May 2013

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April 2013

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March 2013

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February 2013

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January 2013

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December 2012

A monthly broadcast including upcoming educational programs, events, opportunities, and the latest resources from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

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November 2012

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September 2012

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October 2012

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July 2012

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February 2012

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August 2012

A monthly broadcast including upcoming educational programs, events, opportunities, and the latest resources from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

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April 2012

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June 2012

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May 2012

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March 2012

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January 2012

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December 2011

A monthly broadcast including upcoming educational programs, events, opportunities, and the latest resources from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

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November 2011

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October 2011

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September 2011

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August 2011

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July 2011

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June 2011

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May 2011

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April 2011

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March 2011

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February 2011

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Earth System Science Resources Webinar for Middle and High School Educators (June 12)

(June 12, 6:00pm ET)

Join WGBH’s NOVA and the MY NASA DATA team for a presentation about new Earth system science resources for middle and high school educators. Hear about NOVA Education’s newest collection of free, standards-based media resources that highlight important concepts in Earth system science using video from new NOVA Programs. Additionally, learn how to use the MY NASA DATA website to bring NASA data into your classroom to provide students with real-world science experiences. For more information and to register, visit http://svy.mk/194Setj.

Astronomy Festival on the National Mall (June 14)

(June 14, 5:00pm-11:00pm ET; Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.)

The annual Astronomy Festival on the National Mall is just around the corner! Sponsored by Hofstra University, this festival will feature telescopic viewing, exhibits, hands-on activities, a multimedia presentation, and a chance to mingle with real astronomers. Starting at 5pm, visitors will be able to view sunspots with the help of a specially filtered telescopes, and the Moon. After dusk, telescopes will provide up-close views of planets and star clusters. Free planetarium programs will also be shown on a large screen. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/Z00lDf.

SMAP-GPM Joint Mission Middle School Teacher Workshop (June 26)

(June 26; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Visitors Center, Greenbelt, Md.)

Learn about soil moisture and precipitation through hands-on activities and talks, and see how NASA gathers data on these variables from space with the Solar Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) – Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) workshop. This first ever joint mission workshop is focused on middle school science educators, and is designed to showcase how NASA gathers data about the Earth from space. Discussion will connect how soil moisture and precipitation directly relate to the global water cycle, and introduce some engaging activities and information that you can use in your classrooms. Registration for the workshop is required, and attendance will be at the teacher’s expense. Space is limited to 30 participants. For more information, please visit http://1.usa.gov/12MYSAM.

Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Competition for Students (Enter by June 30)

(Enter by June 30)

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education, in partnership with NanoRacks LLC, announce an authentic STEM opportunity for school districts across the U.S. and space station partner nations. The latest flight opportunity, Mission 5 to the International Space Station (ISS), gives students the opportunity to design and propose real experiments to fly on the ISS. Each participating community will receive a real microgravity research mini-laboratory capable of supporting a single microgravity experiment, and all launch services to fly the mini-lab to the ISS in spring 2014 and return it to Earth. An experiment design competition in each community allows student teams to design and propose real experiments, vying for their community’s reserved mini-lab.

Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and experimental design. The competition is open to students grades 5-12 and college. Informal education groups are also welcomed to participate. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit http://bit.ly/16PDwrp.

MAVEN Workshop for Educators Grades 3-5 (Apply by July 24)

(Apply by July 24; Aug. 24; Los Angeles, Calif.)

Join the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) education team for a one-day workshop on the MAVEN mission and the accompanying program for grades 3-5, Red Planet: Read, Write, and Explore! This program features six standards-based lessons that combine science, literacy, and art to help students understand planetary habitability and the MAVEN mission. The workshop will introduce participants to these lessons and concepts, and will also have a session devoted to Spanish speaking English Language Learner and English as a Second Language students. Attendees will receive free classroom materials. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/14RWgSd.

How to Think Like a Scientist – Workshop for Middle and High School Educators (Register by May 3)

(Register by May 3; May 11; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.)

This one-day workshop will explore how to teach students to read scientific graphs and draw conclusions based on real NASA data. Experts will discuss current Earth science missions and show how scientists draw conclusions based on data gathered during these missions. Participants will also receive science and math application problems to use in the classroom. A registration fee covers breakfast, lunch, and snacks. For more information and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/XRLKsU.

2013 GLOBE Virtual Student Conference (May 6-31)

(May 6-31)

The GLOBE Virtual Student Convention is a place for GLOBE students to showcase their research projects for peer and scientific review. These projects will be available for comments, questions, and viewing starting on May 6th. The public is invited to visit the website to view the projects and leave comments. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/11hkNhk.

MyMoon Google+ Hangouts (May 7, 21)

There are two upcoming MyMoon Google+ Hangouts:

• May 7, 8pm ET: Join the hangout to hear from Matt Sheehy from the band Lost Lander. Matt will share his inspirations, thoughts on space exploration, the band’s own space-related experiences, and more! http://bit.ly/109Jg5N
• May 21, 8pm ET: Brian Day will discuss the latest NASA mission to the Moon, LADEE! The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer will launch in August and orbit the Moon. Brian will share what the mission will be working to accomplish and how the public can get involved! http://bit.ly/13r670L

Celebrate Earth Month with NASA!

Celebrate Earth Month with NASA! There are a number of great activities and events planned to celebrate, including those taking place at Union Station, in Washington, D.C.:

• April 6, STEM Science Fair: Open to the public, the science fair will feature science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects presented by local students. NASA activities and demonstrations will be available, as well as the NASA Image Gallery.
• April 19-22: The NASA Hyperwall will be on display to the general public, showing Earth visualizations. The NASA Image Gallery will also be available.
• April 22, Earth Day Celebration: Activities and demonstrations will be on hand, along with experts presenting on NASA Hyperwall content, including astronaut Piers Sellers. Docents will lead tours through the Image Gallery, and the NASA Earth Tent will be set up for the public.

Science4Girls Events (Throughout April)

The NASA science missions directorate (SMD) education and public outreach (E/PO) forums have partnered with the American Library Association to launch Science4Girls and Their Families, to provide programming promoting women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. These events present topics relevant to NASA’s scientific explorations of Earth, the Sun, our solar system, and the Universe beyond, to engage girls and their families in making discoveries for themselves:

• April 2: Climate Change and You! We Can Make a Difference! Damascus Library, Damascus, Md.
• April 6: STEM-tastic Festival, Clarence Cuffe Library, Chesapeake, Va.
• April 18: NASA Science4Girls and Their Families, Inglewood Library, Los Angeles, Calif.
• April 19-20: The Monsters in the Middle Workshop, Butler Public Library, Butler, Mo.
• April 20: NASA Science4Girls, Pasadena Central Library, Los Angeles, Calif.
• April 22: NASA Science4Girls, Elkridge Branch Library, Elkridge, Md.

For full descriptions of each individual event, please visit http://bit.ly/Xc0cOd.

NASA Climate Days (Throughout April)

During the month of April, a number of venues will host NASA Climate Days – family-friendly events geared towards educating the public on Earth’s climate using NASA data and educational activities.

• April 2, 5:30pm-8:00pm EDT: Climate Days at the Museum of Science and Technology, Syracuse, N.Y. http://bit.ly/X97rWj
• April 20, 1:00pm-4:00pm CDT: Earth Day at the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. http://bit.ly/YG4Qzb
• April 27, 10:00am-2:00pm CDT: Earth Day Festival in the Hill Country, Patrick Heath Public Library, Boerne, Texas http://bit.ly/11HQViw

Live MyMoon Google+ Hangout (April 2)

(April 2, 8:00pm EDT)

Join MyMoon and their partner CosmoQuest to hang out with William Pomerantz, the Vice President for Special Projects at Virgin Galactic, and former head of the Google Lunar X Prize. Mr. Pomerantz will chat about his thoughts on these programs, his interest in space flight, and how he became involved in the space industry. Questions will be taken from the audience. For more information on participating, please visit http://bit.ly/10KqJkG.

Little Ripples, Big Wavels! Family Event (April 5-6)

(April 5-6, 9:00am-5:00pm EDT; North Carolina Aquarium – Fort Fisher)

This family-friendly event focuses on how a changing climate affects our planet. Global changes impact our homes, communities, local wildlife, and habitats. Visitors are invited to learn more about these changes and what they can do to make a difference tomorrow. Games, local expert discussions, animal feedings, and interactive dive shows are included in the event admission. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/YFEX2A.

Going to Mars with MAVEN Student Art Contest Ages 5-17 (Entries Due April 8)

(Entries Due April 8)

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission, also known as MAVEN, is set to launch to the Red Planet in November 2013. Your artwork could hitch a ride to Mars! Students are asked to design artwork about Mars based on a sample. Only one entry per student is allowed. The public will vote on the best submission. The winning entry will be used on a DVD label that will fly to Mars on the MAVEN spacecraft. For more information on how to participate, visit http://bit.ly/ZrdT9S.

NICE Teacher Professional Development Workshop Series (Throughout April)

The NASA Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) Teacher Professional Workshop is a four-part series taking place during the month of April. Covering timely topics and free to all K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educators, this series will increase participants’ understanding of complex climate content. Educational resources will also be provided, as well as information about citizen science programs, student video making, and other activities teachers may utilize to help students understand climate concepts.

• April 9, 4:00-5:20pm EDT: Session 1 – Understanding the Greenhouse Effect with Dr. Lin Chambers
• April 11, 4:00-5:20pm EDT: Session 2 – Earth’s Increased Temperatures with Dr. Kevin Czajkowski
• April 16, 4:00-5:20pm EDT: Session 3 – Changes in Plant Phenology with Dr. Jennifer Schwarz
• April 18, 4:00-5:20pm EDT: Session 4 – Changes in Bug and Bird Phenology with Dr. Jeffrey Heppinstall

For more information on how to participate, visit http://1.usa.gov/YRrCDr.

GRAIL MoonKAM: The Next Phase – Educator Institute (April 20)

(April 20; Las Vegas, Nev.)

This is a full day lunar educator institute offered by Sally Ride Science. Dr. Maria Zuber, Principal Investigator of the GRAIL mission, will be the keynote speaker. Breakout sessions will include hands-on classroom activities on Moon phases, identifying lunar surface features, and lessons using lunar images. Teachers will leave with resources for their classrooms, and are encouraged to bring a laptop computer. The $25 registration fee includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/ZoAhNx.

ISS EarthKAM Spring 2013 Mission – Educators Grades 5-8 (April 23-26)

(April 23-26)

NASA invites students to use a camera on the International Space Station to take photographs of erosion on Earth, and then talk with an astronaut about what they learned. This exciting opportunity allows students to take pictures of the Earth using a digital camera onboard the ISS. Students can request images of locations on Earth that have undergone weathering and/or erosion, then at the conclusion of the mission, classroom groups may submit a paragraph describing how the image showed these characteristics. The top five entries will be invited to a live video conference with a NASA astronaut at the NASA Johnson Space Center. For more information and to register your classroom, visit http://bit.ly/14lTyqK.

IGES Earth Day Photo & Essay Contest – Grades 5-8 (Entries Due May 10)

(Entries Due May 10)

The 2013 IGES Earth Day Photo & Essay Contest encourages students to rediscover their world through the lens of a camera, taking note of the dynamic changes around them. Students grades 5-8 are asked to take a photo between April 15-26, 2013, of something changing in their local natural environment – it can be something changing in their backyard or neighborhood, near their school or local park, or anywhere they happen to be. Students should then research and write an essay (400 words or less) answering a series of questions on the changes taking place in the photo. First, second, and third place winners will receive a $150, $100, and $75 Visa gift card (respectively), along with a photo book of the top 10 photos and essays. The top 10 photos and essays will also be featured on the IGES website. For full rules, entry form, and more information, please visit http://bit.ly/YCTYW0.

