Filed under: Best Practice, Educational Materials, K-12, Lesson Plans, Mathematics, NASA, STEM, Science, Teacher Development, Workshop
John Ensworth at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies and the NASA Science Mission Directorate invite you to attend an upcoming online professional development workshop.
Topic: Enrichment Problems in Space Science XVI
In the sixteenth bi-monthly installment of these mission- and inquiry-oriented mathematics problems, Dr. Sten Odenwald will supply background for and lead participants through problems from his “Problems in Space Science” series. The goal of these problems is to teach students about space weather by using mathematics. Each problem begins with real world questions, missions and situations, and applies the necessary mathematics for a solution. Participants may ask questions and work along in this fully interactive Webinar environment. http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov
Date: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m., EST (Greenwich Mean Time -05:00, New York)
Participants must first register for this meeting. There is no cost for this event. Note: Only the first 150 registrants will be accepted. Register ASAP!
If this meeting is full, you will receive an e-mail that reads:
“Your registration for this meeting is denied.”
In that case, we ask you to please join us in the next workshop! If you do miss this event, we will send you the link to a video archive of the workshop so you will still be able to benefit from the exercises.
Please join the meeting 10-15 minutes before start to make sure your computer is prepared to run the Webex software. You may also pre-install the Webex plug-in following the instructions at the bottom of this e-mail.
—————————————————–
Where to register for this meeting
—————————————————–
1. Go to https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?ED=123584897&RG=1&UID=1117126777&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D.
2. Register for the meeting.
Once the host approves your request, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions for joining the meeting.
——————————————————-
Closed Captioning is available during the Webinar. A link to this will be provided closer to meeting time.
——————————————————-
For assistance
——————————————————-
1. Go to https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/mc
2. Click “Assistance”.
3. Click “Support”.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, do not join the session. This video and earlier product videos will be available via a Web-based archive tool will soon be located at: http://www.strategies.org/education/index.aspx?sub=education&sub2=professional
——————————————————-
To check the setup of your computer and pre-install the plug-in software, use the following links:
WebEx will automatically setup Meeting Manager for Windows the first time you join a meeting. To save time, you can setup prior to the meeting by clicking this link: https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/meetingcenter/mcsetup.php
The host requests that you check for compatibility of rich media players for Universal Communications Format (UCF) before you join the session. UCF allows you to view multimedia during the session. To check now, click the following link: https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/systemdiagnosis.php
Meeting Manager for Microsoft® Windows® – MSI Installer
• Meeting Center automatically downloads, installs and configures Meeting Manager for Windows the first time you start or join a meeting. However, you may choose to download and run the Meeting Manager Installer before starting or joining a meeting. You must have administrator privileges on your computer to use this installer.
• Download Meeting Manager Installer for Internet Explorer https://nasa.webex.com/client/T25L/atmcie.msi
• Download Meeting Manager Installer for Mozilla Firefox/Netscape Navigator https://nasa.webex.com/client/T25L/atmcns.msi
Meeting Manager for Mac® OS X (PowerPC)
• Meeting Manager for Mac OS X (PowerPC) is set up automatically the first time you start or join a meeting. The Installer for Mac OS X (PowerPC) can be used to manually install or uninstall Meeting Manager for Mac OS X (PowerPC).
• Download Meeting Manager Installer for Mac OS X (PowerPC) https://nasa.webex.com/client/T25L/mac/powerpc/webexinstaller.hqx
Filed under: Cool Science, Educational Materials, K-12, Lesson Plans, NASA, STEM, Science, Teacher Opportunities | Tags: Satellite Imaging
Middle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Fall 2009 Mission on Oct. 20-23, 2009. Find out more about this exciting opportunity that allows students to take pictures of Earth from a digital camera on board the International Space Station.
ISS EarthKAM is a NASA-sponsored project that provides stunning, high-quality photographs of Earth taken from the space shuttle and International Space Station. Since 1996, ISS EarthKAM students have taken thousands of photographs of Earth by using the World Wide Web to direct a digital camera on select spaceflights and, currently, on the International Space Station.
For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the ISS EarthKAM Home Page: http://www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu
Filed under: Aeronautics, Astronomy, Educational Materials, K-12, Lesson Plans, NASA, STEM, Science, Teacher Development, Teacher Opportunities
NASA’s Digital Learning Network presents a series of videoconferences to assist educators in staying current on NASA education resources and related products.
During each event, product producers, authors and experts will demonstrate their materials designed to optimize awareness and understanding of science concepts. Instructional objectives, accessing the materials and primary contacts for the materials will also be discussed. During the videoconferences, participants will be able to submit questions to the presenter that will be addressed during the presentation.
