NASA Education Express Message — Oct. 9, 2014
Do-It-Yourself Podcast — Redesigned Website
Create multimedia projects with students using the redesigned Do-It-Yourself, or DIY, Podcast site. DIY Podcast allows you to download free videos, audio clips and images to create products such as slideshows, multitouch books/ebooks, podcasts, videos and audio recordings. The videos and audio clips feature NASA experts such as scientists, engineers and even astronauts on the International Space Station. The audio and visual resources are divided into topical modules such as Robots, Exploration Careers and Newton’s Laws. Students can create the projects as assignments or educators can create products as teaching tools.
The site has improved navigation and added features. The site now includes a Topics page that lists and describes the type of resources in each. The module descriptions also include a designation as to which science, technology, engineering or mathematics, or STEM, discipline is supported by the module’s content. The new Help and Support page answers common questions about using the site.
Visit NASA’s DIY Podcast site at http://www.nasa.gov/education/diypodcast to begin building multimedia projects today. Subscribe to the Do-It-Yourself Podcast Blog for tips and suggestions for creating with the DIY Podcast site. http://blogs.nasa.gov/diyPodcastBlog/
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Space Shuttle Thermal Protective Tiles Available for Educational Use
NASA invites eligible U.S. educational institutions and museums to request space shuttle thermal protective tiles and other special items offered on a first-come, first-served 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.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to GSAXcessHelp@gsa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New SpaceMath@NASA Resources Available
Explore behind-the-scenes mathematics that occur when scientists make discoveries and engineers solve technical problems in spacecraft design and spaceflight. Press releases serve as the hook to engage student interest and explore standards-based math and science skills related to the Applied Physics Laboratory’s Solar Probe mission, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Mars InSight and Year of the Solar System, or YOSS, programs.
Solar Probe Plus: http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/mission.html#Solar
Mars InSight: http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/mission.html#Insight
YOSS: http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/YOSS/YOSS.pdf
Questions about these resources should be directed to Dr. Sten Odenwald at Sten.F.Odelwald@nasa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2015 RASC-AL Robo-Ops Competition
NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace announce the 2015 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts-Academic Linkage Exploration Robo-Ops, also known as RASC-AL Robo-Ops, competition. This design competition is aimed at university-level engineering or science students.
The RASC-AL Robo-Ops contest challenges participants to build a planetary rover prototype and demonstrate its capabilities in field tests at NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s Rock Yard. Up to three members of the team (plus the faculty advisor) may travel to Johnson Space Center for the onsite testing. The remaining team members will stay behind at the local university to conduct mission control tasks. The prototype rovers will be tele-operated by the mission control team members and must negotiate a series of obstacles while accomplishing a variety of tasks that include sample collection and acquisition. The only information available to the rover controller to perform the required tasks will be information transmitted through onboard rover video camera(s) or other onboard sensors.
Interested teams must submit a project plan for their proposed projects by Oct. 10, 2014. The RASC-AL Robo-Ops Steering Committee of NASA experts will evaluate the project plans and select up to eight teams to compete against each other at the Rock Yard in June 2015, providing each selected team with a $10,000 stipend to develop its rover. $12,000 in cash awards is available to the winning teams.
The RASC-AL competition is open to full-time undergraduate or graduate students majoring in engineering or science at an accredited university. University design teams must include one faculty or industry advisor with a university affiliation and two or more undergraduate or graduate students. Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
For more information about this competition, visit http://www.nianet.org/RoboOps.
If you have questions about this competition, please contact Stacy Dees at stacy.dees@nianet.org or Shelley Spears at shelley.spears@nianet.org.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Open House 2014: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, in Pasadena, California, invites the public to its annual Open House taking place Oct. 11-12, 2014. The event, themed “Welcome to Our Universe,” will let visitors experience the wonders of space. Highlights include a life-size model of Mars Science Laboratory, 3-D videos of Earth and JPL’s Earth science missions, demonstrations from numerous space missions, JPL’s machine shop, where robotic spacecraft parts are built and the Microdevices Lab, where engineers and scientists use tiny technology to revolutionize space exploration.
Admission to the event is free. Parking is also free, but is limited.
For more information, visit http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.php.