ASP 2013 Annual Meeting: Ensuring STEM Literacy (Early Registration Closes May 15)

(Early Registration Closes May 15; July 10-24; San Jose State University, San Jose, Calif.)

This July, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) celebrates its 125th gathering of education and public outreach (E/PO) professionals. Via workshops, lectures, panels, discussions, and exhibits, more than 300 specialists across the science spectrum collaborate to explore best practices, research findings, trends, and professional development opportunities. The focus of this year’s meeting is STEM literacy across multiple disciplines. On-campus housing and meal plan options are available. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/14sSDoO.

CosmoQuest Lunar Surface Geology Workshop for Middle School Educators (June 17-21)

(June 17-21; Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Ill.)

Join astronomers and educators from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and CosmoQuest to learn how your students can conduct authentic astronomy research! Participants will help astronomers map the Moon’s surface using the MoonMappers citizen science project and data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), plus receive practical ideas from experienced teachers on how to bring citizen science into the classroom and meet science standards (including the NGSS). Activities from CosmoQuest’s new TerraLuna unit will be featured. Free materials, stipend, and CPDUs provided; optional graduate course credit from SIUE is available. Contact Georgia Bracey for application information.

Lunar Workshops for Educators Grades 6-9

(Session 1, June 24-28; Session 2, July 8-12)

Science educators grades 6-9 are invited to attend one of two free workshops focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Workshop participants will learn about recent discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, gain tools to address common student misconceptions about the Moon, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, work with LRO data, and learn how to bring these data and information to their students using hands-on activities aligned with National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks. Participants will also have the chance to tour the LRO Mission Operation Center and the Goddard spacecraft testing facilities. For more information and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/14zZa0M.

Mars Revealed – Professional Development for High School Educators (July 22-26)

(July 22-26; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)

LPI is hosting Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science, a five-day professional development training for high school science educators focused on Mars science and exploration, and how the evolution of technology has advanced our understanding of the Red Planet. Training participants also learn about and discuss the nature and process of science with invited Mars scientists. Stipends are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/ZrkMrL.

GLOBE Plant Phenology Teacher Training Workshop (March 9)

(March 9, 9:00am-3:00pm EST; Virginia Air & Space Science Center, Hampton, Va.)

In this workshop, educators will learn how to connect students to an international network of students, teachers, and scientists, while learning more about our shared environment. For a school to fully participate in the GLOBE Program, at least one teacher must be trained in the GLOBE science measurement protocols and education activities by attending a workshop such as this one. Training will be offered on the Earth as a System programs. This workshop is free. For more information and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/ZiEVib.

SPURS Webinar Series – Seeking Salt: Measuring a Key Ingredient of Climate (March 5, March 12)

You are invited to participate in a webinar applicable to all disciplines of STEM and connected to the Next Generation Science Standards. Each webinar will feature an interactive concept map loaded with educational resources that can serve as a starting point for you to add ocean salinity to your teaching. Each webinar will feature a prominent scientist from the Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study (SPURS) research effort sharing new findings and understandings of ocean processes.

• March 5, 7pm EST - Salinity’s Connection to Climate Change and an Accelerated Water Cycle – Dr. Ray Schmitt will discuss what affects ocean salinity and why we should care.
• March 12, 7pm EST - Follow that Salt! SPURS Results and the Future of Salinity Exploration – Dr. Fred Bingham will discuss SPURS research, what has been learned, and what is next.

Registration for the webinars is free and available at http://svy.mk/Uosq6d.

Explore the Moon – Professional Development Experience for Middle School Educators (Apply by March 8)

(Apply by March 8)

Explore the Moon! is a unique professional development opportunity that allows educators to explore the interplay between science and engineering, which utilizing NASA data and resources. A team of scientists and engineers from the University of New Hampshire, who work with the Cosmic Ray Telescope for  the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER), will help educators to craft an experience in lunar and space sciences. This experience will be scheduled around participants, and will provide access to specialists, information on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), connections to other middle school educators, and offers up to 120 professional development hours. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/YT1vMS.

GLOBE Earth Day Video Competition (Entries Due March 8)

(Entries Due March 8)

GLOBE students are invited to participate in this video contest highlighting the GLOBE program. Students should create a short video (2 min. or less) answering the question, “How has doing GLOBE improved your local community?” The video should illustrate how students are using GLOBE and how it is benefiting their community environment. Videos should be uploaded to the students’ video sharing webiste of choice, as well as send a link to The GLOBE Program Office. For full rules and details on how to participate, please visit http://1.usa.gov/13HOWtj.

GLOBE Workshops for Educators

What can plant budbursts tell us about our climate? How does land cover affect Earth’s surface temperature? Explore these questions and more at GLOBE workshops hosted by NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Teachers are eligible for up to 6 hours of professional development per workshop. Upcoming workshops include:

• March 9 – GLOBE Plant Phenology Workshop
• April 12 – GLOBE Surface Temperature Train-the-Trainer Workshop (Open to GLOBE partners, trainers, and teachers)
• April 13 – GLOBE Surface Temperature Teacher Workshop

For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/vnQZlp.

Public Libraries: Celebrate Science and Women’s History Month (Contact by March 15)

(Contact by March 15)

NASA science education partners are celebrating Women’s History Month in March with the expanded NASA Science4Girls and Their Families initiative. The theme for this year’s National Women’s History Month is “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.”

Public libraries are encouraged to partner with NASA science education programs throughout the spring to empower women’s success, especially in science. Focusing on youth, libraries will have the opportunity to host events related to NASA’s scientific explorations. These events are open to all family members, regardless of gender, but are focused on engaging girls in science using field-tested, hands-on activities.

This year, more than 25 libraries nationwide will host NASA science educators and events exploring topics in astronomy, Earth science, planetary science, and Sun science! Public libraries are still encouraged to join in, if they have not yet signed on to participate. For more information on how to participate, please visit http://bit.ly/YGDQAs.

Solar Week (March 18-22)

(March 18-22)

Classrooms are welcomed to join in the Solar Week Spring 2013 celebration! This is a lively week of online activities and curriculum for grades 5-8 focusing on the Sun. Games and lesson plans are available for the entire week! A message board is available, where students can leave questions to be answered by leading solar scientists. To register a classroom, find materials, see the weekly schedule, and learn more, please visit http://bit.ly/Af2UK4.

SolarMAX! Anime Contest (Entries due March 20)

(Entries Due March 20)

NASA’s Sun-Earth Days program wants to see your best Anime artwork! SolarMAX is the official superhero mascot for Sun-Earth Days, and keeping an eye on space weather is becoming quite a large job for one superhero alone. Participants age 13 and older are asked to submit a new and original anime-style character with a visible space weather-related super power. The top five submissions will be added to the Sun-Earth Days Superhero team! Winning selections will appear live on the Sun-Earth Days webcast on March 22. For more information on how to enter, visit http://1.usa.gov/XWNZH2.

MAVEN Educator Ambassador Workshop for Middle and High School Teachers (Apply by March 31)

(Apply by March 31; July 8-12, University of California-Berkeley)

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission, set to launch in November 2013, will explore the planet’s upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the solar wind. The mission will provide invaluable insights into the history of Mars’ atmosphere and climate, liquid water, and planetary habitability.

This workshop will bring together educators from around the country for in-depth learning experiences around MAVEN science. The goal of the MAVEN Educator Ambassador (MEA) program is for participants to develop the capacity and provide the opportunity for educators to train other teachers on NASA’s educational resources. Participants will attend a week-long professional development workshop and receive training on a variety of standards-based classroom activities, as well as receive follow-up support for several years. The expectation is that participants will implement some of the lesson plans and resources in their classrooms, as well as conduct teacher trainings in their local areas on the MAVEN mission and related educational activities.

A $700 travel stipend is offered, along with a $700 honorarium after a local workshop is conducted. Housing and meals are provided. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/WjekkX.

Discovery Dome Outreach Events

The Discovery Dome is a fully digital, video-capable, portable planetarium bringing shows to the public! Be sure to visit these upcoming outreach events:

• Feb. 2013 – We Choose Space, Force 5, and Other Shows - Alamo Texas Public Library
• Feb. 8-9 – We Choose Space - “SpaceUp” Houston Unconference, Houston, Texas
• March 2013 – We Choose Space, Force 5, and Other Shows – March Air Field, Riverside, Calif.
• April 11-13 – NSTA National Meeting, San Antonio, Texas – The Discovery Dome booth will feature free Space Weather software and a drawing for a free dome day at your school.

To learn more about Discovery Dome, planetary shows, and upcoming events, please visit http://bit.ly/Wxf8Bu.

Free Smithsonian’s Stars Lecture Series (Feb. 2, 16, and 23)

Curious about our nearest star, moon rocks, volcanoes, and other wonders of the universe? Visit the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. to take part in this lecture series! Each lecture begins at 5:15pm and is followed by a question and answer session. A Discovery Station activity will take place at 4pm prior to each lecture.

• Feb. 2 – Volcano Breath – Volcanism Program Director Liz Cottrell will discuss volcanoes on a global scale and their impact on climate.
• Feb. 16 – Venus: 50 Years After Mariner 2 – Geophysicist Bruce Campbell will discuss what is known about Venus, including how it differs from Earth and what future exploration may hold.
• Feb. 23 – A Universe of Data: How we get Science out of Space Telescopes – Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell will cover how space telescopes work and how the digital age has provided access to data collected.

For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/PjVeXC.

Hofstra University Super Bowl Star Party (Feb. 3)

(Feb. 3, 6:00-8:00pm EST; Hofstra Observatory, Berliner Hall)

Hofstra invites the public to view the Moon, Jupiter, star clusters, the Orion Nebulae and double stars with telescopes from the Hofstra Observatory. This free party will take place Super Bowl Sunday, and will contain more stars than the halftime show! For updates, visit http://bit.ly/yI1uip.

COSEE-OS Web Series for Educators – Turbulence (Feb. 6)

(Feb. 6, 7:00pm EST)

Designed for physics, math, and science educators, these three webinars will contain information on the physics of turbulence, as well as its effects on life. Each webinar will feature an interactive concept map filled with resources for use in the classroom, including videos, images, and other resources. The series is free and requires an internet connection and a computer with working audio. Two webinars were held in late January, and are available at http://bit.ly/Xt0MT4.

The upcoming final webinar in the series is: How Does Turbulence Shift Advantage for the Tiniest Ocean Creatures? For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/XYg553.

Host Your Own Landsat Launch Party (Feb. 11)

(Feb. 11, 10:04am PST)

Did you know that the longest continuous view of Earth from space comes from the Landsat satellite program? It’s 40-year archive offers a record of our changing communities and landscapes. The record continues with the Feb. 11 launch of the eighth Landsat satellite as a joint effort between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, the Landsat Data Continuity Mission.

You are invited to participate in this exciting and historic milestone in humanity’s work in space. Join others across the planet in celebration of this anticipated event by hosting a launch party in your community! Everything you need to host a great party is available at http://1.usa.gov/13w127H, including activities and decorations for all ages. The launch will be streamed live, and will include talks from NASA and USGS scientists and engineers.

