NASA Education Express Message — Nov. 19, 2015
Check out the following NASA opportunities for the education community. Full descriptions are listed below.
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New This Week!
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New Space Launch System Video Series: No Small Steps
Audience: All Educators and Students
New Education Resources — Carbon and Climate: Frontiers of Climate Science
Audience: All Educators
Free NASA Educator Professional Development Webinars
Audience: In-service, Pre-service, Home School and Informal Educators
Next Event Date: Nov. 19, 2015, at 6 p.m. EST
Nominations for Service on NASA Advisory Council’s Science Committee Subcommittees
Audience: U.S. Citizens With Scientific Expertise
Nomination Deadline: Nov. 23, 2015
2016 Lunar and Planetary Institute’s Exploration Science Summer Intern Program
Audience: Graduate Students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15, 2016
NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowships Program Accepting Proposals for 2016-2017 Academic Year
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Proposal Deadline: Feb. 1, 2016
2016 NASA Student Airborne Research Program
Audience: Undergraduate Students Currently in Their Junior Year
Application Deadline: Feb. 2, 2016
2016-17 Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
Audience: Undergraduate Sophomores and Juniors at Virginia Space Grant Consortium Member Institutions
Application Deadline: Feb. 8, 2016
2016-2017 Virginia Space Grant Consortium Graduate STEM Research Fellowship
Audience: Graduate Students at Virginia Space Grant Consortium Member Institutions
Application Deadline: Feb. 8, 2016
Be an Astronaut! Apply Now for New Astronaut Candidate Class
Audience: All Educators and Graduate Students
Application Deadline: Mid-February 2016
National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s Mentored Research Program in Space Life Science
Audience: Students Pursuing Doctorate Degrees at Texas A&M University
Proposal Deadline: Feb. 15, 2016
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies Seek Students for Climate Research Initiative
Audience: 9-12 and Undergraduate Students
Application Deadline: March 1, 2016
2016-2017 Virginia Space Grant Consortium Community College STEM Scholarship
Audience: Freshman Students at Community Colleges in Virginia
Application Deadline: March 14, 2016
2016-2017 Virginia Space Grant Consortium STEM Bridge Scholarships
Audience: Minority Undergraduate Students (Underclassmen) at Virginia Space Grant Consortium Member Institutions
Application Deadline: March 14, 2016
Call for Submissions — NASA Announcement for High Impact / Broad Implementation STEM Education Partnerships (EDUCATION01SP16)
Audience: Education Institutions and Organizations
Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis Through Dec. 31, 2017
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PREVIOUSLY PROMOTED OPPORTUNITIES…
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NASA’s Digital Learning Network Event — Live Video Chat: NASA STARS en Español
Audience: All Educators and Students
Event Date: Nov. 19, 2015, 1-2 p.m. EST
NASA’s Digital Learning Network Event — Video conferencia en vivo: NASA STARS en Español
Audiencia: Todos Los Educadores y Estudiantes
Fecha del Evento: Nov. 19, 2015, 1-2 p.m. EST
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program Accepting Applications for 2016-2017 Fellowship Year
Audience: K-12 STEM Educators
Application Deadline: Nov. 19, 2015, at 8 p.m. EST
Mars Survival Kit: Lessons and Activities to Guide Your Exploration of Mars!
Audience: K-12 Educators
New Interactive Education Event from NASA’s Digital Learning Network: Surviving and Thriving on Mars
Audience: Educators of Grades 6-12
Event Dates: Available Through Dec. 31, 2015
Smithsonian TechQuest: Astronaut Academy
Audience: Designed for Families With Children Ages 10 to 14, but Open to All
Next Event Date: Nov. 21, 2015, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EDT
2016 CubeSat Launch Initiative Opportunity
Audience: Informal Educators, Higher Education Educators and Students
Proposal Deadline: Nov. 24, 2015
“Where Over the World Is Astronaut Scott Kelly?” Geography From Space Trivia Contest
Audience: All Educators and Students
Deadline: Ongoing Through March 2016
NASA In Situ Resource Utilization Challenge
Audience: Educators and Students Ages 18 and Older
Entry Deadline: Dec. 3, 2015
Historical NASA Space Artifacts Available for Educational Use
Audience: Educational Institutions, Museums and Other Education Organizations
Request Deadline: Dec. 7, 2015
Call for Proposals — NASA Research Announcement for Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMPVC+)
Audience: Formal and Informal Education Institutions
Proposal Deadline: Dec. 7, 2015
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Student Spaceflight Experiments Program — Mission 10 to the International Space Station
Audience: School Districts Serving Grades 5-12, Informal Education Institutions, Colleges and Universities
Inquiry Deadline: Dec. 11, 2015
2016 GLOBE Distinguished Educator Fellowship
Audience: Active GLOBE Educators
Application Deadline: Dec. 15, 2015
Army Educational Outreach Program’s eCYBERMISSION Competition
Audience: Students in Grades 6-9
Registration Deadline: Dec. 17, 2015
2016 High-Altitude Student Platform Opportunity
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Application Deadline: Dec. 18, 2015
NASA Education Call for Reviewers for Informal STEM Education Proposals
Audience: Informal Education Leadership, Managers, Educators and Evaluators (e.g., K-12; Informal; Youth Groups; Public Outreach)
Sign-up Deadline: Dec. 31, 2015
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Don’t miss out on upcoming NASA education opportunities.