Questions about the JPL Open House event should be directed to Elizabeth Landau at Elizabeth.R.Landau@jpl.nasa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OSSI NIFS — Spring 2015 Opportunities
NASA’s One Stop Shopping Initiative for Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships, or OSSI NIFS, strives to provide high school students and undergraduate and graduate students at all institutions of higher education access to a portfolio of internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities offered by NASA mission directorates and centers.
Visit the Office of Education Infrastructure Division LaunchPad to find information on internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities. The site features the OSSI NIFS online application for recruiting NASA interns, fellows and scholars. This innovative system allows students to search and apply for all types of higher education NASA internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities in one location. A single application places the student in the applicant pool for consideration by all NASA mentors.
Applications for spring 2015 opportunities are due Oct. 12, 2014.
To find available opportunities and to fill out an online application, visit https://intern.nasa.gov/index.html.
Inquiries about OSSI NIFS should be submitted via https://intern.nasa.gov/oic/.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Participate in #SkyScience for Earth Science Week
NASA invites people around the globe to step outside during Earth Science Week, Oct. 12-18, 2014, observe the sky and share their observations as citizen scientists.
NASA′s #SkyScience activity is part of an annual educational event organized by the American Geosciences Institute to encourage the public to engage in earth sciences. Citizen scientists can participate in this global earth science data collection event by observing, photographing and reporting on clouds over their locations as a NASA satellite passes over. Reports and photos will be compared to data collected by NASA Earth-observing instruments as a way to assess the satellite measurements.
Using the hashtag #SkyScience, participants are encouraged to post their cloud and sky photos and observation experiences to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google Plus and Flickr. Throughout the week, NASA will share some of the most interesting photos on the agency′s social media accounts.
To learn how to get involved in the #SkyScience activity, visit http://go.nasa.gov/skysci.
For information about NASA’s Earth science activities in 2014, visit http://www.nasa.gov/earthrightnow.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Celebrate Earth Science Week: Earth’s Connected Systems
Join NASA for an exploration of our dynamic Earth! This year, Earth Science Week takes place Oct. 12-18, and celebrates Earth’s Connected Systems – from land to sea, ice to sky and everything living in between.
NASA missions study Earth’s system and help us to understand the interconnectivity among its components. NASA’s Earth Science Week 2014 website covers NASA Earth missions and how scientists study our home planet, educational resources about Earth’s system, videos, links to mission science, and more.
A series of free interactive webinars for educators is scheduled during the week.
MY NASA DATA — GLOBE Digital Earth System Poster
Oct. 14, 2014, 6-7 p.m. EDT
Tina Harte, education specialist at NASA Langley Research Center, will explore an exciting new resource for exploring real science data and making Earth system connections. The MY NASA DATA — GLOBE Digital Earth System Poster and activities will be discussed for K-12 students, with a focus on those meeting Next Generation Science Standards performance expectations, science practices and cross-cutting concepts related to K-12 Earth′s Systems.
http://nasaesw.strategies.org/events/educator-webinar-nasa-data-globe-digital-earth-system-poster/
National Climate Assessment in Spanish
Oct. 15, 2014, 4-5 p.m. EDT
Join research scientist Alison Delgado for an investigation into the National Climate Assessment, or NCA, report. Get an in-depth view on how Earth’s climate is changing and what observations are telling researchers. Discover how to integrate the NCA into your classroom using NASA hands-on activities in Spanish. Engage students with NASA’s Students’ Cloud Observations On-Line, or S′COOL, project that focuses on clouds, climate and weather. The entire session and lessons will be presented in Spanish.
http://nasaesw.strategies.org/events/educator-webinar-nasa-stem-spanish-immersion-national-climate-assessment-spanish/
Mapping Earth′s Water Cycle With NASA Scientists
Oct. 16, 2014, 7-8 p.m. EDT
Scientists from two NASA earth science missions will address how their synergistic research helps us to understand Earth′s water cycle, including extreme events such as floods. This presentation will use an online concept map tool for exploring the water cycle. The concept maps presented are loaded with free educational assets — including images, videos and news items — that webinar participants can use in their own educational practices, presentations or for their own learning. Participants will also learn how to create their own maps.
http://nasaesw.strategies.org/events/educator-webinar-mapping-earths-water-cycle-nasa-scientists-700pm-et400pm-pt/
For more information about Earth Science Week and to see a full schedule of events for educators and the public, visit http://nasaesw.strategies.org.