NOVA’s “Earth From Space” Educator Share-A-Thon (Feb. 13)

(Feb. 13, 9pm EST)

NOVA’s “Earth From Space” is a groundbreaking two-hour special featuring a new space-based vision of our planet. The show is produced in extensive consultation with NASA scientists, taking data from Earth-observing satellites and transforming it into dazzling visual sequences, exposing the intricate and surprising web of forces that sustains life on Earth. Please join NOVA Education during the broadcast for a live Educator Share-A-Thon on NOVA Education’s Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/SIdtee). Educational resources related to the program will be posted for use in the classroom. For more information on the program, visit http://to.pbs.org/WxmSDI.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific 125th Annual Meeting (Early Registration Deadline Feb. 15)

(Early registration deadline Feb. 15; July 20-24, San Jose State University)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) celebrates the 125th gathering of educators and public outreach professionals at the 2013 annual meeting. This year’s meeting is hosted by San Jose State University, with a focus on STEM literacy across multiple disciplines. A Galileo Teacher Training Program will be featured, marking a Cosmos in the Classroom year.

Save $50 by registering before Feb. 15. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/WjEGVv.

2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (Apply by Feb. 22)

(Apply by Feb. 22)

Caltech’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, or SURF, project introduces undergraduate students to research under the guidance of seasoned mentors at Caltech or NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity and gain a more realistic view of the opportunities and demands of a professional research career.

SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process. Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project and to write research proposals. Caltech faculty or JPL staff review the proposals and recommend awards. Students work over a 10-week period in the summer. At the conclusion of the project, each student will submit a technical paper and give a SURF Seminar Day oral presentation. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/Vs4duv.

Titan and Europa Essay Contest for Students Grades 5-12 (Enter by Feb. 28)

(Entries due Feb. 28)

Here’s the chance for students to learn more about Saturn’s moon Titan and Jupiter’s moon Europa! Student can find out how and why scientists want to explore these places using orbiters and a balloon or a lander through videos about the two moons, conducting their own research, and writing a 500-word essay (or less) to explain what they’ve learned and their thoughts on a mission. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation, and winning essays will be posted on a NASA website. Winners and their classes will also have the opportunity to speak with NASA scientists. For complete rules, videos, and more, visit http://1.usa.gov/Yqo2G8.

Discover Earth Programming at East Meadow Public Library

The East Meadow Public Library in East Meadow, N.Y., is one of only ten libraries in the U.S. to be awarded the traveling exhibition Discover Earth: A Century of Change. Below are a number of upcoming events centered around the exhibition. Registration is ongoing – to check for availability, call (516) 794-2570 ext. 560.

• Jan. 5, 12:30-4:30pm - Long Island Traditions and EMPL Present: The Baymen – Meet our Baymen, and find out how they work on our bays.
• Jan. 12, Feb. 9, 1pm – Amateur Observers’ Society: Young Astronomers – Program for ages 6-13, with hands-on activities.
• Jan. 18, 1-5pm – Celebrate Earth – Programs prizes and crafts celebrating the Earth.
• Jan. 31, 12:30pm - Long Island Aquarium Touch Tank – Students will learn about the diverse coastal environments surrounding Long Island.
• Feb. 2, 1pm - Making Books Sing: If You Really Love Polar Bears – Interactive storytelling for kids ages 5-9.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/URIzwB.

GLOBE Citizen Science Campaigns

GLOBE Student Climate Research Campaign (SCRC): SCRC aims to engage students in measuring, investigating, and understanding the climate system in their local communities and around the world. Drawing on GLOBE protocols and data, as well as other datasets, students take climate-related measurements and investigate research questions about climate. Intensive Observing Periods in the month of January will take place for the following projects:

• Jan. 1-31 – Climate and Land Cover Project
  http://1.usa.gov/12sgUIH
• Through June 2013 – Phenology and Climate Project http://1.usa.gov/ToLYTp

In addition, a SCRC webinar “Scientist Skills: How to Overcome Research Problems” will be held on Jan. 8, 17:00 UTC. To attend, login as “Guest” at Adobe Connect.

Climate Science 101 Course for Secondary Science Teachers (Register by Jan. 11)

(Register by Jan. 11; Jan. 21-April 30)

CIRES at the University of Colorado presents Climate Science 101: Essential Knowledge and Teaching Strategies. This online course focuses on the essential principals of climate science and provides experience with teaching strategies, such as identifying and addressing misconceptions, minimizing controversy, and teaching so that students can engage positively. The course will meet one hour per week in a webinar format, and one hour per week in a small group format online. Most participants spend 5-7 hours per week total on course activities.

The target audience is secondary science teachers, although informal educators, upper elementary teachers, cross-curriculum teams, and providers of professional development are also encouraged to register. The course may be taken for graduate credit at $60 per credit hour (three credits), or you may choose to audit the course for free. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/UfZv38.

IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program 2013 for Graduate Students (Apply by Jan. 14)

(Apply by Jan. 14; June 1-Aug. 31, Vienna, Austria)

Each summer, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) hosts a selected group of graduate students from around the world in its Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP). These students work closely with an IIASA senior scientist mentor on a project proposed by the student, related to his or her graduate research, with the goal of a publishable paper. Funding is available from IIASA’s National Member Organizations for students from member countries, but students from all nations are eligible to apply, and some unrestricted fellowships are available. For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/12by0dO.

GLOBE International Scientist Network Webinar for Scientists (Jan. 15)

(Jan. 15, 4pm ET)

The GLOBE International Scientists Network (GISN) is hosting a webinar for scientists called “Meaningful Teacher-Scientist Partnerships: How to Make it Work.” This webinar will be presented by Lindsay Knippenberg, former Einstein fellow and teacher. To attend, login as “Guest” at Adobe Connect. For more information on GISN, please visit http://1.usa.gov/Zo4MK0.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education Webinar on SatCam (Jan. 29)

(Jan. 29, 4pm PST)

Capture observations of sky and ground conditions at the same time that an Earth observation satellite is overhead! This data is submitted to a Space Science and Engineering Center server at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to help ground-truth-check the quality of the cloud products created from the satellite data. Margaret Mooney, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will discuss SatCam and its uses in the classroom. To attend, login to http://www.readytalk.com using access code 6435082, and call (866) 740-1260 (same access code). For more information on the webinar, visit http://bit.ly/MoFhx2.

New GLOBE Visualization System Webinar (Dec. 4)

(Dec. 4, 12pm EST)

Recently, the GLOBE Program, in collaboration with NASA, NOAA, and NSF, developed new visualization tools for students. In this webinar, Jessica Mackaro and Travis Andersen will explore the many ways students can visualize and analyze data from around the world, making observation, developing hypotheses, and exploring their world with GLOBE. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/NXs8wp.

Meteorite Outreach Events for the General Public (Dec. 8, Jan. 12)

The general public is invited to attend programs on meteorites in the Pacific Northwest, sponsored by the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. Most programs feature a PowerPoint presentation, and a number of meteorites that participants may examine and hold. The following are upcoming presentations:

• Dec. 8, 10pm – Hillsboro Museum, Hillsboro, Ore.
• Jan. 12, 1pm – North Plains Community Center, North Plains, Ore.

For more details, please visit http://bit.ly/If8sDU.

Google+ Hangout featuring Asteroid Mappers (Dec. 11)

(Dec. 11, 5:00-6:00pm PST)

In the thirteen months Dawn orbited the giant protoplanet Vesta, the mission gathered tens of thousands of images. For the science team, the work of analyzing the data has just begun. Dawn’s new citizen science project, Asteroid Mappers, invites you to help! A collaboration with CosmoQuest, Asteroid Mappers involves participants in the art of interpreting images from Vesta. Participants are invited to join Dawn team members for a Google+ Hangout to learn more about the mission, receive a tutorial on Asteroid Mappers, and to map an image or two on their own! Questions are invited both before and during the event. Please submit questions via Twitter, Facebook and Google+. For more information and to participate, visit http://1.usa.gov/UrU1Sr.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education Webinar (Dec. 13)

(Dec. 13, 7pm EST)

The upcoming Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education webinar will feature Dr. Duggan-Haas, Senior Education Research Associate for the Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution. The presentation There’s No Such Thing as a Free Megawatt: The Marcellus Shale as a Gateway Drug to Energy Literacy will discuss the questions of where our energy currently comes from, what new sources are on the horizon, and what can deeper understandings of the energy system tell us about our energy choices. To attend:

• See shared-desktop by going to http://www.readytalk.com and use the access code 6435082.
• For audio, call 866-740-1260, access code 6435082.

For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/MoFhx2.

Live MyMoon Webcast (Dec. 13)

(Dec. 13, 8pm EST)

Join MyMoon with Blaze Sanders, Program Manager of the JURBAN Google Lunar X Prize team, as he showcases the team’s progress and introduces the general public – especially underserved and disadvantages groups – to space commercialization. Discussion will focus on the unique technical aspects of building a lunar robot, the commercial need JURBAN is trying to fulfill, and some of the political concerns relating to the competition. For more information and to attend, visit http://bit.ly/SriPrq.

GLOBE Climate Projects for the Classroom

GLOBE currently has three ongoing climate projects for the classroom:

Surface Temperature Field Campaign (12/1-12/31): The Surface Temperature Field Campaign, held annually since 2006, focuses on the impacts of snow on Earth’s temperature. GLOBE partner Dr. Kevin Czajkowski and researchers at the University of Toledo will engage as many GLOBE students as possible to take surface temperature observations during the month of December. http://1.usa.gov/WtJRy9

Great Global Investigation of Climate (12/1-12/31): This global investigation focuses on defining local climate through GLOBE protocols and the student inquiry question “What is my climate and how has it changed?” Students are asked to collect and enter temperature and precipitation data in the GLOBE database, and investigate how to classify local weather and climate using these atmospheric data. http://1.usa.gov/U1bzQN

GLOBE Phenology and Climate Project (9/01/12-6/30/13): No matter where you live, now is the time to observe and measure budbursts and green-up/green-down; air temperature; precipitation; soil temperature and soil moisture. Once the data has been collected, the information is entered into the GLOBE database. This is a great way to take part in the GLOBE Student Climate Research Campaign. http://1.usa.gov/ToLYTp

Advancing Greener Careers and Campuses: A Virtual Summit (Nov. 2)

(Nov. 2, 12:00pm-4:00pm ET)

Join the Greenforce Initiative (a partnership of Jobs for the Future and National Wildlife Federation) for a free online summit of national leaders in green education and workforce development. Learn why and how our partners are developing green career pathways for community college students and how connections can be made between campus sustainability and hands-on teaching and learning. College faculty, administrators, employers, and community leaders are strongly encouraged to attend. To register, visit http://bit.ly/VO8A5L.

Live MyMoon Webcast (Nov. 7)

(Nov. 7, 8:00pm ET)

Wondering if people will ever live in space? NASA is considering setting up a deep-space habitat at the Earth-Moon Lagrange points that surround the Moon. Join the webcast as astronomer Dan Lester discusses the challenges and opportunities of sending missions and people to these locations. Dr. Dan Lester is an astronomy research scientist at the University of Texas, where he studies the universe, particularly star formation, in infrared light, and explores new concepts for space science missions. To join the webcast, visit http://1.usa.gov/QKxJsk.

