Updated June 22nd, 2010
- UMass Lowell's DESIGNCAMP is a summer science and engineering enrichment program that offers a wide range of project-based workshops for students in grades 5 to 10*. If you like to invent things, do experiments, build things, and figure out how things work, then this is the place for you!At DESIGNCAMP, you get to think of your own ideas and build them. All of our programs engage kids in interesting and challenging projects. If you come to camp, you could learn how to design a security system for your bedroom, build a hot air balloon, program a search-and-rescue robot, build a PVC pipe submarine, or design your own stereo speakers--and those are only a few of the cool projects we do at DESIGNCAMP!
DESIGNCAMP is a challenging and creative program developed and taught by an outstanding team of experienced science and technology teachers who have specialized in teaching engineering design to kids. We are talking about a totally hands-on learning experience that will involve you in the real work of scientists and engineers: design, exploration, experimentation and invention!
Each workshop is built around a series of design projects, interesting science activities and problems to solve. All workshops include tours of UMass Lowell’s engineering laboratories. You might get to see how Frisbees are made, how baseball bats are tested, how electric cars work, or how to control a computer using your mind. Applications due June 14th
- NASA Opportunity for Students in Grades 9-12: INSPIRE
High school students throughout the United States are invited to participate in NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through the program’s Online Learning Community. Applications are being accepted through June 30, 2010. NASA will make selections for the program in September. Selectees will participate in an online learning community in which students and parents have the opportunity to interact with their peers and NASA engineers and scientists. The online community also provides appropriate grade-level educational activities, discussion boards, and chat rooms. Participants and their families also gain exposure to the many careers and opportunities at NASA.
Students selected for the program will have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2011 at NASA facilities and participating universities throughout the nation. INSPIRE is designed to encourage ninth- through twelfth-grade students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The summer experience provides students a hands-on opportunity to investigate education and careers in those disciplines. INSPIRE is part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in the science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines critical to NASA's missions.
For more information about this opportunity, visit www.nasa.gov/education/INSPIRE.
If you have questions about this opportunity, please email your inquiries to INSPIRE Project Manager Steve Chance at steven.h.chance@nasa.gov.
- Kids Are Curious About the Oil Spill – NWF Supplies Answers for Educators
Teachers might be stumped when their students ask questions about the oil spill. How do you answer those questions in terms children will understand? How can the oil spill be incorporated into lesson plans to provide teachable moments? Are there hands-on classroom activities that will give kids a better understanding about the impacts an oil spill has on sensitive wetland eco-systems? National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools team has developed a useful website with lots of information for kids and educators. Check it out and share it with your students so they can be better informed about this environmental crisis with long-lasting effects: www.nwf.org/oilspill/kids.
- The AFCEA Educational Foundation will offer scholarships of $5,000 to students actively pursuing an undergraduate or graduate education degree for the purpose of teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) subjects at a U.S. middle or secondary school. At least 35 scholarships will be awarded annually. The scholarships are made possible by a generous contribution from AFCEA International. In addition to the STEM Teacher Scholarship, each graduating AFCEA STEM Teacher Scholar will receive a $1,000 AFCEA Science Teaching Tools grant per year for three years, on the condition they continue to teach a STEM subject. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes including: purchase of STEM-focused classroom supplies, purchase of hardware/software, or to support STEM extra-curricular activities and clubs.
Check www.afcea.org/education/scholarships/undergraduate/TeachersScholarship.asp for eligibility and additional information. Questions? Email Norma Corrales at scholarship@afcea.org Application Deadline: June 10
- Trash to Treasure
Design Squad recently launched its second Trash to Treasure Competition. The contest challenges kids to take everyday recycled materials and re-engineer them into functional projects. Three grand prize winners will win a trip to the development lab at Continuum to build a prototype of their winning design and appear on Season 4 of Design Squad. Complete information is available at http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html For ages 5-19. Enter online from April 5 to September 5, 2010.
- NASA OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR 'INSPIRED' HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
High school students in the United States are invited to participate in NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through the program's online learning community. Applications are being accepted through June 30. NASA will make selections for the program in September. Selectees and their parents will participate in an online learning community with opportunities to interact with peers, NASA engineers, and scientists. The online community also provides appropriate grade level educational activities, discussion boards, and chat rooms for participants to gain exposure to careers and opportunities available at NASA.
