Filed under: K-12, NASA, STEM, Science, Space Age, Webcasts | Tags: History, NASA 50th Anniversary
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