CAMEL Climate Change Continuing Education Online Symposium (Nov. 13-Dec. 4)

Climate Adaptation Mitigation E-Learning (CAMEL) is offering a free online Climate Change Continuing Education Symposium comprised of a series of weekly webinars. Each presenter will discuss a teaching resource and how to use it. The resources are designed for upper level education, but many can be modified for other levels or incorporated into hybrid teaching. Upcoming webinars are scheduled for Nov. 13, 20, 27, and Dec. 4. For more information and to view previously recorded webinars, please visit http://bit.ly/VtC5UB.

2012 Humans in Space Youth Art Competition – Ages 10-18 (Entries Due Nov. 15)

(Entries due Nov. 15)

The theme of this year’s Humans in Space Youth Art Competition is “How will humans use science and technology to explore space, and what mysteries will we uncover?” Youth worldwide (ages 10-18) are invited to learn about space exploration and express their views on the contest’s theme through musical, visual, literary, or video artwork. Winning artists will be awarded and the winning artwork will be part of multimedia displays and performances aired at venues worldwide, including the 19th Humans in Space Symposium in Cologne, Germany and various U.S. sites associated with NASA’s “50 Years of Solar System Exploration” Celebration (Aug. 2013-Aug. 2014). The winning artwork will also be displayed in an online gallery. For more information on the contest, please visit http://bit.ly/SnHAXj.

Dash to the Lab – An Event Celebrating Imagination and Inventions (Nov. 17)

(Nov. 17, 10:00am-4:00pm PT; Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, Calif.)

Stop by Bill Nye’s Climate Lab as Chabot Space and Science Center introduces the Green Machine Invention Station and the all-new online game Lab Dash. Participants can become Climate Agents and collect codes to unlock the “Mission Briefcase.” The briefcase contains a prize, along with blueprints for additional activities. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/SntdBu.

Discover Earth: A Century of Change Traveling Exhibit (Nov. 25-Feb. 5)

(Nov. 25-Feb. 5, East Meadow Public Library, East Meadow, N.Y.)

The East Meadow Public Library is one of only ten libraries in the United States to be awarded the traveling exhibit Discover Earth: A Century of Change, which is made possible by the American Library Association, the National Center for Interactive Learning at Space Science Institute, the Lunar and Planetary Institute, and the National Girls Collaborative Project. This exhibit focuses on local Earth science topics – such as weather, water cycle, and ecosystem changes – as well as a global view of our changing planet. The primary message of the exhibition is that the global environment changes – and is changed by – the local environment of all exhibition-host communities. Interactive, multimedia displays allow exhibit visitors to interact with digital information, encouraging new perspectives on our planet.

The East Meadow Library will host a series of events to celebrate the opening day of the exhibition, Sunday, Nov. 25. Tours of the exhibit will be offered all day, as well as special programs running from 1:00pm-4:00pm. For more information on the exhibit and upcoming locations, please visit http://bit.ly/PVpOeL.

AMS DataStreme Course Offerings for Spring 2013 – K-12 Educators (Apply by Late Fall)

(Apply by late fall)

The American Meteorological Society’s DataStreme Project is an expenses-paid professional development program for in-service K-12 educators. Graduate-level courses in meteorology (http://bit.ly/PJujJu), oceanography (http://bit.ly/SfcjCr), and climate science (http://bit.ly/TWhQxu) are offered each fall and spring semester by Local Implementation Teams (LITs) across the country. Teachers construct a Plan of Action for educational peer-training following course completion. To register, please contact your nearest LIT leader by late fall 2012 (a list of LIT leaders is available through the links above). DataStreme receives support from NASA, NOAA, and NSF.

Earth Science Week 2012: Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences (Oct. 14-20)

Under the theme Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences, this year’s Earth Science Week will focus on the story of the many Earth Explorers who contribute to our understanding of the planet. A leader in Earth science research and applications, NASA will once more play a key role in this annual celebration, which has been organized by the American Geoscientists Institute (AGI) since 1998.

During this week, NASA will introduce students of all ages to an incredible group of NASA Earth Explorers – from scientists and engineers, to multimedia producers, educators, and writers. Students can find out about their careers, see video interviews, and read blog posts, as well as explore other events and activities designed to inform about the broad scope of Earth science careers. Students are invited to participate in a number of live events, including Twitter chats. Highlighted events include:

• Oct. 16, 1:00p.m. ET – Twitter Chat with Thorsten Markus: Students are invited to participate in a Twitter interview with Thorsten Markus, a polar scientist with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
• Oct. 16, 1:00p.m. ET – Univisión Radio – Doctora Isabel Show (en Español): Erika Podest, NASA JPL, and Miguel Román, NASA GSFC, will participate in an interview with Doctora Isabel, a psychologist who covers a variety of family-related topics on her three-hour radio show.
• Oct. 17, 1:00p.m. ET – Google+ Hangout Live from Operation Icebridge: Hangout with NASA Goddard’s Christy Hansen, live from the Oct.-Nov. 2012 Antarctic Campaign.
• Oct. 17, 4:00p.m. ET – Webinar with Aquarius engineers (en Español): Join Goddard Space Flight Center engineers as they discuss their work on the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite.
• Oct. 18, 12noon ET – Twitter Chat with Erica Alston: Students are invited to participate in a Twitter interview with Erica Alston, a scientist with NASA Langley Research Center studying air quality.

To learn more about Earth Science Week, and how you can participate, please visit http://climate.nasa.gov/esw2012.

Name that Asteroid! Contest for Students (Entries Due Dec. 2)

(Entries due Dec. 2)

Students under 18 years of age have the chance to name an asteroid from which an upcoming NASA mission will return samples to Earth! Scheduled to launch in 2016, the Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) will return samples from the surface of the near-Earth asteroid. Each contestant can submit one name, up to 16 characters long. Entries must include a short explanation and rationale for the name, and submissions must be made by an adult on behalf of the student. For full rules and to to submit an entry, visit http://bit.ly/SiYyRN.

Earthzine Hosts NASA DEVELOP Virtual Poster Session

This summer, Earthzine is hosting its fifth NASA DEVELOP Virtual Poster Session. Thirty student projects have been submitted, relating to a wide range of disciplines that include: water resources and oceans; agriculture; disasters; ecological forecasting; health and air quality; and climate and weather systems. Top projects, based on discussion and other factors, will advance to Round Two. The overall winning team will be announced on Sept. 30. For more information and to contribute to the discussion, visit http://bit.ly/MWhCZi.

2012 Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest – Students Grades 5-12 (Entries due Oct. 24)

(Entries due Oct. 24)

The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants examine three possible observations taken by Cassini and choose the one they think will yield the best scientific results. Students then write an essay under 500 words explaining their choice. Winners will participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists. The contest is open to all students in the U.S. in grades 5-12. The essays will be divided into three groups for scoring: grades 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Students may submit only one entry. For more information, please visit http://1.usa.gov/OnNKHd.

Free Smithsonian’s Stars Lecture Series (Oct. 6, 20, Nov. 3, 17)

Curious about our nearest star, moon rocks, volcanoes, and other wonders of the universe? Come to the Smithsonian’s Stars, a series of 10 lectures by Smithsonian researchers who are exploring the sun, the moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe. These speakers will share behind-the-scenes details about how their research is done and technologies that advance new discoveries at the Smithsonian Institution. Each lecture begins at 5:15 p.m., and is followed by a question-and-answer session. A Discovery Station activity will take place at 4 p.m. prior to each lecture. Upcoming lectures include:

• Oct. 6 – Three Decades of Telescopes for Observing the Sun: Senior Project Engineer Peter Cheimets will discuss the telescopes that have made this golden age of solar observation possible and the breathtaking results.
• Oct. 20 – Mercury: Oh Strange New World: Planetary Geophysicist Michelle Selvans will discuss the complexities that make Mercury so wonderfully unique.
• Nov. 3 – Moon Rocks and How They Became Famous: Teasel Muir-Harmony will explore the wide-ranging role that moon rocks have played in the history of the U.S. space program.
• Nov. 17 – The Dynamic Sun: Astrophysicist Mark Weber will explore the Sun with observation from some of the most advanced telescopes created.

For more information and a full schedule, please visit http://bit.ly/PjVeXC.

AMS Annual Meeting and WeatherFest – K-12 Educators (Jan. 6-10)

(Jan. 6-10; Austin, Texas)

The American Meterological Society (AMS) is hosting its 93rd Annual Meeting in 2013. In conjunction with this event, AMS will also host its 12th annual WeatherFest on Sunday, Jan. 6. This is a free, super-sized science fair to inform and educate about weather, climate, and related fields.

Scholarships are available to local and national educators interested in hosting an informal activity booth at this event. As an added bonus, AMS offers a workshop on Jan. 7 for K-8 educators, and another on Jan. 8 for high school educators, that cover everything from weather basics to more advanced topics covered in our national education science standards. These workshops connect teachers with some of the most innovative scientists working on weather and climate issues. If you are interested in applying for a WeatherFest scholarship, or prefer to enroll in the workshops only, please visit http://bit.ly/QjtKph.

New England Fall Astronomy Festival (Sept. 21-22)

(Sept. 21-22; University of New Hampshire Observatory, Durham, N.H.)

The New England Fall Astronomy Festival promises to be an engaging weekend of astronomy-related activities and experiences for children, families, and people of all ages and expertise. Hosted by the UNH Physics Department and staffed, organized, and driven by members of the astronomical community from throughout New England, this festival is sure to be a fun-filled event. This is a free event. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/OnjC9g.

Citizen Science: Asteroid Mappers

In the thirteen months Dawn orbited the giant protoplanet Vesta, the mission gathered tens of thousands of images. For the science team, the work of analyzing the data has just begun. Dawn’s new citizen science project, Asteroid Mappers, invites you to help! A collaboration with CosmoQuest, Asteroid Mappers involves participants in the art of interpreting cool images from Vesta. The accumulated findings can help the Dawn Science Team make sense of new elements on the surface of Vesta: its age, its composition, its revealing patterns. Participate in the scientific endeavor at the heart of the Dawn mission. For more information and to participate, visit http://1.usa.gov/UxdfCI.

DPS 44th Annual Meeting (Oct. 14-19)

The 44th Annual for the Division of Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society will take place in Reno, Nev. Below are some highlighted events:

• Oct. 14, 1:00-5:00 p.m. – Boosting the Effectiveness of Your Education and Outreach Efforts Workshop: This workshop is for those in education and public outreach looking for a way to increase the impact of their efforts. Topics include public lectures and outreach events, teacher professional development, as well as participant-selected topics. Possible funding sources will be presented. (Teton Room, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino)
• Oct. 16 & 18 – Student Outreach Program for Middle School Students: Middle school students will sign up to participate in a variety of hands-on science activities. Volunteers are needed; if you’d like to volunteer, please contact marla.h.moore@nasa.gov.
• Oct. 18, 3:30-6:00 p.m. – Education, Public Outreach, and History: This poster session will take place in the exhibit hall. http://bit.ly/QShpV8
• Oct. 19, 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Education and Public Outreach: This oral session will take place in the Reno Ballroom. http://bit.ly/SYmvhP
• Informal Meeting of Opportunity for E/PO Community: If you are interested in participating in an informal meeting of opportunity to meet other E/PO colleagues, please complete this survey for the best time to meet: http://svy.mk/QCuxNU.

