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: Educational Materials, K-12, NASA, Professional Development, STEM, Science, Teacher Development, Teacher Opportunities
Are you a K-12 teacher of STEM disciplines? Are you looking for a way to enhance your instructional skills, meet your professional development goals, or find new and exciting resources to use in your learning environments? Then NASA’s Electronic Professional Development Network (ePDN) is for you!
NASA’s Learning Environments and Research Network (LE&RN) and the Georgia Institute of Technology have teamed up to create the ePDN, a new initiative dedicated to preparing teachers to engage their students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through the use of NASA-developed learning materials and resources.
The ePDN Offers:
• Free certificate programs (52 hours) in robotics, mathematics, Earth/space science, and technology integration.
• Flexibility to take individual courses within a certificate or the entire certificate program, both for CEU credit.
• Resources that teachers can use in the classroom or for personal development.
Applications are now open for the Robotics certificate, which begins in January, 2010. To apply, please visit http://www.nasaepdn.gatech.edu/certificates.php
For more information on the ePDN, visit http://www.nasaepdn.gatech.edu/
Filed under: Cool Science, Educational Materials, Higher Education, K-12, Links to Other Resources, NASA, Robots, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities, Teacher Opportunities
Innovation, creativity, problem solving — the world of robotics at NASA is all of these things. Bookmark this new one-stop shop on NASA.gov for news about robotics for educators and students. Check out the things to do on the site to see if robotics might be in your future.
Things you can do on this site:
–Answer the question: What Is Robotics?
–Practice your programming skills with the interactive robotic activity.
–Watch and download video and multimedia features about robotics.
–Follow a timeline tracing the history of robotics.
–Check out lesson plans for your classroom.
–Stay up-to-date with information about NASA-supported robotics competitions.
–Visit the Robotics Image Gallery.
–Explore other worlds with NASA through robotic spacecraft discoveries.
–Read about scientists and engineers who design and test robots.
–Browse NASA Web sites for information about robotics.
Visit the new NASA Robotics website at: http://www.nasa.gov/education/robotics
Filed under: Conference, Cool Science, NASA, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities, Teacher Opportunities
NASA is holding the first-ever TEDx-NASA, a one-day multidimensional event that fosters discussions that will shape the future.
TEDx-NASA is Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Va. A limited number of free tickets are available to the public. For more information and to register, go to http://www.TEDx-NASA.org
NASA is synonymous with innovation and thought leadership; TEDx is about “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx-NASA will provide an opportunity to leverage the strengths of both organizations and present a unique environment for the exchange of game-changing ideas.
NASA’s Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace have organized TEDx-NASA, dubbed “Space to Create.” The event is a day-long immersion in topics that range from science and technology to entertainment and the arts. Scheduled presenters include:
• Celebrated author Mitch Albom
• Experimental artist Chakaia Booker
• Creativity and innovation coach Gregg Fraley
• Robotics inventor Dr. Dennis Hong
• Astronaut Leland Melvin
• Humorous guitar virtuoso Mike Rayburn
• Space illustrator and designer Pat Rawlings
• Oprah & Friends radio host John St. Augustine
• Motivational entertainer Jana Stanfield
• And many more.
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is most well known for its annual conference that brings together leading thinkers and doers to share their passion for big ideas.
TEDx-NASA is an independently organized event in the spirit of TED that will connect innovators from NASA and around the world with the Hampton Roads audience.
For more information about TEDx-NASA, visit http://www.TEDx-NASA.org
For more information about NASA’s Langley Research Center, visit http://www.nasa.gov/langley
For more information about the National Institute of Aerospace, visit http://www.nianet.org
NASA’s Stardust-NExT mission is offering the public a chance to win a small cube of aerogel (the lightest and lowest-density solid) or a mission cookie cutter. NASA is asking the public to visit the Stardust-NExT mission Web site and complete an online survey about the site.
A total of 100 surveys submitted through Nov. 30, 2009, will be selected randomly to win a cookie cutter or aerogel sample.
For more information, visit http://stardustnext.jpl.nasa.gov/survey.html
Filed under: Educational Materials, K-12, NASA, STEM, Science, Teacher Opportunities, Webcasts
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:
— Using NASA eClips™ to Engage Millennial Learners: 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: 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: 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.
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Where to register for this meeting
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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.
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Closed Captioning is available during the Webinar. A link to this will be provided closer to meeting time.
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For assistance
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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
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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: Higher Education, Internships, NASA, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The 10-week program will take place in June – August 2010. Engineering and science undergraduate students (rising juniors and seniors) and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Underrepresented minority participation is encouraged.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens
• Currently enrolled as a rising junior or senior at an Oregon Space Grant affiliated institution (see website for a list of institutions)
• Have a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA
• JPL engineers and scientists will review the resumes and make final selections.
Student intern housing is available on the Caltech campus in Pasadena California. Bus transportation from Caltech to JPL will be provided. In addition to technical tasks, students will take part in seminars, social events, and other enrichment opportunities offered by JPL and Caltech.
The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium will sponsor students from affiliate institutions to attend this program. undergraduate students will receive a $6K stipend plus $500 travel allowance. Graduate students will receive an $8K stipend plus a $500 travel allowance. JPL will supply full-time mentors for the activities and administrative costs for the program. Applicants must submit a resume and current official transcripts. Students are encouraged to include a career objective (preferably aerospace related) at the top of their resume. Cover letters and letters of recommendation are optional but STRONGLY encouraged. Recommendations may be submitted via email (spcegrant@oregonstate.edu), fax (541-737-9946) or regular mail (see adress below). Interested students should send cover letter, resume, and transcripts directly to the Oregon Space Grant office by email at spacegrant@oregonstate.edu or by mail at the following address:
Oregon Space Grant Consortium
JPL Internship Program
92 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331-2103
DO NOT send resumes directly to JPL. Paperwork must be received in the Space Grant office no later than February 1, 2010. For questions regarding this program, contact us at (541) 737- 2414, or via email at spacegrant@oregonstate.edu
Filed under: Higher Education, Internships, NASA, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The NASA History Division sponsors internships for undergraduate and graduate students year-round. Our internships are quite substantive and are opportunities for students to learn and contribute significantly.
The NASA History Division is part of the Office of External Relations at NASA Headquarters. We are a small (seven-person) but very active team. We maintain archival materials to answer research questions from NASA personnel, journalists, scholars, students at all levels, and other interested parties from around the world. Outside parties often come to our office to do research on-site. We also edit and publish several books and monographs each year. In addition, we post and maintain a large number of World Wide Web sites on NASA history.
In terms of the qualifications of the prospective intern, we primarily want an enthusiastic person who is a quick learner. Detailed prior knowledge of the aeronautics and space fields is not necessary, but a keen interest and some basic familiarity with these topics is needed. Since we deal with the historical aspects of science and technology policy, strong research, writing, and editing skills are key. Thus, social science majors who are interested in natural science might be best, although we would be glad to talk to any interested student. In addition, we would like to have someone who is facile with computers, especially html formatting.
We prefer to hire students who are U.S. citizens. Students physically report to work in the NASA Headquarters building in Washington, D.C., which is easily accessible by public transportation.
We are flexible in terms of setting up specific projects for the prospective intern. Some typical projects include handling a wide variety of information requests, editing historical manuscripts, doing research and writing biographical sketches, updating as well as creating a variety of Web pages, photo identification and captioning, and archival arrangement, description, and preservation tasks.
The application deadline for summer 2010 is February 1, 2010. Please visit the NASA History website for details: http://history.nasa.gov/interncall.htm

