2009 NASA eEducation Electronic Professional Development Network Series

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.

The following topics will be covered:

Hubble Space Telescope: Sept. 24, 2008, 4-5 p.m. EST

With the completion of the recent shuttle mission to the International Space Station, the Mission to Hubble is next in line. Find out more about what is available to educators about this mission from Hubble’s home base at Goddard Space Flight Center.

Observing the Moon: Oct. 29, 2008, 4-5 p.m. EST

Almost 40 years ago, humans walked on the moon for the first time. Revisit this history and put students in the driver’s seat with Lunarnautics and Field Trip to the Moon. These featured products will help to inspire students as NASA plans to go back and explore Earth’s satellite.

Student Observation Network: Nov. 19, 2008, 4-5 p.m. EST

Discover answers to some of the questions that excite NASA scientists. Students will learn how to make their own observations and how to compare them with NASA data while discovering cutting-edge science. Join the adventure!

NASA Image Archive: Dec. 17, 2008, 4-5 p.m. EST

Explore the history of NASA through multimedia resources. Learn how to leverage these pieces of history to use in classroom presentations and student projects.

STS-119: Jan. 28, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST

Space shuttle Discovery is set to launch in mid-February 2009, for the STS-119 mission. Learn how spacesuits have changed since the Mercury program. As technology has developed over time, so has the sophistication of these garments used to protect astronauts on spacewalks. Join NASA’s Johnson Space Center to learn about the history of the spacesuit, its transformations and the resources available to educate students about this important piece of astronaut couture!

Chemistry: What Is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements?: Feb. 25, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST

The elements that make up life itself reflect events that take place in the universe. Humankind’s very existence is linked to these elements and their cosmic origin. Join in for discussions of the big bang theory, stars, supernovae, cosmic rays and other topics as participants learn more about the cosmic origin of the elements.

Kepler Mission: March 25, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST

The Kepler mission will seek evidence for Earth-size planets in orbit around sun-like stars. For the first time NASA will be able to search the galaxy for Earth-size or smaller planets. With this cutting-edge capability, Kepler may help to answer one of the most enduring questions humans have asked throughout history: Are there others like us in the universe?

Meteorology: An Educators Resource Guide for Inquiry-Based Learning: April 29, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST

Meteorology is one of the oldest observational sciences in human history and perhaps the most relevant to a broad segment of society. Learn how the first early meteorologists used this knowledge for their success and survival. This educator guide covers weather patterns, climate and measurement tools.

NASA Explores Virtual Worlds: May 27, 2009, 4-5 p.m. EST

Virtual immersive environments are increasing in popularity in modern America. Explore the virtual world that NASA education is building in Second Life and learn how to become an active citizen of this world.

For more information about these videoconferences and to sign up online, visit http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/. Questions about these events should be directed to Caryn Long at caryn.long@nasa.gov .