For a full list of events, opportunities and more, visit the Educator and Student Current Opportunity pages on NASA’s website:
— Educators http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/current-opps-index.html
— Students http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/current-opps-index.html
Are you looking for NASA educational materials to support your STEM curriculum? Search hundreds of resources by subject, grade level, type and keyword at http://www.nasa.gov/education/resources/.
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NEW THIS WEEK!
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New Space Launch System Video Series: No Small Steps
NASA’s Space Launch System will be the most powerful rocket ever built and will help send humans to deep space destinations like an asteroid and Mars. SLS is an advanced, heavy-lift launch vehicle that will provide an entirely new capability for science and human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. The SLS will give the nation a means to reach beyond our current limits and open new doors of discovery from the unique vantage point of space.
NASA has released the first of a new series of videos about the Space Launch System. In the video, host Stephen Grenade discusses how SLS will be the most capable rocket ever built for a trip to the Red Planet and other destinations in the solar system. To view the video, visit https://youtu.be/TOYXa9jx-TI.
Future episodes will be available online. Keep an eye on the NASA SLS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NASASLS/) and NASA SLS Twitter account (https://twitter.com/NASA_SLS) for updates.
To learn more about SLS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html.
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New Education Resources — Carbon and Climate: Frontiers of Climate Science
NASA is releasing cutting-edge visualizations related to one of Earth’s key cyclical flows of energy and matter: the carbon cycle. As global atmospheric carbon increases, it will play a leading role in the future of climate. Give your students a front-row seat to the frontiers of science by bringing these visualizations into the classroom with the help of NASA Wavelength. Find useful tips and curated lists of carbon cycle lessons in this blog post: http://nasawavelength.org/blog/carbon-cycle.
NASAWavelength.org is your pathway into a curated collection of NASA Earth and space science resources for educators of all levels — from elementary to college, to out-of-school programs. Use NASAWavelength.org to locate resources quickly and easily, create custom lists of resources, and share the resources you discover with others through social media and email.
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Free NASA Educator Professional Development Webinars
The NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative at Texas State University is presenting a series of free webinars open to all educators. Join NASA education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources that bring NASA into your classroom. Registration is required to participate. Simply click on the link provided beneath the webinar description to register.
Forces and Motion of Flight: NASA eCLIPS Balloon Engineering Design Challenge
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 4-10
Event Date: Nov. 19, 2015, at 6 p.m. EST
Use the 5 E’s and engineering design to design, measure, build, test and redesign a neutrally buoyant helium balloon. Demonstrate how different forces affect motion and solve the problem of neutral buoyancy by floating balloons at different heights. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/139297
Dance of the Planets: Motion Laws and the Solar System
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 4-6
Event Date: Nov. 23, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. EST
Explore resources relating motion equations from Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler to the bodies of the solar system. This webinar is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/146833
Forces and Motion of Flight: Four Forces and the Principles of Flight
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades K-12
Event Date: Nov. 24, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. EST
Participants will get an overview of the principles of flight and the four forces of flight while using NASA’s Museum in the Box curriculum. Participants will also learn about current research going on at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/146322
Forces and Motion of Flight: Flying With Bernoulli
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades K-12
Event Date: Nov. 30, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. EST
Participants will learn how to use NASA’s Museum in a Box curriculum to explore Bernoulli’s Principle and how it relates to flight. Participants also will learn about current research going on at the NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/146323
International Space Station – Off the Earth, For the Earth: Cross-Curricular Activities
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 5-8
Event Date: Dec. 1, 2015, at 6 p.m. EST
Explore the ISS L.A.B.S. Educator Resource Guide and learn ways to engage your students with STEM activities celebrating the “One-Year Crew” and their yearlong mission on the International Space Station. The guide features six hands-on activities and makes connections to various science curricula including chemistry, technology/robotics, physics, mathematics and Earth science for grades 5-8. (Activities can be modified for other grade levels.) Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/148956
International Space Station – Off the Earth, For the Earth: Robo Arm
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades K-5
Event Date: Dec. 2, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. EST
Discover the many uses of robotic arms and how they function like real human arms. Robotic arms are used on the International Space Station to move equipment and supplies and to assist the astronauts. During this webinar, participants will learn how to design a robotic arm and participate in a weightlifting challenge. The featured activity is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/149761
NASA Elementary STEM: Exploring Snow and Ice
Audience:Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades K-5
Event Date: Dec. 3, 2015, at 6 p.m. EST
Learn ways to use NASA STEM inquiry strategies to explore phase changes. Learners will observe ice melting and freezing under a variety of conditions and relate that to NASA’s MESSENGER mission. Participants will learn about the Exploring Ice in the Solar System guide, which features 12 individual lessons. This resource includes “Acting Out Science” and ELA CORE concepts. Register online to participate. https://www.etouches.com/139298
For a full schedule of upcoming NASA Educator Professional Development webinars, visit http://www.txstate-epdc.net/events/.