Call for Papers – ISU International Symposium: Space Technology and Tele-Reach: Benefiting Humanity on Earth and Beyond (Due Oct. 26)

(Abstracts due Oct. 26; March 5-7, 2013, Strasbourg, France)

The International Space University (ISU) is seeking abstracts for its 17th Annual International Symposium. This symposium will address ‘Tele-reach,’ a term used to refer to technologies and applications that allow remote presence, participation, interaction, or control. The emphasis at the symposium will be placed on exploring the role that space can play in broadening and sustaining the ‘reach’ of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems to benefit humankind in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental management. The program will include invited contributions from leading experts, plus presentations and posters selected on the basis of abstracts submitted in response to the Call for Papers. For more information on submitting a paper or attending the conference, please visit http://bit.ly/PVnJMd.

The World’s a Place of Living Things – IGES Art Contest Grades 2-4 (Entries Due Nov. 5)

(Entries due Nov. 5)

This year’s art contest invites young scientists and artists to explore biodiversity. Learn about all the forms of life in a particular place – maybe it’s the Arctic, the rainforest, or your backyard. Then create a piece of artwork to show what you have learned!

Students grades 2-4 may submit one 2-D entry that does not exceed 16″x20″. The work should be original, creative, bold, and colorful. Please provide a title on the entry form that describes the artwork (do not use the contest title The World’s a Place of Living Things). Winners will have their artwork featured on the IGES web site, and will receive a Visa gift card (1st place-$100, 2nd place-$75, 3rd place-$50). To find out more, see complete rules, and download an entry form, visit http://www.strategies.org/artcontest.

Climate Change Teach-In Featuring Dr. Michael Mann (Oct. 9)

(Oct. 9, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET; University of Massachusetts Lowell, Cumnock Hall)

Be a part of the discussion at the Fourth Annual Climate Change Teach-In! This year’s teach-in is entitled “Leaving Your Comfort Zone: a Scientist and a Journalist Take Risks to Address Climate Change.” The teach-in will feature Dr. Michael Mann, renowned climate scientist and author of “The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines,” and Eli Kintisch, reporter for Science magazine and author of “Hack the Planet: Science’s Best Hope – or Worst Nightmare – for Averting Climate Catastrophe.” The teach-in will also feature shorts produced by UMass Lowell and Cambridge students, and an open discussion about how to move UMass Lowell’s Climate Action Plan into the future. This event will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/Ut5zBB.

Phase 2 Webinars for GLOBE Student Climate Research Campaign (Sept. 11 & 12)

(Sept. 11, 14:00 UTC; Sept. 12, 00:00 UTC)

The second year of the Student Climate Research Campaign (SCRC) launches on Sept. 10, 2012. This phase focuses on conducting climate science research projects using GLOBE data and other long-term data sets. As part of Phase 2, GLOBE is hosting webinars every three weeks. The webinar held in September will be the first in a three-part series of webinars on scientist skills, entitled “Scientist Skills: How to Develop a Research Question.” For more information, and for an archive of past webinars, please visit http://1.usa.gov/NXs8wp.

NASA Langley Open House (Sept. 22)

(Sept. 22, 10 am-4 pm, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.)

Join the NASA Langley Research Center in celebrating its 95th anniversary! The center will be open to the public for facility tours, directorate showcases, and fun activities for all ages. The Science Directorate Education and Public Outreach team will include hands-on instrument demonstrations, data visualizations, and full-scale models. NASA scientists and team members will share their research and talk with visitors at exhibits throughout the day. This is an opportunity to understand the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that apply to Earth science systems, research and careers. For more information or questions, please email the Science Directorate E/PO Team at sdepo@list.nasa.gov.

NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program is Recruiting New Educators (Apply by Sept. 21)

(Applications due Sept. 21, 6pm ET)

The NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP) gets educators involved in authentic astronomical research. Small groups of educators are partnered with a mentor professional astronomer for a year-long original research project using NASA’s vast archives of astronomical data from space- and ground-based telescopes. In exchange, educators are asked to leverage this experience by providing professional development for their colleagues in their local school districts. The program involves several trips for educator participants and their students to collaborate with scientists and present the research results, all of which are paid for by the program. For more information on the program, including a YouTube video introduction, and on how to apply, visit http://bit.ly/MWdsRb.

NASA GEN Professional Development Institute for Teacher Educators (Apply by Aug. 31)

(Apply by Aug. 31; Sept. 29-30; Adler Planetarium, Chicago, Ill.)

Managed by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), the NASA Galileo Educator Network (GEN) is a new teacher professional development program, employing a “train the trainer” model, and launching its first national Professional Development Institute (PDI). Become a NASA Galileo Educator Fellow through this 15-hour PDI for teacher leaders, teacher educators, and PD providers. Participants will learn how to deliver their own GEN professional development to assist K-12 teachers with the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, in the context of astronomy and space science. Participants will be able to receive reimbursement of travel expenses and a stipend upon delivery of their own 15-hour GEN professional development program for in-service or pre-service K-12 teachers in their home region. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MugSXL.

Pajama Party to Celebrate Curiosity Landing on Mars (Aug. 5)

(Aug. 5, 9:30 pm-12:30 am; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, Boulder, Colo.)

On behalf of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), you are invited to a night of talks and activities surrounding the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity landing. Dr. Bruce Jakosky and Dr. David Brain will discuss Mars science and the MSL mission. The landing will be shown on NASA TV, with landing narration by Mr. Bill Possel and Dr. Jeff Parker. A NASA press conference will follow. Enjoy cake and coffee, bring your friends and family, and remember to wear your pajamas. For more information, please contact Marisa Lubek or visit http://bit.ly/O579ee.

Astronomy Camp Workshop for Girl Scout Leaders (Oct. 19-21)

(Oct. 19-21; Tuscon, Ariz.)

Girl Scout leaders are welcome to apply for the next GSUSA Astronomy Camp training. Held in Tuscon at the Hacienda Center of the Sahuro Council and atop Mt. Lemmon Observatory, this weekend workshop is a science education program sponsored by the near-infrared camera team (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Participants will become part of our world-wide network of 200 leaders teaching young women essential concepts in astronomy, the night sky environment, applied math, engineering, and critical thinking. The workshop engages leaders in the process of scientific inquiry and equips them to host astronomy-related activities at the troop level. Training includes topics in basic astronomy (night sky, phases of the Moon, the scale of the Solar System and beyond, stars, galaxies, telescopes, etc.) as well as JWST-specific research areas in extra-solar planetary systems and cosmology, to pave the way for girls and women to understand the first images from JWST. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/VOhaO7.

Hasta La Vesta, Baby! Dawn Mission Google+ Hangout (Sept. 8)

(Sept. 8, 3pm ET)

Dawn has spent a phenomenal year at Vesta, gathering data close up and far away with its international payload of instruments. The mission extension allowed new views of Vesta’s north polar region. Soon, the mission will be saying “Hasta la vista, Vesta” to its favorite giant asteroid as Dawn begins its journey to the dwarf planet Ceres. To celebrate, connect with Dawn team members and fellow Dawn mission fans in real time during a Dawn Mission Google+ Hangout! Dawn scientists and engineers will share mission stories and answer questions submitted via Facebook and Twitter in a live, interactive video event. For more information on participating, visit http://1.usa.gov/Rh3MgB.

Solar Week Fall 2012 – Grades 5-8 (Oct. 15-19)

(Oct. 15-19)

Solar Week Fall 2012 is just around the corner! Classrooms will have the opportunity to interact with solar scientists online, and students can submit questions using the online form. This week happens twice a year, and includes a daily curriculum for the classroom, games, and activities. To participate and learn more, please register at http://bit.ly/Af2UK4.

Mars Rover Celebration Teacher Workshops (Register by Sept. 6)

(Register by Sept. 6; Sept. 15 & 22, 9:00 am-4:00 pm); University of Houston, Houston, Texas)

These workshops are meant to prepare teachers who plan to enter their students in the 2012-2013 University of Houston Mars Rover Celebration. The first workshop covers the basics of Mars science. The second workshop is split into two sections – the morning section will cover effective methods for teaching the engineering design process, while the afternoon session will focus on details of the Mars rover celebration, newly revised beta test versions of curriculum materials, and proven methodologies for supervising the projects. Participating teachers will receive print and electronic copies of the curriculum, as well as one solar model kit. The fee for participating is $25/workshop or $40 for both workshops. To learn more and to register, visit http://bit.ly/N6TTRY.

Mars and Beyond at the Museum of Science, Boston (Aug. 18-19)

(Aug. 18-19, 10:00 am-4:00 pm ET)

Join the Museum of Science for “Mars and Beyond.” Adults and kids alike will enjoy displays and demonstrations about Mars, the Moon, the Sun, and many other bodies within and outside our Solar System. Try a Mars Rover simulator game and get the latest updates about the Curiosity rover expected to land on Mars on Aug. 6. Immerse yourself in a special exhibit about the International Space Station, meet NASA-funded scientists and engineers, talk to a NASA astronaut, and participate in panel discussions and hands-on activities. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/NCdBtJ.

Earthzine Call for Papers on Environmental Awareness (Submit by Dec. 1)

(Submissions accepted between Sept. 1-Dec. 1)

Earthzine.org is soliciting articles for its 2012 fourth quarterly theme on environmental awareness. Observation is inextricably linked to awareness. The development of a collective global perspective made possible through highly-integrated Earth observations will fundamentally change humanity’s awareness of its environment. Earthzine seeks contributions addressing theory and practices related to creating and expanding awareness of the Earth’s environment. Earthzine seeks to publish articles from all regions of the globe, however all submission must be in English. For full details on desired themes and how to submit, please visit http://bit.ly/QL2PfS.

MSL Curiosity Rover Landing Resources

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity Rover is set to land on Mars at 10:30 pm PT/11:21 pm MT on Aug. 5, 12:31 am CT/1:30 am ET on Aug. 6.

Get the latest information at:

• Mars: NASA Explores the Red Planet website: http://www.nasa.gov/mars. Resources, recent and archived videos, updates and news, images, podcasts, and more can be found here.
• MSL pages: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl. Get the latest about the rover and its onboard laboratory through news, images, and video. Find out where the rover is now, and follow Curiosity on Twitter and Facebook.
• Solar System Exploration’s Curiosity: A Big Rover on a Bold Mission website: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/msl_landing.cfm. Videos, press kits, and fact sheets, links to relevant Mars and NASA websites, social media, images, interactives, and resources for teachers and students are all available through this page.

Get involved:

• Post your landing event, or find a landing event on the Mars event map: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/eventlocations/index.html.
• Watch the landing events live from the mission control room at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on NASA TV (http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html) or on Ustream (http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl) between about 9-11 pm PT on Aug. 5.
• Join the conversation and get frequent updates about the mission by following @MarsCuriosity on Twitter and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/marscuriosity).

Find activities for your programs:

• Follow your Curiosity: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/participate/marsforeducators/soi/. A suite of activities that will help your audiences explore Mars and prepare for the culminating challenges of imagining and designing their own Mars community.

GLOBE Student Climate Research Campaign Phase 2 Webinars

The second phase of the Student Climate Research Campaign (SCRC) will launch in September 2012, with a focus on students developing and conducting climate science research projects using GLOBE data and other long-term data sets. Participate in the upcoming webinars to learn the latest news about Phase 2:

• Webinar 1: SCRC Phase 2: Using the New GLOBE Website to Participate in the SCRC (Aug. 1, 01:00 UTC)
• Webinar 2: SCRC Phase 2: Using GLOBE Protocols and Data to Study Local Climate (Aug. 21, 12:00 UTC and 19:00 UTC; Aug. 22, 02:00 UTC)

To determine for time for the webinars, please use this Time Zone Converter. To participate, login to Adobe Connect as a “Guest” and enter your first and last name. Questions may be sent to climatecampaign@globe.gov.