In the coming months, the following topics will be covered:
— Earth Science Week Products: Sept. 30, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EDT
— Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge: Oct. 28, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EDT
— NASAimages.org & eClips: Nov. 18, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST
— Exploring Space Through Math: Dec. 16, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST
— STS-131 Robotics: Jan. 27, 2010, 4-5 p.m. EST
— NASA Fit Explorers Feb. 24, 2010, 4-5 p.m. EST
— NASA eProfessional Development Network — Robotics Course: March 31, 2010, 4-5 p.m. EDT
— MoonWorld: April 28, 2010, 4-5 p.m. EDT
— On the Moon: May 26, 2010, 4-5 p.m. EDT
For more information about these videoconferences and to sign up online, visit http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/
Filed under: Educational Materials, Educator Kit, K-12, Lesson Plans, NASA, STEM, Science
NASA and DESIGN SQUAD® have developed an online workshop for educators and afterschool leaders to build their skills and confidence in guiding kids through engineering activities like those found in the On the Moon Educator Guide.
Completing this self-guided online workshop will allow educators to gain insight and strategies for strengthening critical-thinking skills and exciting their students about using the design process to arrive at solutions.
In this self-guided workshop, participants will:
– Experience the design process in action. Learn and reflect on ways to use the design process to tap into students’ problem-solving skills and creativity.
– Watch an engineering activity. See how easy it is to integrate the design process into hands-on activities in the classroom.
– Get resources. Discover a variety of engineering activities from NASA and DESIGN SQUAD® for students in grades K-12.
For more information about the online workshop, visit http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
To download the On the Moon Educator Guide, visit http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/On_the_Moon_Guide.html
Filed under: Educational Materials, K-12, Lesson Plans, NASA, STEM, Science
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.
Space Thrills Poster — Grades K-4
The Space Thrills poster uses the excitement of a roller coaster traveling through the solar system to capture students’ imaginations. The back of the poster includes five activities, teaching tips, fun facts and short narratives in which the sun and each planet introduce themselves.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Space_Thrills_Poster.html
NASA Student Launch Initiative 2009-10 Flier — Grades 7-12
NASA, Team America Rocketry Challenge, and Rockets for Schools invite mentors to the NASA Student Launch Initiative Workshop taking place on Aug. 24-28, 2009. The NASA SLI flier contains more information about the educator workshop and the rocket contest for middle and high school students.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/SLI_Flier.html
X-15 To the Edge of Space Poster — All Grades
Between June 1959 and October 1968, NASA’s X-15 hypersonic research flights rewrote the rulebook of conventional flight. This poster presents facts, history, achievements and a labeled diagram of the experimental airplane that flew higher and faster than any other winged vehicle besides the space shuttle. The poster also contains mini biographies of the 12 X-15 test pilots, including Neil Armstrong.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/X-15_Poster.html
Comet on a Stick! — Grades 3-5
In this activity, students build a model of a comet to study the way the sun affects it. Students then simulate the sun’s solar wind as it interacts with the comet, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their comet model.
The student pages explain the activity, define “comet,” list facts about comets for students to model, and prompt students to improve their models by asking them questions about their creations.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Comet_on_a_Stick.html
Black Hole Math — Grades 10-12
Many aspects of black holes can be understood by using simple algebra and pre-algebra skills. Use Black Hole Math as a classroom challenge activity, an assessment tool or an enrichment activity. The problems in this booklet investigate black hole science and mathematics concepts including parts of a simple black hole and calculating gravitational potential energy. Each word problem has background information providing insight into black holes. The one-page assignments are accompanied by one-page answer keys.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Black_Hole_Math.html
Solar Math — Grades 6-11
Hinode is an international mission to study the sun. By studying the sun’s magnetic field, scientists hope to learn if they can identify the magnetic field configurations that lead to explosive energy releases and then to predict when these events may occur. The variety of problems includes proportions, decimals, geometry and scientific notation. The problems call for students to apply mathematics and science concepts to understand the sun and the work of the Hinode satellite. Each word problem has background information providing insight into the sun and Hinode. The one-page assignments are accompanied by one-page answer keys.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Solar_Math.html
Image Scale Math — Grades 6-8
Image Scaling is an important first step that all astronomers perform in understanding image-type data produced by satellites and telescopes. Each activity in this booklet has an image with the physical size of the image given. Students measure the size of the image and divide the physical size by the image size to determine the scale factor. They can then use the scale factor to investigate sizes of objects within the image. Each word problem has background information about the image. The one-page assignments are accompanied by one-page answer keys. The “Extras for Experts” section is a set of problems for students who want a challenge.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Image_Scale_Math.html
Lunar Math — Grades 6-12
Apply mathematics to help understand Earth’s natural satellite and future missions to the moon. Problems in Lunar Math use mathematical applications to explain concepts such as the physical features of the moon; the probability of a meteorite impact on the lunar surface; and how oxygen might be extracted from moon rocks. The problems in this guide include basic mathematics, algebra, geometry and some trigonometric functions. The one-page assignments are accompanied by one-page answer keys.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Lunar_Math.html
Radiation Math — Grades 6-12
Radiation can be mysterious. Help students understand that they are surrounded by radiation. Problems in Radiation Math use mathematical applications to explain concepts such as background radiation; radiation effects on humans and technology; radon gas, sun spot cycles; and the Van Allen Belts. The problems in this guide include basic math, geometry, unit conversions, analyzing graphs, and graphical and function integrations. The one-page assignments are accompanied by one-page answer keys.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Radiation_Math.html
Filed under: Educational Materials, K-12, Lesson Plans, Links to Other Resources, NASA, STEM, Science, Teacher Opportunities
As you get ready for the new school year, consider adding a little space to your class.