Please direct questions about this series of webinars to Steve Culivan at stephen.p.culivan@nasa.gov.
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Nominations for Service on NASA Advisory Council’s Science Committee Subcommittees
NASA announces its annual invitation for public nominations for service on the NASA Advisory Council’s Science Committee subcommittees. Five science subcommittees report to the Science Committee of the NASA Advisory Council. The subcommittees operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, or FACA.
U.S. citizens may submit self-nominations for consideration to fill intermittent vacancies on these five science subcommittees. NASA’s science subcommittees have member vacancies from time to time throughout the year, and NASA will consider self-nominations to fill such intermittent vacancies. Nominees will only be contacted should a vacancy arise, and it is judged that their area or areas of expertise are appropriate for that specific vacancy. NASA is committed to selecting members to serve on its science subcommittees based on their individual expertise, knowledge, experience, and current/past contributions to the relevant subject area.
The deadline for NASA receipt of all public nominations is Nov. 23, 2015.
For more information, visit http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/annual-invitation-public-nominations-us-citizens-service-nasa-science-advisory-subcommittees/.
Please direct questions about this opportunity to Elaine Denning at elaine.j.denning@nasa.gov.
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2016 Lunar and Planetary Institute’s Exploration Science Summer Intern Program
The Lunar and Planetary Institute is hosting a special Exploration Science Summer Intern Program in 2016. The program is a unique opportunity to integrate scientific input with exploration activities in a way that mission architects and spacecraft engineers can use. Activities may involve assessments and traverse plans for a particular destination (e.g., on the far side of the moon) or a more general assessment of a class of possible exploration targets (e.g., small near-Earth asteroids).
The program is open to graduate students in geology, planetary science, planetary astronomy and related programs. The 10-week program runs from May 23, 2016, through July 29, 2016. Selected interns will receive stipends and travel expense reimbursement.
The deadline to submit an application is Jan. 15, 2016.
For more information, visit http://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/102115/exploration_interns/. Please email any questions about this opportunity to Jennifer Steil at explorationintern@lpi.usra.edu.
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NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowships Program Accepting Proposals for 2016-2017 Academic Year
The NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship program is soliciting applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in earth and space sciences, or related disciplines, for the 2016-2017 academic year. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be training grants to the respective universities, with the advisor serving as the principal investigator. The financial support for the NESSF program comes from the Science Mission Directorate’s four science divisions: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science and Astrophysics.
Initially, NESSF awards are made for one year. They may be renewed for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory progress (as reflected in academic performance, research progress and recommendation by the faculty advisor) and the availability of funds.
The maximum amount of a NESSF award is $30,000 per year.
Proposals for this opportunity are due Feb. 1, 2016.
For more information about this solicitation, visit http://go.nasa.gov/1H34oH3.
Questions about Earth Science Research NESSF opportunities should be directed to Claire Macaulay at Claire.I.Macaulay@nasa.gov.
Questions about Heliophysics Research, Planetary Science Research and Astrophysics Research opportunities should be directed to Dolores Holland at hq-nessf-Space@nasa.gov.
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2016 NASA Student Airborne Research Program
The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated undergraduate students currently in their junior year to apply for the NASA Student Airborne Research Program, also known as SARP 2016. The program provides students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign, from detailed planning on how to achieve mission objectives to formal presentation of results and conclusions to peers and others. Students will assist in the operation of airborne instruments aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft. They also will analyze remote-sensing data collected during the program from the NASA ER-2.
The program takes place in summer 2016. Instrument and flight preparations, and the research flights themselves, will occur at NASA′s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. Postflight data analysis and interpretation will take place at the University of California, Irvine.
Successful applicants will be awarded a stipend plus a travel allowance for eight weeks of participation in the program. Housing and local transportation also will be provided.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 2, 2016.
For more information and to download the program application, visit http://www.nserc.und.edu/sarp/sarp-2016.
Specific questions about the program should be directed to SARP2016@nserc.und.edu.
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2016-17 Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium is offering undergraduate research scholarships of up to $8,500 to encourage talented individuals to conduct research in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering or mathematics).
Participants must participate in an active faculty-mentored research experience that aligns with the aerospace sector and NASA’s mission. Student stipends and research support totaling $4,000 during the academic year and $4,500 during a summer semester are available.
