‘NASAexplores’ Web site delivers innovative lessons to teachers courtesy of Marshall Center

A new Web site — unveiled today by NASA — will deliver
innovative and engaging lessons to teachers across the
country.

“NASAexplores,” a new Internet resource offering lesson
plans, features two new topics each week for students in
kindergarten through 12th grade.

The project — initiated by Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala. — is supported by NASA’s Aerospace
Technology Enterprise, and Human Exploration and
Development of Space Enterprise.

The Web site posts timely educational content based on real
— not theoretical — research, developments and events.
Developed and maintained by educators at the Marshall
Center, the content meets national educational standards.

“This is a unique pipeline for NASA to deliver its latest
science and technology information directly to the classroom
— at no cost to the teachers,” said Jim Pruitt, manager of
Marshall’s Education Programs Department. “Our purpose is
to help educators creatively present math, science and
problem-solving skills based on NASA research and events
under way at that moment.”

NASAexplores lessons are easy for educators to retrieve,
prepare and use. “Teachers simply sign up on a subscriber
list and we e-mail notices linking them directly to the Web site
where lessons, resources and materials are posted,” said
Pruitt.

Teachers without e-mail also can use the lessons on
NASAexplores by accessing the site, located at:

The program — available in a variety of downloadable and
print-to-use formats — includes estimated preparation time
for lessons and a list of materials required.

Each week, two articles with supporting lesson plans are
posted to the Web site, in versions adapted for three levels of
learning: kindergarten through 4th grade, grades 5 — 8 and
grades 9 — 12. The materials incorporate and support
national educational standards in math, science, geography
and technology and align with standard subject areas, such
as chemistry, biology and algebra. Teachers certified in
those areas prepare the lessons.

Since its creation in 1958, NASA has emphasized education
in its mission. NASA employs its unique resources to create
learning opportunities and uses the demonstrated
inspirational value of the space program to fire students’
imaginations.

“NASAexplores is designed to help NASA achieve its
mission to support educational excellence,” said Pruitt. “The
information provided will be in sync with not only what’s
happening throughout NASA, but also with other appropriate
events and milestones, to take advantage of educators’
interests.”

For more about NASA’s commitment to education, visit:

For more information about the Marshall Center’s specific
missions and roles in educational programs, click on: