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.

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…

Article1 month 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…

Article1 month 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…

Article1 month 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…

Article2 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,…

Article2 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…

Article2 months ago

Europa Trek: NASA Offers a New Guided Tour of Jupiter’s Ocean Moon

3 min read

NASA Science Activation's Solar System Treks collaborated with Astrobiology SciComm Guild SMEs to create enhancements to the Europa Trek portal.

Article2 months ago
Screenshot from video featuring SME Corey Twine sitting in front of his exercise equipment with his name and title, Astronaut Strength and Conditioning Specialist from NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

How Do Astronauts Get in Shape? – New “Ask SME” from NASA eClips

2 min read

The NASA Science Activation program’s NASA eClips project, led by the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), aims to increase Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) literacy and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists by providing effective web-based, standards-aligned,…

Article2 months ago
A group photo of all the organizers and participating educators in front of the NASA logo

Connected Learning Ecosystems: Educators Learning and Growing Together

3 min read

On August 19-20, 53 educators from a diverse set of learning contexts (libraries, K-12 classrooms, 4-H afterschool clubs, outdoor education centers, and more) gathered in Orono, Maine for the Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) biannual Connect, Reflect, & Plan Connected Learning…

Article2 months ago
Two male cadets wearing solar viewing glasses stare with excitement into the distance.

GLOBE Eclipse and Civil Air Patrol: An Astronomical Collaboration

3 min read

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a volunteer organization that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The organization has an award-winning aerospace education program that promotes Science, Technology Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM)-related careers and…

Article2 months ago