Students selected for the program will have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2011 at NASA facilities and participating universities. INSPIRE is designed to encourage students in ninth through 12th grades to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM. The summer experience provides students with a hands-on opportunity to investigate education and careers in those disciplines. INSPIRE is part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in the STEM disciplines critical to NASA's missions. For information about INSPIRE, visit www.nasa.gov/education/INSPIRE. For information about NASA's education programs, visit www.nasa.gov/education.
- Summer Pathways - A program to engage 11th + 12th grade girls in STEM careers
I am writing about an exciting one-week, residential program that will take place from~July 9-16th this summer at Boston University. Summer Pathways, now in its fourth year, targets girls from Boston area high schools who will be entering their junior or senior year in September 2010, and who show promise and/or interest in science, math, or engineering. Tuition for the program is $575, but scholarships of up to $500 are available to students with demonstrated financial need.
Over the course of the week, participants in Summer Pathways~will have the opportunity to engage in many hands on science activities and gain first hand knowledge of a wide range of careers in STEM disciplines. They will also have the opportunity to interact with successful women at all levels of science and engineering -- undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and members of industry. The goal of Summer Pathways is to provide participants with mentoring and exposure to careers in STEM. We hope this experience will serve to motivate them not only to pursue higher education, but also majors in STEM fields.
Participants will live in a BU dormitory, and during this week, they will visit laboratories, engage in science exploration activities, listen to career panels, visit local companies, learn about the college admissions process, and go on science-related field trips to various local destinations, such as the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the MIT Museum.
Information about the program can be found at http://www.bu.edu/lernet/spathways. Students who would like to participate in the program should complete and submit an online application via the website. Each applicant will be required to obtain two recommendations from past or present teachers. Teacher recommendations also should be submitted via the website. All applications and letters of reference must be received by~May 15, 2010.
We are very excited about this opportunity to provide resources and encouragement to promising young women from our local schools, and would appreciate your help in bringing this program to the attention of qualified applicants. If you have any questions, please call me at 617-353-7021 or send email to cab@bu.edu.
p.s. you can download program brochure here: http://www.bu.edu/lernet/spathways/s_pathways_brochure.pdf
- Summer Transportation Institute (STI)
The Summer Transportation Institute (STI) at UMass Amherst is sponsored by the Federal Highway Department and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation & Public Works, and is designed to expose rising 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to the field of transportation.
We are actively recruiting students for this summer and hope that it may be of some interest to your current students. The program is Federally funded so there is no cost to the students if they are accepted.
To give you some idea of what STI is the program runs Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm for the from Tuesday July 6th to Friday July 30.
We use one of the interactive classrooms in the college of engineering, so every student gets a new computer with a flat screen and high speed internet.
UMass faculty, staff and graduate students provide lectures and lead discussions throughout the program on all modes of transportation, sustainability in transportation and careers in transportation.
Students also participate in preparing project presentations in teams, and all sorts of hands on activities. We take about a half dozen field trips, including things like a cruise of Boston Harbor and a visit to the State House to see the Governor speak. We also include some purely recreational activities such as hiking and kayaking on the CT River.
Interested participants or those with questions should feel free to contact Dr. Michael Knodler or Katrina Hecimovic in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UMass-Amherst via phone or email at 413.545.0228 or mknodler@ecs.umass.edu or katrinahecimovic@gmail.com, respectively.
- The Green Aviation Student Challenge (High School)
The Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project of the Integrated Systems Research Program, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at
NASA, invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce less harmful emissions, and make less noise. Students are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video to explain their ideas. The ERA project intends to reward top-scoring students by airing their videos on NASA websites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. To learn more visit
http://aero.larc.nasa.gov/era_high/competitions_high_era.htm.
Deadline December 15th 2010
- FITCHBURG STATE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS EXCEL AT NATIONAL COMPETITION
FITCHBURG – Fitchburg State College’s Industrial Technology students made another strong showing at the recent Technology Education Collegiate Association national conference in Charlotte, N.C., winning first place for their problem-solving skills. It was the second consecutive year that Fitchburg State took the honor in the national competition.