These one-year awards are nonrenewable and based on student academic merit, quality of the research proposal, and alignment of research with the goals of NASA and the aerospace sector. Underrepresented minority students, female students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled at one of the five Virginia Space Grant member universities: The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Applicants must have completed at least two years of a STEM undergraduate program and be classified as a junior or senior during the 2016-2017 academic year.
The deadline for submitting applications is Feb.8, 2016.
For more information, visit http://vsgc.odu.edu/sf/undergrad/. Please email any questions about this opportunity to Anne Weiss at aweiss@odu.edu.
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2016-2017 Virginia Space Grant Consortium Graduate STEM Research Fellowship
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium’s Graduate STEM Research Fellowship Program provides fellowships of $6,000 in add-on support to graduate students to supplement and enhance basic research support. The objective of this research fellowship in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is to encourage talented individuals to pursue careers in STEM industries that support NASA’s mission.
Participants in the Graduate STEM Research Fellowship Program must take part in an active faculty‐mentored research experience that aligns with the aerospace sector and NASA’s mission. Awards are made annually and are renewable for one year for students making satisfactory progress in academics and research.
This is a competitive fellowship program, and awards are based on merit to recognize high academic achievement and promise. Underrepresented minority students, female students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled at one of the five Virginia Space Grant member universities: The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech.
The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 8, 2016.
For more information about this opportunity and to apply online, visit http://vsgc.odu.edu/sf/gradfellow/. Please email any questions to Anne Weiss at aweiss@odu.edu.
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Be an Astronaut! Apply Now for New Astronaut Candidate Class
NASA soon will be selecting astronauts for the next class of space explorers! Between Dec. 14, 2015, and mid-February 2016, NASA will be accepting astronaut candidate applications. Selection announcements are targeted for mid-2017.
Teaching, including experience at the K-12 level, is considered to be qualifying experience to be an astronaut. Educators with the appropriate educational background are eligible to apply.
For additional details on this opportunity and how to submit an application, visit http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts.
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National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s Mentored Research Program in Space Life Science
The National Space Biomedical Research Institute seeks solutions to health concerns facing astronauts on long missions. The institute′s research also benefits patients on Earth. This training program in space life sciences enables students to pursue doctoral degrees at Texas A&M University and to focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M currently is recruiting participants for fall 2016. Students will pursue degrees in biomedical engineering, genetics, kinesiology, health physics or nutrition, or an M.D./Ph.D. or a Ph.D. in medical sciences.
Application packages are due Feb. 15, 2016.
The graduate training program in Space Life Sciences at Texas A&M University is sponsored by NASA and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.
For more information, visit http://SLSGraduateProgram.tamu.edu.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Dr. Nancy Turner at n-turner@tamu.edu.
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NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies Seek Students for Climate Research Initiative
The NASA GISS Climate Change Research Initiative is a summer internship opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to work directly with NASA scientists in a NASA research project associated with the science related to climate change.
During the summer session, high school interns will work for 40 hours per week for a six-week period and undergraduate students work full time for eight weeks to complete a research project. Interns will create a scientific research paper and presentation and present their scientific poster at a STEM symposium.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and reside within a 50-mile radius of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies located in New York City.
Applications are due March 1, 2016.
For more information, visit http://smdepo.org/post/8474.
Please direct inquiries about the NASA GISS Climate Change Research Initiative to Matthew Pearce at matthew.d.pearce@nasa.gov.
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2016-2017 Virginia Space Grant Consortium Community College STEM Scholarship
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium encourages academically talented individuals to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. The VSGC is offering a limited number of scholarships to students majoring in STEM fields at any campus in the Virginia Community College System.
These $2,000 scholarships are competitive awards based on academic merit for students demonstrating an interest in NASA’s missions and STEM-related careers. The VSGC strongly supports students in technical career pathways who are preparing to transfer to institutions of higher learning while developing the essential skills for a competitive global workforce.
Underrepresented minority students, female students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in the Virginia Community College System.
The deadline for submitting applications is March 14, 2016.
For more information, visit http://vsgc.odu.edu/sf/ccstem/. Please email any questions about this opportunity to Anne Weiss at aweiss@odu.edu.
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2016-2017 Virginia Space Grant Consortium STEM Bridge Scholarships
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium is offering renewable scholarships to undergraduate students studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The STEM Bridge Scholarships are $1,000.
The scholarships are available to students who are U.S. citizens from any federally recognized minority group and are enrolled fulltime at one of the five VSGC member universities: The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Applicants must have completed at least one year of a STEM undergraduate program and be classified as a sophomore during the 2016-2017 academic year.
The STEM Bridge Program connects students to future opportunities by mentoring and guiding them to future VSGC scholarships and NASA-related paid internships. The program encourages students to explore how their majors can apply to NASA’s mission.
This is a competitive program, and awards are based on student academic merit and the quality of interest essay, as well as letters of recommendation from current college faculty who can attest to the student’s interest in STEM areas.