Free Plant Phenology and Climate Change Online Course for K-12 Educators (Apply by Feb. 10)

(Apply by Feb. 10; Course Feb. 15-March 14)

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is offering a new online course for educators focused on its successful science program – PB-501 Project BudBurst: Introduction to Plant Phenology and Climate Change. This course is free to K-12 educators and is suited for both formal and informal educational settings. This online course provides all needed information to implement Project BudBurst in the classroom and engage your students in a national program by learning more about plants and climate change at a local level. Participants will be provided with detailed information on Project BudBurst and how to participate, including instructions on how to select plants and make observations, suggestions for structuring the classroom involvement, and classroom activities to engage students in making observations and analyzing data, as well as forming a community with other K-12 educators within Project BudBurst.

Participants in this course can sign up for optional graduate level continuing education credits from Colorado School of Mines. The fee for two credits is $90. For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/AA6t9v.

Online Climate Research Applications Course with Tuition Stipend for K-12 Educators (Apply by Aug. 20)

( Apply by Aug. 20)

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be offering K-12 science educators the opportunity to take part in the development of a new online Masters level course in Climate Research Applications funded by the NASA NICE program. Climate change issues will serve as a context to develop research questions and design a discrete, locally-oriented research project through which they define a problem, analyze data, and develop conclusions to potentially impact decision-making in their community. Dr. Russanne Low encourages educators to utilize this opportunity to expand their knowledge of climate change, as well as their available tools for educating students and their local communities. Participants will earn 3 graduate level credit hours through UN-L, as well as a stipend to cover tuition costs. Please contact Christine Haney Douglass for more information.

Earth Science Week 2012: Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences (Oct. 14-20)

(Oct. 14-20)

Take part in Earth Science Week 2012! ESW encourages people to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences. “Discovering Careers in the Earth Science,” the theme of ESW 2012, engages young people and the public in learning how geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth and other planets. For more information, and to check out ESW resources, visit http://bit.ly/MUeCcd.

Center for Lunar Science and Exploration’s High School Lunar Research Projects (Apply by July 6)

(Apply by July 6)

The Center for Lunar Science and Exploration at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and NASA’s Johnson Space Center is looking for teams of highly motivated and dedicated high school students (and their teachers) to participate in a two-semester lunar research program for the 2012-2013 academic year. Under the mentorship of a lunar scientist, students work alongside their teachers as they undertake a national standards-based research project that engages them in the process of science, and supports the science goals of the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI). At the end of the program, students present their research results to a panel of lunar scientists, competing with other teams for a chance to present their work at the NLSI Forum held in July 2013. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/QcobWf.

Center for Astronomy Education Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Workshops for Higher Education Educators (Jan. 5-6)

The Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) announces a series of workshops for higher education astronomy and space science educators. The goal of these workshops is for participants to become familiar with research-validated, active engagement teaching strategies and assessment material, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend time in the role of student, instructor, and critical friend, in order to practice implementing active engagement strategies. Advanced workshops are available for participants who have taken part in previous CAE Tier I workshops. The next workshops in the series are:

• Jan. 5-6, 2013 – Long Beach, Calif. – Improving the College Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop (Workshop Fee) http://bit.ly/QbOPhP
• Jan. 6, 2013 – Long Beach, Calif. – A CAE Tier II (Advanced) Special Topics Workshop: Using Technology in the Classroom (Workshop Fee) http://bit.ly/Mr54WZ

Earthzine Seeks Letters of Intent from Universities for Virtual Poster Sessions (LOI due June 1)

(LOI due June 1)

Earthzine has been involved in recent years with hosting Virtual Poster Sessions (VPS), which allow students and young professionals to showcase their research work in a global setting. These sessions include posting abstracts and short videos, or narrated slide presentations, to accompany each project presentation at Earthzine.org. Previous VPS’ have involved the NASA DEVELOP National Program.

Earthzine is seeking to open their VPS program to universities and colleges, and seek letters of interest from faculty members interested in contributing collections of research projects for VPS during the upcoming year. For information on submitting a LOI, please visit http://scr.bi/I8qALK.

Teachers Touch the Sky Workshop – Grades 3-9 (Apply by June 15)

(Apply by June 15; August 6-10, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.)

During the summer of 2012, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will hold a one-week workshop for teachers grades 3-9. Teachers will learn about hands-on activities that are based on current projects in astronomy and space science at JPL, focusing on NASA’s current Dawn Mission to the asteroid Vesta. The integration of the lessons into curricula will be discussed, and a field trip to JPL’s Table Mountain Observatory is included. Teachers will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work with JPL scientists. For more information and to register, please visit http://1.usa.gov/IrhOsK.

GLOBE Webinars on Student Climate Research Campaign (May 21 & 22)

(May 21, 16:00 UTC; May 22, 01:30 UTC)

The GLOBE Science and Education team will host two online webinars to update the community on the Student Climate Research Campaign. To participate, login to Adobe Connect (http://bit.ly/IsrkP4) as “Guest” and enter your first and last name. The webinar provides an opportunity to learn more about the latest research and activities taking place in the Student Climate Research Campaign. To learn more, visit http://1.usa.gov/JsK7YK.

ESIP Teacher Workshop – Grades 6-12 (July 17-18)

(July 17-18; Madison, Wisc.)

The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) invites teachers to attend a 1.5 day workshop on Earth science education, with an integral strand dedicated to climate change education. Participants will be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Educators for grades 6-12 are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. After the workshop, teachers are invited to stay for the ESIP conference plenary and poster reception. To register for the workshop please visit http://bit.ly/HpPqFT. To learn more about the ESIP summer conference, please visit http://bit.ly/H4x4AP.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Ice!

April’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “Ice!” Ice is common in our solar system, from deposits at the poles of Mercury and the Moon to ice-covered moons and rings around distant Jupiter and Saturn, and comets made of ice and other materials streaming across the spaces between. And, of course, ice is present on our own planet. To find more events and resources relating to ice, visit http://1.usa.gov/Hckgac.

The Unknown Moon Institute: A Workshop for High School Teachers (July 25-29)

(July 25-29; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)

High school science teachers, both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach, are invited to this free 35-hour, 5-day institute investigating the Moon. Topics will include the lunar polar environment and the search for water on the Moon, exploration of the Moon, spectrometry, the Moon’s formation and geologic evolution, and more! For more information or to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/H9zxTI.

GLOBE Climate and Land Cover Project (April 1-30)

(April 1-30)

The Climate and Land Cover Intensive Observing Period is a research effort between GLOBE schools and climate scientists to improve land cover classifications for climate models. Using GLOBE land cover protocols, students take photography and classify representative land cover areas near their schools and upload this data to the GLOBE database. The data can be used by students to compare land cover around the world and will be used by scientists to improve land cover classifications for climate models. For more information on how to participate, please visit http://1.usa.gov/HcWsQN.

OSSI: SOLAR – Summer 2011 Opportunities for Higher Education Students (Apply by March 16)

(Apply by March 16 for Summer 2012 Opportunities)

The NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) strives to provide students at all institutions of higher education access to a portfolio of internship, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities offered by NASA mission directorates and centers. Visit the OSSI LaunchPad to find information on these opportunities. The site features the OSSI: Student Online Application for Recruiting Interns, Fellows, and Scholars, or SOLAR. This system allows students to search and apply for all types of higher-education NASA opportunities in one location. A single application places the student in the applicant pool for consideration by all NASA mentors. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/waIiew.

Participate in GLOBE at Night! (Feb. 12-21)

Calling all Earthlings! Take a few minutes to get involved in the GLOBE at Night campaign to preserve dark skies! GLOBE at Night is a citizen-science campaign open to people all over the world to raise awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen scientists to measure their night sky brightness and report their observations to a website from a computer or smart phone. Light pollution threatens not only our “right to starlight,” but can affect energy consumption, wildlife and health. Please join GLOBE to participate in the 2012 campaign an hour after sunset until about 10pm during the following dates:

• Feb. 12-21
• March 13-22
• April 11-20

For more information and resources, please visit http://www.globeatnight.org.

Galileo Goes to Mars – Astronomy Workshop for Teachers Grades 3-12 (Aug. 4-5)

(Aug. 4-5; 8:30 am-5:00 pm; DoubleTree Hotel Reid Park, Tucson, Ariz.)

In this workshop, participants will explore classroom-tested, standards-based astronomy activities, with a focus on the solar system. Participants will learn about the development of students’ understanding of science and science reasoning skills, and explore historical and multicultural perspectives on astronomy. Discussion will also cover how astronomy and space science fit into the new science framework and standards, and how to teach about recent developments in the exploration of the universe.

Registration is $75 (a limited number of scholarships are still available), and includes the new Universe at Your Fingertips DVD, which contains a collection of 133 classroom-ready activities. A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants, for proof of professional advancement. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/IbX6is.

Meteorite Outreach Event for the General Public (July 18)

(July 18; Newberg, Ore, Library)

The general public is invited to attend an upcoming program on meteorites in the Pacific Northwest, sponsored by the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. The Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory is actively involved in programs geared towards educators and the public, including public lectures featuring PowerPoint presentations, and a number of meteorites that participants may examine and hold. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/M1ohhv.

NASA DEVELOP Program Seeks High School-Postdoc Interns (Apply by July 23)

(Apply by July 23)

DEVELOP is a NASA Science Mission Directorate Applied Sciences-sponsored internship that fosters training and development of students in the atmospheric and geosciences. The DEVELOP Program extends the application of NASA Earth Science research and technology to meet societal needs. Students conduct projects that focus on the practical applications of NASA’s Earth Science research and demonstrate how results can benefit partner organizations and local communities. Advisers and mentors, from NASA and partnering institutions, provide guidance and support during the 10-week term. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/Qcl2p6.

Climate Change PBL Modules Available for Classroom Pilot Testing – Middle and High School

The Exploring the Environment – Global Climate Change (ETE-GCC) project announces that five modules are ready for pilot testing: Global Temperatures, Ice Caps and Sea Levels, Human Health, Volcanoes, and Drought. These new modules present an updated theoretical approach to problem-based learning (PBL) that focuses on scientific inquiry, use of satellite imagery, and incorporating of teaching strategies recommended in the Next Generation Science Standards. ETE-GCC welcomes the insights and recommendations from middle and high school teachers who are willing to pilot test these problem-based learning activities. Pre-service teachers are also welcome to participate in the process as well.

If you would like to participate in the pilot program, please sign up by sending an email to ete@cet.edu, or by requesting access to the site by selecting “Log In” at http://bit.ly/Mte7pL.

GLOBE Great Global Investigation of Climate – Quarterly Intensive Observing Period (June 1-30)

(June 1-30)

The next Great Global Investigation of Climate (GGIC) Intensive Observing Period (IOP) will take place June 1-30, 2012. Students collect and enter temperature and precipitation data in the GLOBE database, and investigate how to classify local weather and climate. To learn more about the GGIC, and to download the Teacher’s Participation Guide, visit http://bit.ly/LfHjyf .

Student Event at AAS Summer Meeting (RSVP by May 15)

(RSVP by May 15; June 12, Dena’ina Convention Center, Anchorage, Alaska)

The American Astronomical Society is proud to host a student event in conjunction with this year’s summer meeting. Dr. John Grunsfeld will kick off the event, which will draw several hundred middle and high school students and their parents. AAS is looking for projects, programs, and missions that are interested in doing short presentations, demonstrations, or hands-on activities to a succession of small groups of approximately 20 students and parents on the afternoon of June 12th. Interested parties may participate as exhibitors or by renting a table for $250 through http://bit.ly/I7J0MU. For more information about the week’s activities, please visit http://bit.ly/JBRKji.