Students Jason Ciccariello of Burlington, Michael Wilbur of Mashpee and John Dembkowski of Northampton made the trip to North Carolina during spring break with Industrial Technology Department Chairman James P. Alicata. The students were presented with common household items – including a Styrofoam bowl, a plastic cup and some rubber bands – and told to create a working candy dispenser that would issue 10 to 15 jelly beans per activation. The materials were presented on Wednesday night, March 17, and the finished product, along with documentation explaining how the machine was created and functioned, was put to the test that Friday morning.
“My students were up until 2:30 Friday morning,” Alicata said.
Their creation worked as designed, and their supporting documentation helped garner them the highest score in the competition, which consisted of 17 colleges and universities such as Old Dominion, Ball State and Brigham Young University.
Dembkowski, president of the local Technical Education Collegiate Association, said his team’s attention to detail paid off this year and last, as some of his competitors used unauthorized materials in trying to solve the design problem.
“We treat these competitions very seriously, because we want to represent our institution with pride because we are the best,” Dembkowski said. “As future educators, we have to be ahead of the game. Technology is always changing and that means we are always learning new ways to do things and think critically.”
“They showed the detail of their design,” Alicata said. “That was what put them up there. I’m very proud of them. We only bring three to four students to this competition, where other schools may have 30. We’re thrilled we can compete, and outperform them.”
The Fitchburg State contingent also placed third in a technology challenge during the competition.
“I was very surprised we placed third in the technology challenge, because we didn't even know we were competing until we arrived,” Dembkowski said.
All three students plan to pursue careers in technology education.
[In photo, left to right: Jason Ciccariello, Michael Wilbur, John Dembkowski, James P. Alicata, taken at TECA competition on March 20, 2010, Charlotte, N.C.
]
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AND RAYTHEON LAUNCH "THE POWER TO HEAR" ENGINEERING DESIGN CHALLENGE "The Power to Hear" competition will challenge New England middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12 to create a cost-effective functional parabolic microphone. Throughout the competition, students will apply their knowledge and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the development of their device in addition to gaining hands-on experience in the engineering design process. Members of the winning team will earn the exclusive opportunity to use their device on the field during a Patriots training camp practice. Registration for the design challenge opens March 15 and concludes March 30. Adult team coaches are encouraged to register their teams consisting of three to six members and access "The Power to Hear" competition requirements and rules online at http://www.patriot-place.com/thehalleducation.aspx.
- NASA invites college students to get involved with space exploration by helping to design the tools and instruments needed for the next-generation explorers. Student projects will tackle real problems to be solved for a successful manned or robotic mission.
Examples of problems include:
New methods of navigation.
Sample retrieval and on-site analysis.
Radiation detection and avoidance.
Communication with planetary outpost, with orbiters, and with Earth.
Video capture of sorties for transmission back to Earth.
Astronaut rescue and recovery.
Radiation and dust mitigation strategies for rovers and space suits.The contest is open to U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution in the U.S., including universities, colleges, trade schools, community colleges, and professional schools. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged, across departments and institutions.
Final entries are due on or before May 15, 2010. For more information about the contest and to register online, visit http://moontasks.larc.nasa.gov. Questions about the contest should be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Ward at Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov.
- 2009-2010 Life and Work on the Moon Art and Design Contest
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Artists are encouraged to collaborate with science and engineering students. Such collaboration is not required but would help to ensure that the work’s subject is valid for the moon’s harsh environment.
Entries will be accepted in three categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital, including video. For the first time, entries in literature (poetry and short stories) will also be accepted. Judges will evaluate entries not only on their artistic qualities, but also on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. International students are encouraged to participate, but they are not eligible for cash prizes.
Entries are due no later than April 15, 2010. For more information about the contest and to register online, visit http://artcontest.larc.nasa.gov/. Questions about the contest should be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Ward at Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov.
- The Environmentally Responsible Aviation project of the Integrated Systems Research Program, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, has announced a new student contest. The Green Aviation Student Challenge invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce less harmful emissions, and make less noise.
The contest spans a full calendar year, so high school and college students have multiple opportunities to enter. The deadline for the first round for high school entries is May 1, 2010. First-round entries from college students are due December 15, 2010. The second round deadlines are in December 2010 for high school entries and May 2011 for college entries.
Students are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video to explain their ideas. The ERA project intends to reward top-scoring students by airing their videos on NASA web sites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. Top college students may also earn a paid internship at a NASA center.