Do you want the latest information on NASA Earth Science Week activities? Follow NASA’s Earth Science Week team on Twitter (@NASAESW) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NASAESW).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Education Webinar Series From NASA Educator Professional Development — Earth System Science
NASA Educator Professional Development is presenting a free series of webinars designed to help teachers explain Earth’s natural processes. Join NASA education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources to bring NASA into your classroom.
Earth System Science Series: Part 1 — Weather Versus Climate
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 6-12
Event Date: Oct. 14, 2014, at 7 p.m. EDT
During this 60-minute webinar, participants will discover different ways of explaining the difference between weather and climate through hands-on activities. See the differences in what scientists and researchers look at and what they use to better understand weather and climate. Learn about citizen science projects, visualizations and videos perfect for the classroom.
Earth System Science Series: Part 2 — Remote Sensing
Audience: Pre-service and In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 6-12
Event Date: Oct. 22, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. EDT
During this 60-minute webinar, participants will look at different tools available to do remote sensing, on planet Earth and throughout our solar system. Learn how scientists use these satellites and missions to study the geological features, weather and climate changes on Earth and remote locations in the solar system.
For more information about these webinars and to register online, visit https://paragon-tec.adobeconnect.com/admin/show-event-catalog.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Education Webinar From NASA Educator Professional Development — Space Mathematics: Linking Math and Science
Join NASA Educator Professional Development on Oct. 15, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. EDT, for an hourlong webinar for educators. Participants will discuss the use of science as a vehicle for mathematics instruction. NASA resources that can be used in the classroom to make the critical linkage between math and science will be shared.
For more information and to register online, visit https://events-na11.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/1088539485/en/events/event/shared/1097653603/event_landing.html?sco-id=1224896163.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Solar System Ambassadors Program Accepting Applications
The NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassadors, or SSA, Program, a nationwide network of space enthusiast volunteers, is accepting applications through Oct. 15, 2014.
Highly motivated individuals will be given the opportunity to represent NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as volunteer Solar System Ambassadors to the public for a one-year, renewable term beginning Jan. 1, 2015.
While applications are being sought nationwide, interested parties from the following states are especially encouraged to apply: Alaska, Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming and the District of Columbia. SSA hopes to add 100 new volunteers to the program in 2015.
To learn more about the Solar System Ambassador Program and to apply online, visit http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/. The Announcement of Opportunity and application form are now available.
If you have questions about this opportunity, contact Kay Ferrari, SSA Coordinator, by email at ambassad@jpl.nasa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Presidential Management Fellows Program: STEM Opportunity
NASA and other federal agencies are always looking for the best and brightest science and engineering talent. To help agencies find those talented individuals, the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, has developed and piloted a track of the Presidential Management Fellows program focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
The Presidential Management Fellows, or PMF, program is a federal-wide, flagship leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. The program attracts and selects the best candidates possible and is designed with a focus on developing a cadre of potential government leaders. The PMF-STEM track seeks to identify the best future government leaders in STEM disciplines and place them in entry-level positions in federal agencies around the country. PMF-STEM was piloted last year with a low-key rollout.
This year, OPM would like to expand the PMF-STEM track to continue to support the STEM needs of the federal government.
— The PMF-STEM program is open to graduate students in STEM fields (degree must be confirmed by Aug. 31, 2015).
— Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
— The annual call for applications closes on Oct. 15, 2014.
— Applicants must apply through www.USAJobs.gov.
— More information about the program and application process, including a detailed list of eligibility requirements, can be found at www.pmf.gov, and information on the PMF-STEM track can be found at http://www.pmf.gov/the-opportunity/pmf-stem.aspx.
Federal agencies hire PMF-STEM finalists into paid, entry-level, two-year fellowship positions. At the end of the fellowship, finalists have two years of federal work experience and may be noncompetitively converted into permanent positions within the federal government. NASA participated in the 2014 pilot and intends to actively consider PMF-STEM candidates for the 2015 program.
Questions about this opportunity may be directed to pmf@opm.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Earth Science Week 2014 Contests
The American Geosciences Institute is sponsoring a series of contests to celebrate Earth Science Week 2014. This year’s celebration takes place Oct. 12-18, 2014.
Earth Science Week 2014 Photography Contest — Open to All Ages
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/photography/index.html
Earth science is the study of the geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air) and biosphere (living things). These spheres — or earth systems — are continually affecting and influencing one another. In our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces and in our public gathering places, we can observe the dynamic interactions of “earth system science.” In a photograph, capture evidence of the connections of earth systems in your community.
