Science Activation Stories

These highlights illustrate the range of activities conducted by the Science Activation collaborative network that reach learners of all ages using NASA Science-funded experts, content, or authentic experiences.

First NASA Neurodiversity Network Intern to Present at the American Geophysical Union Annual Conference

2 min read

The NASA Science Activation Program’s NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3) project sponsors a summer internship program for high school students, in which learners on the autism spectrum are matched with NASA Subject Matter Experts. N3 intern Lillian Hall and mentor Dr.…

Article2 days ago
Black background with green leaves overlaid with the VAST logo, wording about the award, and a headshot of Betsy McAllister in a blue sweater.

NASA eClips Educator Receives 2024 VAST Science Educator Specialist Award

2 min read

On November 14, 2024, NASA eClips team member, Betsy McAllister, was recognized with the prestigious Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Science Educator Specialist Award at the 2024 VAST Annual Professional Development Institute. McAllister is an educator with Hampton City…

Article5 days ago

NASA Workshops Culturally Inclusive Planetary Engagement with Educators

2 min read

From November 6-8, 2024, the NASA Science Activation Program’s Planetary Resources and Content Heroes (ReaCH) project held a Culturally Inclusive Planetary Engagement workshop at the Bradley Observatory at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia for the space sciences community, including…

Article1 week ago

Astronomy Activation Ambassadors: A New Era

3 min read

The NASA Science Activation Program’s Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) project aims to measurably enhance student Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) engagement via middle school, high school, and community college science teacher professional development. In 2024, AAA transitioned its focus…

Article2 weeks ago

Integrating Relevant Science Investigations into Migrant Children Education

3 min read

For three weeks in August, over 100 migrant children (ages 3-15) got to engage in hands-on activities involving blueberries, pollinators, and eDNA as part of their time with The Blueberry Harvest School (BHS). BHS is a summer school program for…

Article2 months ago

Bundling the Best of Heliophysics Education: DigiKits for Physics and Astronomy Teachers

3 min read

For nearly a decade, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has been working to bring together resources through its DigiKits–multimedia collections of vetted high-quality resources for teachers and their students. These resources are toolkits, allowing teachers to pick and…

Article2 months ago

Professional Learning: Using Children’s Books to Build STEM Habits of Mind

3 min read

On October 14, 2024, the Science Activation program’s NASA eClipsTM Education team from the National Institute of Aerospace’s Center for Integrative Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Education (NIA-CISE) delivered a professional development session entitled “Using Children’s Books to Build…

Article2 months ago

Watch How Students Help NASA Grow Plants in Space: Growing Beyond Earth

2 min read

Since 2015, students from across the USA have been partnering with scientists at NASA to advance research on growing plants in space, ultimately to feed astronauts on long-distance space missions, as part of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Growing Beyond Earth…

Article3 months ago

Kites in the Classroom: Training Teachers to Conduct Remote Sensing Missions

3 min read

The NASA Science Activation program’s AEROKATS and ROVER Education Network (AREN), led by Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) in Wayne County, MI, provides learners with hands-on opportunities to engage with science instruments & NASA technologies and practices in authentic,…

Article3 months ago

Educator Night at the Museum of the North: Activating Science in Fairbanks Classrooms

2 min read

The NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA HEAT) set out to activate science in Fairbanks classrooms in early October at the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North annual Educators’ Night. This free Fall semester event introduces educators and school…

Article3 months ago