The deadline for submitting applications is March 14, 2016.
For more information, visit http://vsgc.odu.edu/sf/Bridge/. Please email any questions about this opportunity to Anne Weiss at aweiss@odu.edu.
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Call for Submissions — NASA Announcement for High Impact / Broad Implementation STEM Education Partnerships (EDUCATION01SP16)
The NASA Headquarters Office of Education, in cooperation with the agency’s four mission directorates, nine center education offices, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) education office, announces this competition to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Responses must be submitted electronically via the NASA data system NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com).
NASA Education seeks to partner with eligible domestic or international organizations on a no-exchange-of-funds basis to reach wider and more diverse audiences and to achieve mutually beneficial objectives. The Announcement places a priority on collaboration involving the following: digital learning; engaging underrepresented groups in STEM; NASA-themed STEM challenges; and youth-serving organizations. NASA also is receptive to other creative ideas including, for example, investigations or application of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and design (STEAMD); or activities culturally relevant to or focused on unrepresented in STEM careers populations, such as women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities. The announcement explains the criteria used to review responses and NASA’s partnership mechanism known as a no-exchange-of-funds or non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement.
NASA will accept responses on a rolling basis through Dec. 31. 2017.
For more information about this opportunity, visit NSPIRES at http://go.nasa.gov/1RZwWCi.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please direct your questions to the Points of Contact listed within the NASA Announcement.
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PREVIOUSLY PROMOTED OPPORTUNITIES…
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NASA’s Digital Learning Network Event — Live Video Chat: NASA STARS en Español
Do you want to be one of NASA’s STARS? In this series of live, Spanish video chats, “Students Talk About Real STEM” (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) with NASA professionals who work in these areas. Join NASA’s Digital Learning Network and Educator Professional Development Collaborative for an inside look at NASA missions, research and careers. Submit questions via Twitter using #NASASTARS or via email to astrosdeNASA@gmail.com.
Sign up to connect your class directly and participate in a live event. Please direct questions about this event to astrosdeNASA@gmail.com.
The next hourlong event will be webcast on the NASA DLiNfo Channel on Nov. 19, 2015, at 1 p.m. EST.
For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/dln.
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NASA’s Digital Learning Network Event — Video conferencia en vivo: NASA STARS en Español
¿Quieres ser uno de los Astros de NASA? En esta serie de video conferencia en Español y en vivo, los estudiantes hablarán de lo que es en realidad STEM (ciencias, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas) con profesionales de NASA que están trabajando en estas ramas. Acompaña a los programas de conexión digital de NASA (DLN for sus siglas en Ingles) y el programa de colaboraciones de desarrolló profesional educativo (EPDC por sus siglas en Ingles) hablando de diferentes misiones, investigaciones, y carreras en NASA. Inscribe tu escuela y conectate ó envia tus preguntas por medio de Twitter usando #NASASTARS ó correo electrónico astrosdeNASA@gmail.com.
Escribanos si usted esta interesado en conectarse directo para participar y cualquier pregunta sobre el programa astrosdeNASA@gmail.com.
El siguiente programa de una hora será transmitido por NASA DLiNfo Channel el 19 de Noviembre de 2015 a la 1 p.m. EST.
Para más información visite la página http://www.nasa.gov/dln.
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Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program Accepting Applications for 2016-2017 Fellowship Year
The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to serve in the national education arena. Fellows spend 11 months working in a federal agency or U.S. congressional office and bring their extensive classroom knowledge and experience to efforts related to STEM education programs and policy.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens who are currently employed full time in a U.S. public or private elementary or secondary school or school district. Applicants must have been teaching full time in a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least five of the last seven years in a STEM discipline.
Current sponsoring agencies include NASA, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation. The DOE sponsors up to four placements in U.S. congressional offices.
The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and other partners.
Program applications are due Nov. 19, 2015, at 8 p.m. EST and must be submitted through an online application system.
Additional information about the program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits, application requirements and access to the online application system may be found at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/.
Please direct inquiries about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program to sc.einstein@science.doe.gov.
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Mars Survival Kit: Lessons and Activities to Guide Your Exploration of Mars!
NASA is embarking on a journey to Mars! Are your students ready to join in the adventure? Spark excitement in your classroom with the Mars Survival Kit.
The Mars Survival Kit is a collection of educational activities for students in grades K-12. Each educational activity includes a brief description, as well as information about how the activities and lessons align to the Next Generation Science Standards.
Start your classroom’s journey to Mars at http://go.nasa.gov/1NnZ0Rg.
To learn more about NASA’s Journey to Mars, visit http://www.nasa.gov/topics/journeytomars/index.html.
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New Interactive Education Event from NASA’s Digital Learning Network: Surviving and Thriving on Mars
NASA’s Digital Learning Network, or DLN, is presenting a new videoconferencing event focusing on the challenges that must be met in order to survive a long-duration stay on the planet Mars.