Earth Science Week 2014 Visual Arts Contest — Open to Students in Grades K-5
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/visualarts/index.html
Earth scientists — or geoscientists — study land, water, air and living things. In particular, these scientists pay attention to the ways these “connected systems” affect each other. For example, scientists study how water shapes the land, how living things use air and how air and water act on each other. How do these connected systems affect you? Use artwork to show how land, water, air and living things are connected in the world around you.
Earth Science Week 2014 Essay Contest — Open to Students in Grades 6-9
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/essay/index.html
Our planet’s land, water, air, and living things each affect and are affected by one another. Earth scientists observe these interactions among earth systems — the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Scientists study these interactions to seize opportunities and address challenges in areas such as harnessing energy, farming land, ensuring safe water, preparing for natural disasters, protecting the environment and building communities. Explain one way that geoscientists’ study of Earth’s connected systems is helping to improve the world today.
The entry deadline for all three contests is Oct. 17, 2014. Visit the contest websites for full details.
If you have any questions about these contests, please email the Earth Science Week staff at info@earthsciweek.org.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2015 GLOBE Calendar Art Competition
The Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment, or GLOBE, Program is sponsoring an international art competition to encourage students to highlight and document GLOBE communities around the world. GLOBE is asking students to draw, paint or show via some other artistic medium the relationship between Earth-observing satellites and GLOBE communities around the world.
Winning entries will be featured in the 2015 GLOBE calendar, which is viewed by students, teachers, scientists and community members from around the world. All participants will receive a calendar.
Entries are due Oct. 17, 2014. For full contest details and rules, visit http://www.globe.gov/events/competitions/calendar-art-competitions/art-for-2015-calendar.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to science@globe.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Spring 2015 Policy Internship Program
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, or OSTP, is seeking students for spring 2015 internships. The OSTP advises the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analyses and judgment for the president with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the federal government
Policy internships are open to interested students from all majors and programs, including law school programs. Law students (and any other students) who are interested in policy may apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are enrolled, at least half-time, in an accredited college or university during the period of volunteer service. Students in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in all fields are encouraged to apply.
While these positions are without compensation, the assignments provide educational enrichment, practical work experience and networking opportunities with other individuals in the science and technology policy arena.
Applications for spring 2015 internships are due Oct. 17, 2014.
For more information, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/about/student.
If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Rebecca Grimm at rgrimm@ostp.eop.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NASA IV&V Team America Rocketry Challenge Webinars
The Team America Rocketry Challenge, or TARC, is the world’s largest rocket contest. The event is sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry. Created in the fall of 2002 as a one-time celebration of the Centennial of Flight, enthusiasm about the event was so great that the contest is now held annually.
As the registration deadline for next year’s competition approaches, a series of webinars is being held for interested teams. These online webinars will be delivered by NASA education specialists and engineers along with experts from the National Association of Rocketry and other partners.
This IS Rocket Science: Oct. 18, 2014, Noon to 1:30 p.m. EDT
This session will focus on the physics behind model rocketry along with ways to improve your team′s performance using science. NASA Engineer Tom Benson, author of NASA′s Beginner′s Guide to Rockets, will be your guide to the many forces acting upon your rocket along with scientific explanations, mathematical calculations and practical applications. We will cover Newton′s three laws of motion, how to determine a rocket’s center of pressure and center of gravity, and the conditions that guarantee a successful and stable flight. Your participation in this webinar will earn you the envious title of rocket scientist for your TARC team. New and veteran teams are encouraged to participate in this session.
Rocket Design and Simulation: Nov. 1, 2014, Noon to 1:30 p.m. EST
The most successful TARC teams aren′t lucky… they engineer success through the use of design and simulation software for model rocketry. Most TARC teams use software to capture their design ideas, evaluate potential motors, determine how many and what size fins to add, and ensure a safe and stable flight. This webinar will demonstrate how these tools work, explain how to access freely available online training materials, and describe how to design, test and modify a rocket based on this year′s rules. New teams and veterans who are not comfortable using the simulation software are encouraged to attend this session.
Participating in TARC: Dec. 6, 2014, Noon to 1:30 p.m. EST
Join Team America Rocketry Challenge Manager Miles Lifson and NASA Education Specialist Fred Kepner for an overview of the TARC competition, an introduction to model rocketry and a live demonstration of how to design and build a TARC rocket. Potential and new teams are encouraged to participate in this session to jump start your season.