NASA offers educational resources for use with kindergarten through college, as well as resources for the informal education community. Many of NASA’s educational products are quick and easy to find on the NASA Web site.
Visit the NASA Blast Back to School page to find educational resources and NASA events taking place in your area. From the site, you can find information relating to the following topics:
– Bring NASA Missions Into Your Classroom
– Bring NASA to Your School and Neighborhood
– Attend a NASA Educator Workshop
– Current Opportunities for Educators and Students
– NASA Resources for Your Classroom
– Especially for Students
For more information, visit the Blast Back to School page:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/blast-back-to-school.html
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.
Moon Munchies Educator Guide — Grades K-4
Plant growth will be an important part of space exploration in the future as NASA plans for long-duration missions to the moon. NASA scientists anticipate that astronauts may be able to grow plants on the moon, and the plants could be used to supplement meals.
In anticipation of the need for research into lunar plant growth, NASA and the International Technology Education Association, or ITEA, present the NASA Engineering Design Challenge. Students design, build and evaluate lunar plant growth chambers — while engaging in research- and standards-based learning experiences. The lesson plans in this guide encourage students to participate in the engineering design process and learn how to conduct a scientific experiment.
The Moon Munchies Educator Guide is available as a complete guide or can be downloaded in easy-to-use individual lesson plans.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Moon_Munchies.html
Ares: Launch and Propulsion Educators Guide – Grades 5-12
The fifteen lesson plans in this guide help students learn about the science of rockets, principles of rocketry and the laws of motion. Student texts are included so that students may read about variables, forces and motion, and NASA’s history and future. Students learn which variables affect the performance of a rocket. In the assessment, students engage in a competition wherein they apply what they have learned about rockets to build a launch vehicle that flies as high as possible.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Ares_Educator_Guide.html
Top Stars Bookmark – All Grades
This downloadable bookmark includes dates for educators to submit their best examples of how to use the Hubble Space Telescope to teach science, mathematics, engineering or technology. Participants selected as Top Stars will receive national recognition and awards.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Top_Stars_Bookmark.html
The Courage to Soar Higher Educator Guide — Grades 4-6
This integrated unit allows students to launch pop rockets; create a pop-up book about the solar system; build Mars colonies; and learn about the history of NASA and space exploration. Some activities include vocabulary lists and reading selections. Each of the 20 lessons in this guide support national mathematics, science, technology, geography and language arts standards.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Courage_to_Soar_Higher.html
Filed under: Cool Science, Educational Materials, Educator Kit, K-12, Lesson Plans, NASA, STEM, Science, Teacher Opportunities
Middle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Summer 2009 Mission on July 7-10, 2009. Find out more about this exciting opportunity that allows students to take pictures of Earth from a digital camera on board the International Space Station.
ISS EarthKAM is a NASA-sponsored project that provides stunning, high-quality photographs of Earth taken from the space shuttle and International Space Station. Since 1996, ISS EarthKAM students have taken thousands of photographs of Earth by using the World Wide Web to direct a digital camera on select spaceflights and, currently, on the International Space Station.
For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the ISS EarthKAM Home Page: http://www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu
Filed under: Educator Institute, Lesson Plans, Professional Development, STEM, Science, Teacher Development, Teacher Opportunities, Workshop | Tags: Climate Change, global climate change
Want to know more about global climate change?
What: Global Climate Change Institute for Teachers: Elementary and Middle level
Where: Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR
When:
Elementary: Wed and Thurs Aug 26, 27
Middle (6-8): Thurs and Fri Aug 27,28
Time: 8:30-4 pm each day
Cost: FREE! Includes snacks and lunch. Your only cost is if you want one graduate credit ($50) or if you choose to stay overnight (limited housing in WOU dorms available with advance notice).
What to expect:
-Gain an understanding of what global climate change is and how it will impact the Pacific Northwest
-Explore ways your school and students can initiate changes to reduce your school’s carbon footprint.
-Learn how Global Climate change curriculum connects with national and Oregon’s new state science standards
-Participate in lessons and hands-on activities suitable for use in elementary or middle level classrooms
-Receive copies of the lessons
-Examine children’s books that can be integrated with the global climate change curriculum
Limit: 32 K-5 elementary and 24 middle school teachers
For more information contact: Dr. William Schoenfeld or Dr. Adele Schepige at gccift@wou.edu
Funded by NASA through a grant to Earth & Space Research (www.esr.org ). Additional support from WOU and the NASA/Oregon Space Grant Consortium.
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
