m. EDT
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Stennis Space Center were built to examine Newton’s three fundamental laws of motion through testing large-scale engines used for propulsion, engines that would eventually take man to the moon. In recent years, both centers were key to the development of the Space Shuttle Program, from the conceptual stages to the last flight in the coming years. Today, as the shuttle is about to be retired, MSFC and SSC look to a new era of space exploration taking man back to the moon and beyond to new frontiers.

Wind Tunnels and Their Use in Aerospace
May 21, 2008, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. EDT
May 20, 2008, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT
A design for a new aircraft or rocket may look great on paper, but if the craft is built, will it fly? Learn how scientists and engineers at NASA have answered this question over the past 50 years without leaving the ground. Take a journey with the DLN and see how NASA uses wind tunnel facilities for aviation and aerospace research.

For more information about this series of webcast events and to submit questions to be answered during the events, visit http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=622

Follow your curiosity this summer with Saturday Academy!
Contact: Cori Hall, 541-737-1822

Openings are available in all summer OSU Saturday Academy classes and camps. Design your own engineering project! Experiment with science in research labs! Explore the coastline and use real research techniques! Create a sculpture for DaVinci Days! Adventure in to the world of nanotechnology! Chart your future as an engineer! Discover all of these things and more with Saturday Academy this summer. Classes are for 5th – 12th grade students and range from 2 day workshops to full week camps, all held on the OSU campus.

More information about courses, topics, dates and registration can be found online at http://academy.engr.oregonstate.edu , or by calling (541) 737-1822.

Saturday Academy is a non-profit cooperative hosted by the College of Engineering and College of Science at Oregon State University, and working with local businesses and professionals. Fees are charged for classes, but tuition assistance is available. Students from Albany and Mill City schools pay half the regular fees due to school district support and grant funds.