For more information about these webinars and to register online, visit http://www.rocketcontest.org/webinars.cfm.
For more information about the Team America Rocketry Challenge, visit http://www.rocketcontest.org/index.cfm.
Questions about Team America Rocketry Challenge and the free webinar series should be directed to rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 23rd screening of artifacts since 2009.
Eligible schools, universities, museums, libraries and planetariums may view the artifacts and request specific items through Oct. 20, 2014. Online registrations 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, 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.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to GSAXcessHelp@gsa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NASA’s ESTEEM “Ask US” Online Professional Development Series
NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Program, or MUREP, is sponsoring a series of GooglePlus Hangout professional development events for K-12 educators. The Earth Systems, Technology and Energy Education for MUREP, or ESTEEM, team will lead the once-per-month sessions that will cover a variety of climate topics. This month’s webinar topic is:
Cycles: Teachers Exploring Climate Change from a Native American Perspective — Oct. 21, 2014, at 4:15 p.m. EDT
Clarify misconceptions about climate change and discover effective, culturally congruent resources focused on the impact of changing climate on our ecosystems. Cycles is a three-year professional development program focused on place-based climate change education merging Native American philosophy with scientific explanations of the natural world. A powerful learning experience for native and non-native student populations is achieved by incorporating NASA data, models and simulations with hands-on activities.
Certificates of professional development hours are available upon request.
For more information on this event and upcoming webinar sessions, visit https://nice.larc.nasa.gov/asknice/. Questions about this series should be sent to Bonnie Murray at bonnie.murray@nasa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Educational Materials — Space Racers′ Space/STEM Educator Toolkit
Space Racers™ is a new, original animated TV series that provides young children with exposure to key aspects of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, curricula. Produced in collaboration with NASA experts, the series follows a group of talented young spaceship cadets at the Stardust Bay Space Academy. Kids will travel with speedy Eagle, strong Hawk, smart Robyn, brave Starling and competitive Raven as they soar through the solar system learning about the power of scientific investigation and observation, the wonders of space exploration and the importance of working as a team.
A toolkit filled with lesson plans and activities related to the Space Racers episodes is now available. The toolkit includes a CD-ROM and DVD with lesson plans and activities related to various Space Racers episodes. These resources are ideal for classroom and educator use with students in grades Pre-K through 2.
To request a free copy of the toolkit please send an email to press@spaceracers.org with the following information by Oct. 30, 2014:
Name
Address
Phone
School Name
Grade Level
Lesson plans can be previewed and downloaded from the “Parents & Educators” section of the Space Racers website at http://spaceracers.org/en/parents-educators.
For more information on Space Racers, go to www.SpaceRacers.org.
Questions about these materials and the Space Racers series should be submitted via http://spaceracers.org/en/parents-educators/contact-us.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAVEN Workshop — Red Planet: Read, Write, Explore!
The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, or MAVEN, mission began orbiting Mars on Sept. 21, 2014. MAVEN will explore the planet′s upper atmosphere, ionosphere and interactions with the solar wind. The mission will provide invaluable insights into the history of Mars′ atmosphere and climate, liquid water and planetary habitability.
Join the MAVEN education team for a one-day workshop on the MAVEN mission, and the accompanying elementary program, Red Planet: Read, Write, Explore! This program features six standards-based lessons that combine science, literacy and art to help students understand planetary habitability and the MAVEN mission. The workshop will introduce participants to these lessons and concepts. The workshop will also have a session devoted to Spanish speaking English Language Learner and English as a Second Language students. Attendees will receive free classroom materials.
The workshop will take place on Nov. 15, 2014, in Queens, New York. Registration is $15 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Applications are due Nov. 12, 2014, but space is limited so interested educators are encouraged to apply early.
For more information about the workshop and to apply online, visit http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/red-planet/queens/.
Please email any questions about this opportunity to epomail@lasp.colorado.edu.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2015 NASA Space Technology Research Fellowships
NASA is seeking applications from U.S. graduate students for the agency’s Space Technology Research Fellowships. The research grants, worth as much as $74,000 per year, will coincide with the start of the 2015 fall academic term.