NASA Planetary Science Summer School for PhD Students and Recent Graduates (Apply by April 3)

(Apply by April 3; 18-22 June and 16-20 July, Pasadena, Calif.)

NASA is accepting applications from science and engineering post-docs, recent PhDs, and doctoral students for its 24th Annual Planetary Science Summer School. During the program and pre-session webinars, student teams will carry out the equivalent of an early mission concept study, prepare a proposal authorization review presentation, present it to a review board, and receive feedback. By the end of the session, students will have a clearer understanding of the life cycle of a space mission; relationships between mission design, cost, and schedule; and the tradeoffs necessary to stay within cost and schedule while preserving the quality of science. Partial financial support is available to a limited number of individuals. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/y8TPOl.

Astronomy Night on the National Mall (April 28)

(April 28; 7:00pm – 11:00 pm, National Mall, 15th Street and Constitution Ave, Washington, D.C.)

The third annual Astronomy Night on the National Mall is approaching, sponsored by Hofstra University and the USA Science and Engineering Festival. This event will feature telescopic viewing, exhibits, hands-on activities, a multimedia presentation, and a chance to interact with professional astronomers. Representatives from many astronomical institutions will be on hand, including those from the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics/Chandra X-ray Center, and NASA. In the event of rain or clouds, the event will be held on April 29.

Climate Science Research for Educators and Students (CSRES): Understanding Sun/Earth/Atmosphere Interactions – Workshop for Secondary School Educators (Apply by May 31)

(Apply by May 31; June 28-30, Queens College, New York City, N.Y.)

Secondary school educators interested in enhancing their effectiveness in teaching about climate and climate change are invited to participate in this workshop, funded through NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) program. This workshop, conducted by the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education, in partnership with Queens College, has the goal of developing a comprehensive approach to developing teachers’ and students’ understanding of sun/Earth/atmosphere interactions through hands-on student activities and research that combine NASA climate data with innovative and inexpensive instruments for ground-based measurements. The program also hopes to start building an infrastructure that enables secondary school students to undertake independent climate science research projects that will be competitive in high-level local, regional, and national science competitions.

Some travel support may be available for participants from outside the New York City metropolitan area. Fore more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/tpNh4R.

IGES Earth Day Photo Contest – Grades 5-8 (Entries Due May 11)

(Entries due May 11)

Our planet is changing quickly – and what better way to capture those seasonal changer than with a photograph. Spring is a dynamic season: gray and brown landscapes give way to green trees and colorful flowers, birds migrate to summer homes, and weather patterns change. During the week of Earth Day (April 22), middle school students across the country can be part of a unique photography and short essay contest, documenting changes in their local environment. The top three winners will receive $150, $100, and $75 Visa gift cards. For more information and complete rules, visit http://bit.ly/yV35bh.

2012 NASA Earth Ambassador Training Program for Informal Educators (Apply by March 5)

(Apply by March 5; June 4-15)

Informal Educators are invited to apply to the Earth Ambassador Program, part of NASA Climate Day. An Earth Ambassador is someone who is committed to the support of a series of nationwide NASA Climate Day events hosted at his or her own institution using the NASA Climate Day Kit. This kit contains educational and public outreach resources.

Selected ambassadors will take part in a two-week virtual training workshop. To sustain the engagement of Earth Ambassadors, quarterly online webinars and monthly telecons will provide up-to-date information on Climate Day Kit resources and the latest scientific research. Ambassadors will be able to collaborate with each other, the proposers, and the public through listservs, social media networks, and online collaborative spaces. For more information and to apply online, visit http://bit.ly/2012AO.

Symposium on Climate Change Education at NARST Confernece (March 25)

(March 25, 1:00-2:30pm ET; JW Marriott, Room 303, Indianapolis, Ind.)

As part of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference, the symposium Climate Change Education: Curriculum, Controversy, Culture, and Critical Review, will explore why we should understand the factors that contribute to climate and climate change, and how changes in climate can affect our lives. We need to understand how our energy, land, and natural resources interact with climate, how to prevent the most disruptive effects of climate change, and how to adapt to changes that cannot be avoided. These issues cross multiple science domains, and the discussion will explore how to address many of theses issues in the classroom, including how NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) can provide insight. This symposium will be facilitated by: Anna R. Lewis, Coalition for Science Literacy at USF; Susan Buhr, University of Colorado; Julie Thomas, Oklahoma State University; and Anne L. Kern, University of Ohio.

If you cannot attend the symposium, but would like access to the meeting notes and outcomes, please email Anna Lewis. To find out more about the National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference, please visit http://bit.ly/vZ1xXb.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education – Webinars for High School Teachers (Sept. 25, Oct. 30)

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education, a project for high school teachers, is holding two webinars this fall that are open for anyone to attend. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/QLk0Ov:

• Sept. 25 – This webinar will cover MovieTracker software. Presenter John Pickle, a high school teacher and developer of MovieTracker, will illustrate how the software can make digital images into movies, and provide tools for spatial and color analysis of these movies. Applications for classroom use entail changing the speed and/or direction of the movie.
• Oct. 30 – This webinar will cover PicturePost. Dr. Annette Schloss, Research Scientist at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, will discuss PicturePost, which is part of the Digital Earth Watch (DEW) network that supports environmental monitoring by citizens, students, and community organizations through digital photography and satellite imagery. Learn how teachers and students can contribute using digital images in a growing archive aimed at measuring environmental change.

Opportunity for Middle and High School Students to Publish Climate Research (NOI due Nov. 30)

(Notice of intent to submit due Nov. 30)

Harvard University’s Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) has formed a collaboration with the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education to publish a series of peer-reviewed climate-related papers authored by middle- and secondary-school students.

JEI is an open-access peer-reviewed online journal whose mission is to encourage and publish authentic student research. In addition to stand-alone research papers, JEI also encourages students who are developing science fair projects to submit journal articles based on those projects. Instructions on how to submit and guidelines for articles, including some practical suggestions for converting a science fair project into a journal article submission, can be found here: http://bit.ly/LYXdDx. For more information and questions, please contact David Brooks.

2012 Music and Astronomy Under the Stars – Events for July

Join Dr. Donald Lubowich, coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, for a series of events bringing astronomy to the public. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts. Observations of the moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae will be featured at intermission and after the concerts. Videos, posters, and hands-on activities will be available. Participants will also be able to listen to the sounds of the sun. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/NwU8Fg. Upcoming events for July include:

• July 14 – East Islip, N.Y. – Heckscher State Park
• July 24 – West Hempstead, N.Y. – Echo Park
• July 28 – Farmingdale, N.Y. – Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park
• July 31 – Highland Park, Ill. – Ravinia Music Festival

Transit of Venus Resources and Activities (June 5)

Transit of Venus Webcast

The Sun-Earth Day and NASA EDGE Teams will bring the Transit of Venus to the world from the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. During a live webcast, the transit will be shown in high definition video through H-alpha, calcium-K, and White Light telescopes. Coverage will consist of video of the transit, interviews with scientists and Native Hawaiians, and question and answer sessions.

Resources are available on the website, including videos providing cultural and historical information about the transit. Other materials include bookmarks, wallpapers, and a flier that can be easily downloaded from the website. A Google map is also available to see where events are happening. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/H1raix.

Transit of Venus at the Cincinnati Observatory and Ault Park
5:00-9:00pm ET, $5 suggested donation at the Observatory

Watch the Transit of Venus at the Cincinnati Observatory and Ault Park! Observatory members will set up safe solar telescopes and demonstrate other creative ways to view this event. Looking at the Sun is dangerous, so please view with the professionals. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/LmgvPY.

Transit of Venus at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
3:00pm-8:00pm MT, admission fee required

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will host a special event in conjunction with the Transit of Venus. View the live NASA webcast from the planetarium, and participate in activities for the whole family. A talk will be given by Dr. Larry Crumpler, Museum Research Curator and Planetary Geologist, at 6:00pm MT. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/JRwszy.

Earth: The Final Frontier Video Contest (Entries Due May 31)

(Entries Due May 31)

To mark Earth Day 2012, NASA invites the public to create compelling videos of NASA’s exploration of Earth: the Final Frontier. Entrants will post short videos on YouTube that capture what they find inspiring and important about the unique view and understanding of Earth provided by NASA science. The winner will receive behind-the-scenes access to the next rocket launch of a NASA Earth-observing satellite. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), a joint project of NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, is scheduled to launch in January 2013. For more information and guidelines for entering the contest, visit http://1.usa.gov/JFMZCt.

“Where in the Solar System is This Image?” Classroom Connections Webinar – Grades 4-12 (May 10)

(May 10)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigations in the classroom using NASA data and resources. This Classroom Connection Webinar will feature an interactive presentation connecting students with a scientist at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Students will practice their observation, critical thinking, geography, and solar system knowledge skills by using astronaut imagery of Earth and remote sensing imagery of other planetary bodies in our Solar System. For more information and to register, please visit http://1.usa.gov/JZuCuU.

NASA GLOBE Research Opportunity for Middle and High School Teachers (Apply by April 15)

(Apply by April 15; July 9-20, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.)

NASA is looking for middle and high school teachers to join a research team that will spend the summer collaborating with NASA scientists on an authentic research project. Selected teachers will receive training focused on atmospheric science and become GLOBE certified. Teachers will continue their research throughout 2012 with virtual Research Team meetings and earn a stipend for participation. Teachers may also submit proposals for travel funding to present their research at related conferences. Additional information including application requirements can be found at http://bit.ly/vnQZlp.

Transit of Venus Webcast (June 5)

(June 5)

On June 5th, 2012, the Transit of Venus will be seen for the last time in our lifetime. This rare event will not be visible again until 2117. The Sun-Earth Day and NASA EDGE Teams will bring this transit to the world from the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. During a live webcast, the transit will be shown in high definition video through H-alpha, Calcium-K, and White Light telescopes. The transit is 6.5 hours long, and coverage will consist of video of the transit, interviews with scientists and Native Hawaiians, and question and answer sessions. Videos will also be shown that highlight transit science and history, as well as the history and culture of Hawaii. Resources and additional information can be found at http://1.usa.gov/H1raix. For additional information, contact Elaine Lewis.

Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science – A Workshop for High School Teachers (July 19-23)

(July 19-23; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)

High school teachers, both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach, are invited to attend this week-long workshop investigating Mars science and exploration. Topics include a comparison of Earth and Mars geologic features, Mars’ volcanic and aqueous mineralogy, spectroscopy, Mars exploration, and the relationship between science and technology. Workshop registration is free, and participants will receive a $700 stipend upon completion of the workshop. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/H9Albf.

NASA’s Multiwavelength Universe Online Professional Development for Educators (June 25-July 13)

(June 25-July 13)

Explore NASA resources in a combination of online synchronous and asynchronous formats to understand how astronomers use their knowledge of light to investigate the universe. Participants will have the opportunity to obtain academic credit through Sonoma State University (1 credit for EDUC 490 or 1.5 Continuing Education Credits). For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/GTMM1t.

