Filed under: Aeronautics, Cool Science, Educator Kit, K-12, NASA, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
“Kids in Micro-g!” is a student experiment design challenge geared toward grades 5-8. Its purpose is to give students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment or simple demonstration that could be performed both in the classroom and aboard the International Space Station.
The winning experiments will have observably different results when the experiments are performed in the “1-gravity” or “1-g” environment of the classroom, compared to when the experiments are performed by astronauts in the “Micro-g” (one-millionth of 1-g) environment of the space station. The apparatus for the demonstration must be constructed using materials from a materials tool kit provided to the astronauts on board the space station. The tool kit consists of materials commonly found in the classroom and used for science demonstrations.
The experiment demonstration must take no more than 30 minutes to set up, run and take down. Experiment challenge winners and runners-up will be selected regionally and nationally by the Education offices of the ten NASA centers. The ten regional winners, one national winner and one national runner-up winner will have their experiments conducted by the astronauts on board the space station in the April-May 2010 timeframe. The experiments will be recorded in HD video and the winners supplied with copies of their video before the end of their school year.
Experiment proposals may be submitted by educators on behalf of their student groups. Proposals may be submitted via e-mail or postal mail during the period from Jan. 4, 2010, through Feb. 19, 2010.
The winning experiment proposals will be announced on April 2, 2010.
For more information about the challenge, including a scoring rubric, proposal requirements and a list of materials available to the astronauts, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/nlab/experimentchallenge.html
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: Aeronautics, Higher Education, Internships, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) is a ten week summer research opportunity for undergraduate Juniors & Seniors, and Graduate students, under the guidance of a mentor, at a participating Navy Laboratory (list of participating universities is available at http://www.asee.org/nreip). The stipend amounts for the program are $7500 for undergraduate students and $10,000 for graduate students. U.S. citizenship required; Permanent residents accepted at certain labs.
The online application is currently open at http://www.asee.org/nreip and must be completed by January 8, 2010. All accompanying documents (official transcripts and reference letters) are due by January 11, 2010.
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
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: Aeronautics, Higher Education, Internships, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The Connecticut Space Grant Consortium is pleased to accept applications from students at space grant affiliated institutions for the Summer 2010 Helicopter Training Workshop which will be held on the campus of Central Connecticut State University from August 1 – 6, 2010.
Any full-time undergraduate or graduate student of a Consortium college who meets the minimum eligibility requirements and who is at least 18 years of age may apply. Students will attend a 1 week workshop, August 1 – 6, 2010, in which they will learn how helicopters operate through a combination of classroom, lab and testing experiences. Students will also network with professionals within the helicopter aerospace industry. The Consortium expects to admit 20-30 students. (NASA restricts grants to U.S. Citizens only.)
Summer 2010 Helicopter Training Workshop
Award – Undergraduate/Graduate Students of NASA Space Grant affiliated institutions are eligible to apply. Students should apply to their state’s space grant consortium for a travel grant to cover the $250 registration fee and transportation to and from the workshop. Dorm housing at Central Connecticut State University and 3 meals/day are included in the registration fee.
Eligibility – Undergraduate/Graduate student applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a full-time student at one of the NASA Space Grant Consortium Member Institutions with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher who has completed at least 2 semesters of an engineering or related program (algebra and trigonometry for non-engineering students). Selected applicants must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Award Opportunities – This opportunity provides participants with a classroom instruction and hands-on opportunity to learn more about why helicopters behave as they do during flight operations. Workshop participants will construct and flight test (wind tunnel and outdoor) radio controlled coaxial helicopters, and compete in an obstacle course using the coaxial helicopters and VTOL aircraft that they build. Two human powered helicopter test fixtures will also be used for experimentation, to maximize the lift over drag. Participants will also have an opportunity to network with aerospace leaders, present their wind tunnel test results to aerospace professionals, tour Sikorsky and KAMAN manufacturing and engineering facilities, and experience a 1-hour ride in a Robertson 4-place helicopter (up to 3,000 ft. and 140 mph) during this unique training experience. Transportation to and from all workshop-sponsored events, lodging and food are included in the workshop registration fee.
Proposal Format and Checklist: Complete the National Helicopter Training Workshop Student Application and fax (860/768-5073) or email (ctspgrant@hartford.edu) it, along with the following 4 items, to the CT Space Grant Consortium office by January 15, 2010.
- Resume/CV
- Transcript (Demonstrating completion of at least 2 semesters of an engineering or related program)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Will be required of all students selected to participate in the workshop.
- Letter of Support from Applicant’s State Space Grant Consortium – Please attach a letter of support from your state’s Space Grant Consortium acknowledging that if you are selected for participating in this Workshop, that your state’s Consortium will award you a travel grant to pay 1) the Workshop Registration Fee of $250 to the CT Space Grant Consortium, and 2) cover your travel to and from Connecticut. The Workshop registration fee covers your dorm housing and meals for the Workshop (August 1-August 6, 2010).
Reporting – A short project report is due upon completion of the workshop from all participants. A reporting format will be provided to awardees.
About the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium: The Connecticut Space Grant College Consortium, a NASA supported Space Grant Consortium, consists of Bridgeport University, Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut Colleges of Technology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Southern Connecticut State University, Trinity College, the Universities of Connecticut, Connecticut Health Center, Hartford, and New Haven, Wesleyan University and Yale University. The purpose of the Consortium is to encourage research and education in Space/Aerospace Science and Engineering.
For more information, please contact:
Teresa Turner
Program Coordinator
Connecticut Space Grant Consortium
University of Hartford (Lead Institution)
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
860/768-4813
mailto:ctspgrant@hartford.edu
http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/ctspgrant/
Link to application: http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/ctspgrant/CTSPGRANT/National%20Helicopter%20Training%20Workshop%20Application.docx
Filed under: Higher Education, Internships, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The Pennsylvania State University Astrobiology Summer Program (ASP) will be held at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA on June 6th – August 14th, 2010.
Program details: There will be independent research under the guidance of one or more astrobiologists, a field trip to NASA and astrobiology-related sites around Washington, D.C., weekly seminars, laboratory tours, stargazing opportunities, discussion group, and a research symposium.
Expenses: Travel and living expenses will be covered and participants will receive, in addition, a stipend of $4000 for the summer.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents between their sophomore and senior years at a college or university other than Penn State (exceptional applicants between their freshman and sophomore years will be considered). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a research interest in astrobiology and be contemplating a career in science. College graduates are not eligible. Application deadline: February 19th, 2010.
Please visit the ASP website for details: http://evo.bio.psu.edu/asp/
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
Filed under: Higher Education, Internships, NASA, Research, STEM, Science, Student Opportunities
The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program (PBI) provides opportunities to explore scientific questions of global scale about planet Earth. Each year the PBI program sponsors nine or ten interns who undertake research at NASA Research Centers or NASA-sponsored laboratories and academic institutions. Students admitted to the Microbial Diversity course at the MBL may also be selected as interns.
The aim of the Planetary Biology Internship Program is to provide opportunites for graduate students to take part in planetary biology research at NASA centers and universities. 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; origin and early evolution of life.
Graduate students and senior undergraduates accepted to graduate school who are majoring in biology or other related sciences such as paleontology, atmospheric science, and geochemistry, with interests in planetary biology are eligible to apply for this program. Interns will receive a stipend of $3400 for the 8 weeks of their participation in the program, and reimbursement for transportation costs not to exceed $1100. The award is non-renewable.
Applications are due no later than February 15, 2010. Please visit the program website for details: http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/pbi.html