Applications will be accepted from students pursuing or planning to pursue master’s or doctorate degrees in relevant space technology disciplines at accredited U.S. universities. The grants will sponsor U.S. graduate student researchers who show significant potential to contribute to NASA’s strategic space technology objectives through their studies. To date, NASA has awarded grants to 247 student researchers from 79 universities located in 35 states and one U.S. territory.
Sponsored by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, the fellowships are improving America’s technological competitiveness by providing the nation with a pipeline of innovative space technologies.
The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 13, 2013.
For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/oemporz.
Please email any questions about this opportunity to hq-nstrf-call@mail.nasa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NASA’s Balance Mass Challenge: Using “Dead Weight” on Mars Spacecraft to Advance Science and Technology
The Mars Balance Mass Challenge seeks design ideas for science and technology payloads that could potentially provide dual purpose as ejectable balance masses on spacecraft entering the Martian atmosphere.
The payloads may serve two roles: perform scientific and/or technology functions that help us learn more about the Red Planet, and provide the necessary mass to balance planetary landers.
Submissions are due Nov. 21, 2014. A winner will be announced in mid-January 2015 and receive an award of $20,000.
For more information about the challenge, visit https://www.innocentive.com/ar/challenge/9933607.
The Mars Balance Mass Challenge is managed by NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, or CoECI. CoECI was established in coordination with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to advance NASA’s open innovation efforts and extend that expertise to other federal agencies. The challenges are being released on the NASA Innovation Pavilion, one of the CoECI platforms available to NASA team members, through its contract with InnoCentive Inc. Also please visit the new NASA Solve website to watch a video on the Mars Balance Mass challenge and to learn more about all NASA challenge and prize-based activities.
Questions about the contest series should be directed to NASA′s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation at nasa-coeci@mail.nasa.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Beautiful Earth Program Presents: Bella Gaia, a Multimedia Performance
NASA’s Beautiful Earth Program invites educators and students to take part in a musical and visual tour of Earth from space on Dec. 1, 2014, at 1 p.m. EST. During this one-hour event, composer and musician Kenji Williams will perform Bella Gaia, a multimedia experience that incorporates music and NASA imagery. Following the performance, scientist Dr. Dalia Kirschbaum from NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement mission will lead a discussion on extreme weather science. During the discussion, students and teachers from across the country are invited to ask questions on the theme of extreme weather. (There are only six slots available for schools to interact live.)
Other participants can view and interact with the program via webcast.
For more information and to register to attend, visit http://beautifulearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/Events/.
Questions about this event should be directed to vcasa@umbc.edu.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Future Engineers 3-D Printing in Space: Design a Space Tool Challenge
NASA, in conjunction with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Foundation, has issued a series of Future Engineers 3-D Space Challenges for students focused on solving real-world space exploration problems. Students will become the creators and innovators of tomorrow by using 3-D modeling software to submit their designs. Multiple prizes are available, but the grand prize winner will have the opportunity for his or her design to be printed on the first 3-D printer aboard the International Space Station while watching from NASA′s Payload Operations Center with the mission control team.
The Design a Space Tool Challenge is the first in series of challenges where students in grades K-12 will create and submit a digital 3-D model of a tool that they think astronauts might need in space. Future Engineers is a multiyear education initiative that consists of 3-D space challenges and curriculum videos on the site that parents and educators can use to get kids designing today.
Entries must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2014.
For more information about the challenge and to watch an introductory video from astronaut Doug Wheelock, visit http://www.nasa.gov/content/printing-challenges-for-the-first-3d-printer-aboard-the-international-space-station/.
If you have any questions about the Design a Space Tool Challenge, please email info@futureengineers.org.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
National Science Foundation’s Community College Innovation Challenge
The National Science Foundation’s Community College Innovation Challenge is underway and seeking teams to propose innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, -based solutions for real-world problems. Teams must comprise community college students, a faculty mentor and a community or industry partner.
Challenge entries consist of two components: a written entry and a video entry. Each team’s entry must address one of the five themes outlined by the National Science Foundation. This year’s themes are Big Data, Infrastructure Security, Sustainability, Broadening Participation in STEM and Improving STEM Education.
Finalist teams will be invited to attend an Innovation Boot Camp, a professional development workshop on innovation and entrepreneurship.
The entry submission deadline is Jan. 15, 2015.
For additional information about the challenge, visit http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/communitycollege/.
Questions about this challenge should be directed to InnovationChallenge@nsf.gov.