For more information about the high school contest, visit http://aero.larc.nasa.gov/era_high/competitions_high_era.htm.
For more information about the college contest, visit http://aero.larc.nasa.gov/era_univ/competitions_univ_era.htm.
Questions about the contest should be directed to Elizabeth Ward at Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov.
- NASA/USA Today No Boundaries Competition
NASA and USA Today partnered to bring the No Boundaries science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career curriculum and competition to middle and high school classrooms.
No Boundaries is a free, eight-week, cross-curricular project that introduces 7th to 12th grade students to NASA careers in STEM through a cooperative learning experience.
Students collaborate to gather web-based research on the variety of career options available with NASA. Students then develop a fun and creative way to present the opportunities to other students. Cash prizes will be awarded (up to $2,000) in addition to a "VIP NASA experience."
More information and all project resources are available at http://www.usatoday.com/educate/nasa/index1.html.
Deadline for contest: April 15, 2010
- Apply to Join the JASON National Argonaut Team to Explore Space, Climate,
and Forces & Motion!
The JASON Project is seeking a diverse, creative, and adventurous group of students and teachers to venture into the field with JASON Host Researchers and Video Production Crew to perform cutting-edge science explorations. The Argonauts will embark on a two-year journey starting in July 2010, during which they will:
Attend an Argonaut Boot Camp in mid July, 2010 in Washington D.C. to prepare them for their field work.
Work side by side with JASON Host Researchers in the field, completing a JASON Mission Research Field Assignment around our next curriculum topics: Space, Climate, and Forces & Motion.
After the Mission, help review and refine JASON videos, print curriculum, and website materials, which will feature the Argonauts and their JASON experiences.
Serve as a mentor and role model for the JASON Community.
Regularly interact with the entire JASON community through speaking engagements, message board postings, web casts, pod casts, chats. and more!
Over the two-year period, Student Argonauts will spend up to 15 days in the field and up to 20 hours engaged in non-field work. Teacher Argonauts will spend up to 15 days in the field and up to 50 hours in non-field work. JASON will pay for all travel, lodging, food (meals and snacks), and programming/equipment costs related to JASON Argonaut activities over this time.
Applications are being accepted now, with a deadline of Friday, February 5, 2010. Student and teacher selection will be finalized by late April, 2010, with the Argonaut experience beginning in mid July. Students should be 14 or 15 years old by June 1, 2010 to apply. Teachers need five years of classroom experience and continuation as an educator in 2010-2011.
For more information or to apply, visit the Argonaut Application page in the JASON Mission Center to download complete application guidelines, instructions, and forms. If you haven't been to the JASON Mission Center before, you can register now for free. Additional questions regarding the JASON National Argonaut program can be sent to argo@jason.org.
- National Academy of Engineering Sponsors an Engineering Essay Contest
Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. The contest for this year, entitled “Survival Design Challenge,” has been posted. Students in Grades 3–12 can compete for cash prizes by writing an essay that addresses the requirements in the contest description. The deadline for this year is March 1, 2010. Visit www.engineergirl.org/CMS/Contest.aspx for complete contest description and rules.
- MIT InvenTeams Initial application deadline: April 23, 2010
The InvenTeam initiative, created by the Lemelson-MIT Program, offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to cultivate their creativity and experience invention. InvenTeams are teams of high school students, teachers, and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 each to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. Each InvenTeam chooses its own problem to solve. Check it out at http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/.
- Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, through March 15, 2010
Over 2,000 students participated in the inaugural year of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which asked teams of two to three students in sixth through eighth grade, under the mentorship of a teacher or adult supervisor, to identify an environmental issue in their community, research the issue using scientific investigation, and create a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education. The initiative now includes elementary schools and will expand to high schools in 2010. For more information on the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, check out: www.wecanchange.com.
- “Kids in Micro-g!” Challenges Students to Design an Experiment for the Space Station
"Kids in Micro-g!" is a student experiment design challenge geared toward Grades 5-8. Its purpose is to give students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment or simple demonstration that could be performed both in the classroom and aboard the International Space Station.
The winning experiments will have observably different results when the experiments are performed in the "1-gravity" or "1-g" environment of the classroom, compared to when the experiments are performed by astronauts in the "Micro-g" (one-millionth of 1-g) environment of the space station. The apparatus for the demonstration must be constructed using materials from a materials tool kit provided to the astronauts on board the space station. The tool kit consists of materials commonly found in the classroom and used for science demonstrations.