Join the DLN via a virtual classroom to explore the movie “The Martian,” and discuss some of the challenges NASA astronauts must overcome to survive on the Red Planet. Throughout the program, we will reference scenes from the movie to determine if the events presented are science fiction or science fact. The lesson focuses on why we want to travel to Mars, the shelter that is needed to survive there, the protocols needed to maintain health during long-duration space travel and the communication technologies necessary in order to survive and thrive on the fourth planet from the sun.
As schedules allow, subject matter experts from NASA’s Mars investigations will join interactively with those classrooms participating in these modules.
Prepare your students for this event by accessing lessons and activities in NASA’s Mars Survival Kit at http://go.nasa.gov/1NnZ0Rg.
To learn more about this module and other offerings from NASA’s Digital Learning Network, visit http://www.nasa.gov/dln.
Please direct questions about this opportunity to dlinfochannel@gmail.com.
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Smithsonian TechQuest: Astronaut Academy
Smithsonian TechQuest: Astronaut Academy, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, is a free alternate-reality game that will challenge you to become an astronaut-in-training for a future trip to Mars. Choose what role you will play on the mission; engage in fun interactive activities; and explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills you will need as a next-generation space traveler. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the museum’s fascinating artifacts.
Instructions and guidance are given via a special webpage accessed on your mobile device. Players should bring their own phones or devices equipped with an internet browser and a camera. Having a digital picture-taking device (smartphone, tablet, camera) is highly recommended but not required.
The game is aimed at upper elementary and middle school visitors and their families. Do you want to bring a group? Reservations are required for groups larger than 15.
The next offering of the Astronaut Academy is on Nov. 21, 2015. Begin your training with Astronaut Orientation in the Claude Moore Education Center Classroom 1 located on the first level across from the restrooms. Astronaut Orientation is offered at regular intervals between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The last opportunity to start the game is at 2:30 p.m. A self-guided activity, the game should take between 60 and 90 minutes, and staff will help you along the way.
For more information, including a full list of upcoming Astronaut Academy dates, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/techquest/.
Please direct questions about the Smithsonian TechQuest: Astronaut Academy to the visitor service line at 202-633-2214.
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2016 CubeSat Launch Initiative Opportunity
NASA has opened the next round of its CubeSat Launch Initiative to engage the growing community of space enthusiasts that can contribute to NASA’s space exploration goals.
The CubeSat Launch Initiative gives students, teachers and faculty a chance to get hands-on flight hardware development experience in the process of designing, building and operating small research satellites. The initiative also provides a low-cost pathway to space for research in the areas of science, exploration, technology development, education or operations consistent with NASA’s Strategic Plan.
Applicants must submit their proposals electronically by 4:30 p.m. EST, Nov. 24, 2015. NASA plans to select the payloads by Feb. 19, 2016, but selection does not guarantee a launch opportunity. Selected experiments will fly as auxiliary payloads on agency rocket launches or be deployed from the International Space Station beginning in 2016 and running through 2019. NASA does not provide funding for the development of the small satellites, and this opportunity is open only to U.S. nonprofit organizations and accredited educational organizations.
For additional information about this opportunity and NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, visit http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-opens-new-cubesat-opportunities-for-low-cost-space-exploration and http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/CubeSats_initiative.html.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Jason Crusan at Jason.Crusan@nasa.gov.
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“Where Over the World Is Astronaut Scott Kelly?” Geography From Space Trivia Contest
During his year-long stay on the International Space Station, astronaut Scott Kelly wants to test your knowledge of the world through a geography trivia game on Twitter. Traveling more than 220 miles above Earth, and at 17,500 miles per hour, he circumnavigates the globe more than a dozen times a day. This gives Kelly the opportunity to see and photograph various geographical locations on Earth. In fact, part of his job while in space is to capture images of Earth for scientific observations.
Follow @StationCDRKelly on Twitter. Each Wednesday, Kelly will tweet a picture and ask the public to identify the place depicted in the photo. The first person to identify the place correctly will win an autographed copy of the picture. Kelly plans to continue posting weekly contest photos until he returns from the space station in March 2016.
For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/feature/where-over-the-world-is-astronaut-scott-kelly.
To learn more about the One-Year Mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/content/one-year-crew.
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NASA In Situ Resource Utilization Challenge
Living off the land is different when the land is 140 million miles away, so NASA is looking for innovative ideas to use in situ (in place) Martian resources to help establish a human presence on Mars.
The In Situ Resource Utilization Challenge offers the public an opportunity to submit designs for structures on the Red Planet that would use existing material. The agency plans to award $10,000 to the first-place winner, with $2,500 each for two second-place submissions.
One advantage of using Martian resources instead of bringing everything from Earth is the potential to save more than $100,000 per 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of cargo each launch.
