NASA Science Events and Activities
Let NASA bring the universe to you!
We’re inviting every student, educator, and lifelong learner to share in the excitement of scientific discovery and space exploration through unique opportunities from NASA’s Science Activation Program – a community-based approach to connect NASA science with learners of all ages. Check out these events and activities for educators, families, and students in kindergarten and up.
Now thru Monday, August 5th, 2024: NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge
Intended Audience: Learners of all Ages and Levels
Join this exciting opportunity to use real astronomical data and tools to create your own images of supernova remnant, Cassiopeia A. Use your images to explore or focus on creating an image that you think is beautiful. You can capture your own real-time telescope image using the MicroObservatory robotic telescope network, or work with a set of data files taken with multi-wavelength space-based missions from NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency (Hubble, Webb, Chandra, Spitzer). Standout entries receive expert feedback from NASA scientists!
Visit the NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge webpage for more information about the project and learn how to work with NASA data.
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024: Heliophysics Big Year and Math Enrichment Webinar
Intended Audience: Science & Math Educators (Grades 6-12); General Public
Topic of the Month:
Many things are controlled by cycles, such as every September we start a new school year. There is also the ‘Cycle of Life’ that begins at birth and ends at death. This month we will explore our sun’s life cycle and how Today’s Sun is different from yesterday’s and tomorrow’s.
Math problems: Beginning: How long does it take an interstellar cloud to collapse into a star?; Introductory: How long can a star live by burning hydrogen into helium?; Advanced: What are the properties of stellar remnants like white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes?
Time: 7 p.m. EST
This 14-month series for science and math educators focuses on heliophysics topics with related math problems at three levels: elementary, middle, and high school. It is sponsored by NASA's Heliophysics Education Activation Team. For more info contact Dr. Hilarie Davis.
On-Demand Events & Activities
Role Model Strategies Guide: Encouraging Youth to Consider STEM Careers
Intended Audience: Subject Matter Experts, STEM Professionals
This Role Model Strategies guide aims to change how youth think about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Why are role models important? Sharing your lived experiences (your background, hobbies, and career goals) with youth can motivate them to pursue a career in STEM. Research shows that these strategies work towards breaking stereotypes. Seeing the variety of backgrounds, experience, and perspectives of STEM professionals can help inspire and motivate youth who might not otherwise "see" themselves in STEM. This booklet offers basic training for role models, introducing you to best practices for your volunteer efforts.
Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Program Cookbook
Intended Audience: Educators
Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA is a project within NASA’s Universe of Learning that empowers libraries and community-based organizations to engage girls and their families in exploring the wonders of NASA science and celebrate the contributions of women to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
The Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Program Cookbook has been designed to guide educators in creating their events. It includes “recipes” about different astrophysics-related topics with sample scenarios, accessibility tips, information on how to request a subject matter expert for the events, and much more!