Experiment proposals may be submitted by educators on behalf of their student groups. Proposals may be submitted via email or postal mail during the period from January 4, 2010, through February 19, 2010. The winning experiment proposals will be announced on April 2, 2010. For more information about the challenge, including a scoring rubric, proposal requirements, and a list of materials available to the astronauts, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/nlab/experimentchallenge.html.
Questions about this challenge should be directed to jsc-iss-payloads-helpline@mail.nasa.gov.
- 2009-2010 Life and Work on the Moon Art and Design Contest
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Artists are encouraged to collaborate with science and engineering students. Such collaboration is not required but would help to ensure that the work’s subject is valid for the moon’s harsh environment.
Entries will be accepted in three categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital, including video. For the first time, entries in literature (poetry and short stories) will also be accepted. Judges will evaluate entries not only on their artistic qualities, but also on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. International students are encouraged to participate, but they are not eligible for cash prizes or student internships.
Entries are due no later than April 15, 2010. For more information about the contest and to register online, visit http://artcontest.larc.nasa.gov/. Questions about the contest should be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Ward at Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov.
- EXPLORAVISION AWARDS PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES
The Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Awards Program, the world's largest K-12 science and technology competition, is now accepting entries for its 2010 program year. ExploraVision students are able to discover the wonders of science and the potential for technological advancement, while using their imaginations to contemplate a better future. The deadline for entries is February 2, 2010. The ExploraVision program, sponsored by Toshiba and administered by Triangle Coalition member, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), challenges teams of 2-4 students to research scientific principles and current technologies as the basis for designing innovative technologies that could exist in 20 years. Since the program's inception in 1992, nearly 260,000 students have submitted entries. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to win money they can use for college tuition, ExploraVision gives educators a valuable tool for helping motivate students to excel in science. As a testament to its value as an educational tool, the program has become so popular among teachers that many across the U.S. and Canada now include it as part of their regular science curriculum. Notably, the ExploraVision program was crafted to motivate and inspire students in STEM -- or science, technology, engineering, and math education -- a focus area recognized for its importance by many top educators and policy makers.
Students on the four first-place ExploraVision winning teams will each receive a $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond valued at maturity. Students on second-place teams will each receive a $5,000 bond valued at maturity. The eight teams will also receive an expenses-paid trip with their families, mentor, and coach to Washington, DC for a gala awards weekend in June 2010. Activities will include a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and a "science showcase" during which the students will display and demonstrate their winning ideas. The highlight of ExploraVision weekend will be a gala awards banquet and ceremony where students will be formally recognized for their creativity and accomplishments. For more information or an application for 2010, visit www.exploravision.org.
.NASA Education Launches New Careers Web Page
NASA Education has launched a new Web page that serves as a starting point to learn about jobs at NASA. Visit the site to learn more about scientists, technical experts, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, accountants, attorneys, astronauts, educators, pilots, astronomers, and experts in many other fields. Career information on the site includes the following: Opportunities for students to intern at NASA
- Programs for visiting faculty
- Profiles of NASA employees
- Descriptions of jobs at NASA
- Posters and resources with career information
- Descriptions of NASA education programs
- Career pages with content sorted by grade levels.
Visit the new NASA Education Careers Web page at http://www.nasa.gov/education/careers.
- It's Time to Go Back - To Stay!
Join the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge
Create a sustainable water recycling system for the moon
Grades 5 through 8
Form small engineering teams
Design and test a water recycling system for the Moon
Submit your results to NASA
The challenge begins fall of 2009. Entries due February 1, 2010.
Prizes: The first place team will win a trip to the Kennedy Space Center and more!
For more information and contest rules, please visit http://wlmr.nasa.gov.
- Future City: Now that the dust has settled from Scituate taking 4th nationally and getting on national news (http://www.futurecity.org/home_media.aspx) we are starting again. We need schools. We need mentors. Of course, we also need sponsors but to even get there we need volunteers to help us pull this all together! We have now established a relationship with Citizen Schools and we’re looking for volunteers to make a 10 week commitment to them for their apprenticeships. We tested out an alternate version of Future City (dubbed “Now City”) that works well for the spring or for students older than 8th grade. Commitments can vary widely – there’s something for any level of commitment, from a few hrs/mo to a few hrs per week. The local event is mid-January and the finals in DC are mid-February.
