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.

Multiple Opportunities through June: Physics in an Astronomy Context – Virtual Workshops for Physics Educators

Intended Audience: Middle and High School Educators and Professors Teaching 1st-year College Students

NASA’s Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) have put together a free, monthly, virtual workshop series for high school and undergraduate-level introductory physics teachers. Each workshop session will provide an astrophysics mini-lecture, a small group engagement with the core activity, and discussion time to connect with like-minded educators. These workshops began in February and will continue through June, 2024. Here are the remaining sessions: 

  • April 27 – Exoplanet Astrophysics Science: From the astronomy of planetary atmospheres, learn about the physics spectra, absorption, and transmission.
  • May 25 – Habitable Zone Science: From the astronomy of blackbody and greenhouse effect, learn about the physics of radiation.
  • June 22 – Sunspot Science: From the astronomy of solar cycles, learn about the physics of period and frequency.

Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET

Register

NASA HEAT provides educational guidance and resources for educators, communicators, and learners of all ages to deepen their understanding of our Sun and its effects on Earth and the Solar System. Learn more about NASA HEAT and the AAPT NASA HEAT Project.

Graphic that shows information about the six 2024 workshops in the Physics in an Astronomy Context series. Includes a NASA Partner and AAPT logo, list of team members, and shows some of the topics covered in each session. In the upper left portion of the graphic, there is a close-up view of the right half of the fiery hot Sun.

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.

Download the Role Model Strategies Guide

Image of the cover of the Role Model Strategies Guide: Encouraging Youth to Consider STEM Careers. From SciGirls (pbskids.org/scigirls), Produced by Twin Cities PBS, and Made Possible by NASA and the National Science Foundation. The cover of the guide shows three photos of youth participating in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities with an adult role model featured in one photo.

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!

Access the Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Program Cookbook

A white illustrated rectangle-shaped box with round corners lies against an illustrated blue background. In the white box are the words “NASA’S UNIVERSE OF LEARNING Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA” in purple. Below that are large words “Program Cookbook” in black. At the top of the white box, above the words, is a logo featuring the dark silhouette of a girl’s face looking up at a blue illustration of a galaxy. They are inside a purple-bordered circle with the text “Girls STEAM Ahead” in white.
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