The challenge is run by NineSigma Inc. as part of the NASA Tournament Lab. The NTL works across NASA and the federal government to provide crowd-based challenges as a way to solve difficult problems and get work done. The In Situ Resource Utilization Challenge is being conducted in collaboration with Swamp Works, a lab at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida dedicated to finding creative solutions for the problems that come with deep space exploration, including the journey to Mars.
Entries are due Dec. 3, 2015. For more information about the challenge and how to enter, visit http://go.nasa.gov/1L4MSP6.
For more information about NASA’s journey to Mars, visit http://www.nasa.gov/topics/journeytomars.
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Historical NASA Space Artifacts Available for Educational Use
NASA invites eligible U.S. educational institutions, museums and other organizations to screen and request historical artifacts of significance to spaceflight. This is the 29th screening of artifacts since 2009.
Eligible schools, universities, museums, libraries and planetariums may view the artifacts and request specific items through Dec. 7, 2015. Online registration should include an assigned Department of Education number. Registration also may be made through the requester’s State Agency for Surplus Property office. For instructions on how to register and to view and request artifacts online, visit http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.
The artifacts are free of charge and are offered “as-is.” Organizations must cover shipping costs and any handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively inexpensive; however, larger items may involve extensive disassembly, preparation, shipping and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with eligible organizations to address any unique handling costs.
Space Shuttle Thermal Protective Tiles and Blankets Available for Educational Use
In addition to the special screening of artifacts, NASA invites eligible U.S. educational institutions and museums to request space shuttle thermal protective tiles, space shuttle thermal protective blankets and other special items offered on a first-come, first-serve basis while quantities last. Organizations previously allocated thermal protective tiles may request an additional three tiles.
There will be a nominal shipping fee that must be paid online with a credit card. To make a request for special items online, visit http://gsaxcess.gov/htm/nasa/userguide/Special_Item_Request_Procedure.pdf.
Please direct questions about this opportunity to GSAXcessHelp@gsa.gov.
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Call for Proposals — NASA Research Announcement for Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMPVC+)
The NASA Office of Education invites proposals from museums, science centers, planetariums, NASA Visitor Centers, youth-serving organizations, and other eligible nonprofit institutions via this 2015 NASA Research Announcement: Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMPVC+), Announcement Number NNH15ZHA001N. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the NASA proposal data system NSPIRES or Grants.gov.
Proposers may request a grant or cooperative agreement to support NASA-themed science, technology, engineering or mathematics education, including exhibits, within these congressionally directed topics: space exploration, aeronautics, space science, Earth science or microgravity. CP4SMPVC+ is a competitive, high-quality, national program. The basic goal of the CP4SMPVC+ solicitation is to further NASA Strategic Objective 2.4: “Advance the Nation’s STEM education and workforce pipeline by working collaboratively with other agencies to engage students, teachers, and faculty in NASA’s missions and unique assets.”
Eligible institutions do not need to have the words “museum,” “visitor center,” “science,” “planetarium,” or “youth” in their official name, but they must be located in the United States or its Territories. See the NRA for full eligibility requirements and other limitations. Check the NSPIRES website once a week to learn if amendments or frequently asked questions have been added. Amendments and FAQs also will be announced via the NASA Education EXPRESS listserv.
Full proposals are due Dec. 7, 2015.
For more information about this opportunity, visit NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={6105DEEC-925A-A216-322B-8E3B34FA2B07}&path=open.
Answers to 39 Frequently Asked Questions received between Sept. 8 and Oct. 1, 2015, and the transcript of the Pre-proposal Teleconference held on Oct. 1, 2015, have been posted on NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={6105DEEC-925A-A216-322B-8E3B34FA2B07}&path=open.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please direct your questions to the Points of Contact listed within the NRA.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: Student Spaceflight Experiments Program — Mission 10 to the International Space Station
The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education, in partnership with NanoRacks LLC, announce an authentic science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, opportunity for school districts across the U.S. and space station partner nations. The newest flight opportunity, Mission 10 to the International Space Station, or ISS, gives students across a community the ability to design and propose real experiments to fly in low-Earth orbit on the ISS. This opportunity is part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, or SSEP.
Each participating community will receive a real microgravity research minilaboratory capable of supporting a single microgravity experiment and all launch services to fly the minilab to the space station in fall 2016 and return it to Earth. An experiment design competition in each community — engaging typically 300+ students — allows student teams to design and propose real experiments vying for their community′s reserved minilab. Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and experimental design. Additional SSEP programming leverages the experiment design competition to engage the community, embracing a learning community model for STEM education.
This competition is open to students in grades 5-12 and college. Informal education groups and organizations are also encouraged to participate. Interested communities must inquire about the program no later than Dec. 11, 2015. The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education is available to help interested communities in the U.S. secure the needed funding.
To learn more about this opportunity, visit the SSEP Mission 10 to International Space Station National Announcement of Opportunity at http://ssep.ncesse.org/2015/10/new-flight-opportunity-for-school-districts-announcing-student-spaceflight-experiments-program-ssep-mission-10-to-the-international-space-station-starting-february-2016/.