Massachusetts Future City contest information- Engineer your future http://www.engineeryourfuture.org/, or New England Region
National Engineers Week Future City Competition http://www.engineeryourfuture.org/future%20city%20web/futurecityhome.htm
- Green Events on the Mall, The EPA's National Design Expo and P3 Sustainable Design Challenge will celebrate its 6th year in April 2010 in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the EPA. The celebration will last for three days on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and local school groups are invited to attend, visit the student design challenge tent, and meet with engineers, scientists, and business leaders who are working to develop innovations designed to advance economic growth while reducing environmental impact. The Beyond Benign Foundation will also be hosting a "Classroom on the Mall" at which you can schedule hands-on activities designed specifically for your students in order to turn this experience into a standards-based field trip that you can take back to the classroom. Save the date now and reserve a school bus for April 19, 2010. You won't want your students to miss this opportunity. Find out more about the National Sustainable Design Expo and the P3 Sustainable Design Challenge at www.epa.gov/P3/. For more information about the Classroom on the Mall and to make a reservation for your class trip, please visit www.p3expo.com/index.html.
- New Do-It-Yourself Podcast on Rocket Evolution
In time for the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, NASA Education offers a new DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Podcast topic module entitled Rocket Evolution. Students can mix NASA multimedia with their own video and narration to tell the story of space transportation and exploration. To learn more and to start making podcasts, visit www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/diypodcast/index.html.
- NASA Announces the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge
Students in Grades 5-8 can join the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge and create a Sustainable Water Recycling System for the moon. Teams of up to six students will design a water recycling system for the unique environment of the moon. Teams will then test their system on a simulated wastewater stream and report results to NASA in February 2010. The winning team will earn a trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Entries are due February 1, 2010. For more information and contest rules: http://wlmr.nasa.gov/. Questions about the challenge? Contact Jay Garland at Jay.L.Garland@nasa.gov.
- *** Nuclear Engineering
In the most recent issue of JETS' Pre-Engineering Times, you'll find the tools to help your students explore.assess.and experience engineering! From a look into the world of Ross Radel and his work to find cost-effective options for nuclear power on the Moon and on Mars to enjoying a hands-on activity where students will control energy production in a nuclear reactor, students will learn firsthand how nuclear engineering is all around them. Enjoy! Source: JETS Pre-Engineering Times, November 2008
JETS e-newsletter is a unique and free publication distributed monthly from September to May. Each issue introduces a different type of engineering career, highlights an "Extreme Engineer," and offers activities to truly help students Explore, Assess, and Experience engineering. www.jets.org/newsletter/index.cfm
.
- DAVIDSON INSTITUTE SEEKS EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVERS TO RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Davidson Institute for Talent Development is offering high achieving young people across the country the opportunity to be named as 2009 Davidson Fellows, an honor accompanied by a $50,000, $25,000, or $10,000 scholarship in recognition of a significant piece of work in Science, Technology, Mathematics, Music, Literature, Philosophy, or Outside the Box. To be eligible, applicants must be under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2009, and a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident residing in the United States. There is no minimum age for eligibility. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2009. Applicants must submit an original piece of work recognized by experts in the field as significant and it must have the potential to make a positive contribution to society. The scholarship must be used at an accredited institute of learning. For more information on the Davidson Fellows scholarship, or to download an application, visit www.DavidsonFellows.org .
- Plant growth will be an important part of space exploration in the future as NASA plans for long-duration missions to the moon. NASA scientists anticipate that astronauts may be able to grow plants on the moon, and the plants could be used to supplement meals.
In anticipation of the need for research into lunar plant growth, NASA and the International Technology Education Association, or ITEA, present the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber for the 2007-2008 school year. Elementary, middle and high school students design, build and evaluate lunar plant growth chambers -- while engaging in research- and standards-based learning experiences. Students participate in the engineering design process and learn how to conduct a scientific experiment.
Choose from three ways to participate in the challenge:
1. Design, Build and Evaluate a Chamber
2. Design and Evaluate a Chamber
3. Evaluate a Chamber
If you are interested in participating in this Challenge click here for more information http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/home/index.html
|