SSEP is enabled through a strategic partnership with NanoRacks LLC working with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a national laboratory. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (http://www.iss-casis.org/) is a national partner on SSEP. To view a list of all SSEP national partners, visit http://ssep.ncesse.org/national-partners/.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email SSEP National Program Director Jeff Goldstein at jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org.
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2016 GLOBE Distinguished Educator Fellowship
The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment, or GLOBE, Program is accepting applications for the GLOBE Distinguished Educator Fellowship. This fellowship harnesses the GLOBE community expertise in the development of new educational resources that can benefit the whole community.
Selected educators, either formal or informal, will work with scientists in the development of GLOBE educational materials. The scientist will support the educator in ensuring scientific accuracy. As part of the application process, we invite teachers to team with scientists on a particular project.
There will be three fellowships awarded this year: one for the United States and two for GLOBE countries outside the U.S. Applicants must be active GLOBE teachers who have entered data into the GLOBE database in the past year.
An informational webinar about the 2016 Distinguished Educator Fellowship took place on Nov. 12, 2015. The webinar was led by 2015 Distinguished Educator Fellow John Moore and Dr. Julie Malmberg and is available for viewing online.
Applications are due Dec. 15, 2015. Fellowships will begin no later than July 1, 2016.
Additional information including application requirements can be found at http://www.globe.gov/news-events/globe-events/competitions/fellowships.
Please email any questions about this opportunity to help@globe.gov.
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Army Educational Outreach Program’s eCYBERMISSION Competition
Registration is open for the Army Educational Outreach Program’s new eCYBERMISSION competition. This Web-based competition, free to students in grades 6–9, challenges teams to compete for state, regional and national awards while working to solve real problems in their community. Teams compete for awards up to $9,000 in U.S. savings bonds.
Registration for student teams is open until Dec. 17, 2015. Teams have until Feb. 25, 2016, to submit their science project, commonly referred to as the Mission Folder — the official write-up of their project. During this period, eCYBERMISSION provides a wealth of online resources for student teams and team advisors to assist with project completion. Included in available online resources are eCYBERMISSION CyberGuide Live Chats, which allow teams to ask questions about their projects virtually to volunteer STEM experts who answer in real-time.
Registration is also open to professionals who are interested in participating as volunteers — Virtual Judges, Ambassadors, and/or CyberGuides — to help build students’ interest in STEM.
For more information, visit http://www.ecybermission.com/.
Please direct questions about this competition to missioncontrol@eCYBERMISSION.com.
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2016 High-Altitude Student Platform Opportunity
The Louisiana Space Grant Consortium, or LaSPACE, 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 project, supported by the NASA Balloon Program Office and LaSPACE, 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, New Mexico. 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 deadline for applications is Dec. 18, 2015.
For application information and technical details about the program, visit http://laspace.lsu.edu/hasp.
Questions about the High-Altitude Student Platform opportunity should be directed to T. Gregory Guzik at guzik@phunds.phys.lsu.edu.
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NASA Education Call for Reviewers for Informal STEM Education Proposals
The management team for the 2015 NASA Research Announcement: Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMPVC+) is actively recruiting qualified peer reviewers who volunteer to externally review CP4SMPVC+ proposals during winter 2016. A diverse reviewer pool is sought, including but not limited to practicing or retired informal education leadership; managers; educators and evaluators (e.g., K-12, informal, youth groups, public outreach); scientists; engineers; higher education faculty; and other experts (including individuals without a current institutional affiliation) with experience or knowledge of activities described in the Announcement NNH15ZHA001N.
The review will include proposals from eligible nonprofit entities, including NASA Visitor Centers, as authorized under Public Law 109-155 SEC. 616. MUSEUMS: “The Administrator may provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, museums and planetariums to enable them to enhance programs related to space exploration, aeronautics, space science, earth science, or microgravity,” as well as youth-serving organizations.”
Please submit your qualifications, interest and availability — or nominate qualified colleagues — at https://informal.jpl.nasa.gov/reviewer/. To volunteer yourself, click the “Register to Be Considered as a Reviewer” link and be prepared to upload your two-to-three-page resume. (No resume is necessary to nominate a colleague using the “Suggest Qualified Reviewers” link.) The deadline to register and nominate is Dec. 31, 2015.
For additional information, a potential reviewer can send questions/inquires via email to CP4SMP@jpl.nasa.gov — please no phone calls.
Although NASA cannot guarantee an invitation to review will result, we thank you for your consideration and/or referrals. Selected reviewers will be expected to disclose all conflicts of interest, including situations that may give the appearance of bias.
For more information about the NASA Research Announcement, visit http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={6105DEEC-925A-A216-322B-8E3B34FA2B07}&path=open.
For information about funded projects from previous CP4SMP solicitations, visit https://informal.jpl.nasa.gov/museum/CP4SMP/Map.