GLOBE Earth Day Video Competiton (Deadline March 15)

(Entries must be submitted by March 15)

The GLOBE Earth Day video competition is a great way to join in the fun of Earth Day. Encourage your students to create a short (two-minutes or less) video of their classmates exploring and investigating the local climate through data collection and climate-focused GLOBE learning activities. Prizes go to the top entries in each region and will also be showcased on the GLOBE website. Details, including prizes and instructions on how to submit an entry, are available at http://1.usa.gov/wjQcmj.

A Vision of Discovery Workshop – K-12 Educators (Register by March 1)

(Register by March 1; March 10)

NASA’s Discovery and New Frontiers missions are exploring the solar system and sending back to Earth never-before-seen images. This workshop presents new images of Mercury from MESSENGER, of Asteroid Vesta from Dawn, and Pluto and the Kupier Belt from New Horizons. Participants will get the latest updates on these mission from scientists, then learn how to use art to engage students in the appreciation and interpretation of NASA imagery. Techniques for inspiring and energizing students will be presented, along with activities that will help students analyze and understand science images using the elements of art.

The workshop will be held in four locations: NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, Pasadena, Calif.; Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, Md.; NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, Ore. A registration fee of $25 is required, and includes a packet of resources. For those who cannot attend, a webinar option will be offered. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/zZ8fC4.

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond Webinars (Feb. 14, 16, and 22)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigations in the classroom using NASA data and resources. It also provides opportunities to connect with NASA or university scientists. Throughout the year, the program is offering a number of free online teacher trainings, as well as classroom connection opportunities for teachers and students with scientists. Below are the events being offered in February:

• Feb. 14, 1:15-2:30pm ET – Classroom Connections Webinar, Grades 4-12: This distance learning event, Volcanoes on Earth and in the Solar System, provides an interactive presentation connecting students with a scientist at NASA Johnson Space Center. Information about volcanoes, including astronaut imagery of volcanoes on Earth and other imagery of volcanoes found on other planetary worlds, will be shared. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/y4YMvh.
• Feb. 16, 11:15am-12:30pm ET – Classroom Connection Webinar, Grades 4-12: This is the second opportunity to participate in the interactive Volcanoes on Earth and in the Solar System described above. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/y0jpO8.
• Feb. 22, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 5-12: This session will introduce participants to the Blue Marble Matches classroom activity, which provides background on geologic processes on Earth and other planets in our Solar System. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/y71Yfp.

NASA 24th Annual Planetary Science Summer School for Post-Graduates/PhD Students (Apply by March 28)

(Apply by March 28; June 18-22 and July 16-20)

NASA is accepting applications from science and engineering post-docs, recent PhDs, and doctoral students for it’s 24th Annual Planetary Science Summer School, which will hold two separate sessions this summer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. During the program and pre-session webinars, student teams will carry out the equivalent of an early mission concept study, prepare a proposal authorization review presentation, present it to a review board, and receive feedback. By the end of the session, students will have a clearer understanding of the life cycle of a space mission; relationships between mission design, cost and schedule; and the tradeoffs necessary to stay within cost and schedule while preserving the quality of science. Partial financial support is available for a limited number of individuals. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/y8TPOl.

Engaging Minority University STEM Professors in the Science of Climate Change Summer Workshop (Apply by June 8)

(Apply by June 8; Aug. 6-10, Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, N.C.)

Elizabeth City State University has joined with the University of New Hampshire under the NASA Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) Program to empower faculty of education programs at Minority Serving Institutions to better engage their pre-service teachers in teaching and learning about global climate change through the use of NASA Earth observations sets. The workshops will provide the faculty with approaches to understand climate change and its impacts on terrestrials and ocean ecosystems. Faculty will conduct field work that emphasized place-based pedagogy. They will work with an ecological model in STELLA that utilizes authentic inputs from historical and future climate scenario parameters, with NASA satellite imagery data from the MODIS and SeaWiFS sensors, and have a discussion of the challenges and approaches to integrating all or some of the lessons into their courses. Faculty will receive travel support and at $500 stipend. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/Kg2m5B.

Mars for Earthlings – Faculty/Postdoc Workshop (Apply by Oct. 1)

(Apply by Oct. 1; Nov. 3, GSA Annual Meeting, Charlotte, N.C.)

Mars for Earthlings will be conducting its first faculty/postdoc half-day workshops at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting. Registrants will receive ready-made teaching modules and materials to be utilized in undergraduate Earth and planetary science courses. Introductions and walk-throughs of Earth analogs to Mars and Mars-related software will be provided. With attendance, registrants will receive a voucher for the amount of their registration to the GSA bookstore. For more information on registration and deadlines, please visit http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2012/courses.htm.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for New Data, New Ideas

May’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “New Data, New Ideas.” Our understanding of the solar system is constantly changing as we develop new technologies and make new discoveries. Join the YSS team as they explore the scientific process of gathering new data and formulating new ideas! To find resources and events relating to this month’s topic, please visit http://1.usa.gov/JGFUpc.

NASA G.I.R.L.S. Mentoring Program – Grades 5-8 (Apply by June 15)

(Applications Accepted May 15-June 15)

NASA is looking for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Women@NASA has created a mentoring project that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for middle school girls. Participants will get to explore the possibilities of a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The project will feature one-on-one mentoring from women working at NASA, and participants will complete online lessons with their mentors while virtually connected through Skype or Google Chat. The mentoring project will take place over a five-week period during the summer. For more information and to register online, visit http://bit.ly/IbUh0V.

Beautiful Earth – Earth Day Events (April 18 & 19)

Multimedia Performance and Science Dialogue on NASA’s Digital Learning Network (April 18; 1:00-2:00pm EST): Join Director and musician Kenji Williams as he takes an Internet audience on a tour of the Earth from space with the BELLA GAIA multimedia show, and facilitates a discussion with NASA Earth scientist Thorsten Markus and Native American science educator Jim Rock. The program will emphasize Earth’s water in all its forms, from Western scientific and multicultural points of view. The event will take place with a real-time Internet link-up, allowing students and teachers to interact live with the program. The program will also be webcast and broadcast on NASA TV.

Student Program at the NASA Goddard Visitor Center (April 19; 10:00am-1:00pm EST): This program will combine a live multi-media show of Earth systems viewed from space, discussions with scientists, and hands-on workshops. As in the DLN event, the focus will be on Earth’s water in all its forms, from Western scientific and multicultural points of view. Students and teachers will participate in hands-on workshops based on grade level. This is a closed student event, however, there are limited spaces available. For more information on participating, please contact Valerie Casasanto.

For more information on these events, please visit http://beautifulearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/ (site will be available in early April) and http://tinyurl.com/2ckg2rh.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Workshop for Grade 6-12 Educators

Science teachers are invited to attend a free workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Participants will learn about recent discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, gain tools to address common student misconceptions about the Moon, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, and learn how to bring LRO data to their students using activities aligned with National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks. Where possible, workshops will include either a tour of a science facility or field trip that will help participants better understand mission operations or geologic processes relevant to the Moon. The workshops will be held on the following dates:

• June 4-8 – Durango Discovery Museum; Durango, Colo.
• June 18-22 – Morehead State University; Morehead, Ky.
• June 25-29 – Lunar and Planetary Institute; Houston, Texas
• July 9-13 – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; Greenbelt, Md.
• July 30-Aug. 3 – Museum of the North – University of Alaska; Fairbanks, Alaska

For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/xFXw59.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Shadows of the Sun

March’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “Shadows of the Sun.” The sun’s light, gravity, and storms profoundly affect our planet’s motions, weather, oceans, and life, as well as other objects in our solar system. This month YSS also celebrates Sun-Earth Day (March 19 – http://1.usa.gov/ACZr0v). To find more events and resources relating to the sun, visit http://1.usa.gov/wTCsvZ.

Solar Week Spring 2012 – Upper Elementary-Early High School (March 19-21)

Every fall and spring since 2000, Solar Week has provided a week-long series of web-based educational classroom activities and games for students with a focus on our dynamic Sun and its effects on Earth. Students learn about solar eclipses, sunspots, solar flares, and solar storms through a series of activities, games, and lessons.

Solar week is ideal for students studying the solar system, the stars, or astronomy in general, and now Solar Week features a day on solar energy. It is also for students wondering what it is like to be a scientist, and considering possible career choices. After doing the activities, students can interact on the bulletin board with leading scientists at the forefront of Sun-Earth research. Solar week is a collaboration between University of California, Berkeley and Rice University. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/Af2UK4.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Far-Ranging Robots

February’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “Far-Ranging Robots.” Working under harsh conditions, robotic missions have faced extremes on other worlds. Scientists and engineers continue to find creative solutions to the challenges presented by the conditions in our solar system. To find events and resources related to robotic missions, visit http://1.usa.gov/wVbHVs.

Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for High School Teachers (Apply by April 13)

(Apply by April 13; July 23-28, San Francisco, Calif.)

ASSET, a science and curriculum institute for high school science teachers, offers an interactive and content-rich program, with presentations by leading astrobiology researchers from the SETI Institute, NASA, and California Academy of Sciences. Participants will receive the Voyages Through Time curriculum (http://bit.ly/Au9o7Z). All expenses are covered through grant funds. Two person teams or single person applications will be accepted. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/y2Ttf5.

MS PHD’s Cohort IX: 2012-2014 Professional Development Program for Undergraduate/Graduate Students (Apply by Aug. 31)

(Apply by Aug. 31)

The Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success (MS PHD’S) Professional Development Program facilitates mentoring and networking activities for minority undergraduate and graduate Earth system science and engineering (ESSE) majors and provides a supportive environment in which participants develop strategies and professional skills necessary to excel in Earth system science and engineering fields. Space is also available for those interested in being mentors. To learn more, visit http://www.msphds.org/.

Satellites and Education Conference XXV (Aug. 9-11)

(Aug. 9-11; Los Angeles, Calif.)

Join the Satellite Educators Association for their annual conference! This conference is for educators interested in discovering ways to use satellites and related technologies in the classroom. Participants learn ways to help students appreciate and understand the complex interrelationships among science, technology, individuals, societies, and the environment. Conference attendees learn to develop and apply inquiry and technology skills to study authentic questions and problems. In conjunction with this year’s conference, a two-day training session for The GLOBE Program will take place on Aug. 10-11. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/N4rzle.

NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity Landing Educator Conference (Register by July 13)

(Register by July 13; Aug. 3-5, NASA JPL, Pasadena, Calif.)

Join in the historic landing of NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity at Gale Crater! Bring Mars exploration to your classroom with standards-aligned, STEM-based, hands-on activities, and take home image-rich learning materials. Mission team members will share their stories, and participants will see mission control, rover test beds, and more. The event will conclude with Curiosity’s anticipated landing at 10:31pm, Aug. 5, PDT.

The cost is $40 per participant, and includes materials and lunches on Friday and Saturday. Lodging and transportation costs are the responsibility of the participant. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/M0RvM2.

2012 Gregory G. Leptoukh Online Giovanni Workshop for Scientists, High School and Undergrad Educators (Sept. 2012)

(Sept. 2012, Exact dates TBD)

In September 2012, the NASA Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) will host an online workshop focused on the use of the pioneering data visualization and analysis tool, Giovanni. The online workshop will be organized around four main themes: Earth system research utilizing Giovanni; Giovanni applications (air quality, disaster management, environmental monitoring, etc.); planned and desired augmentation of Giovanni; and educational use of Giovanni. The workshop will primarily consist of online author-led presentations coupled with real-time discussions about these presentations. Presentations and chat logs will be available online for review, for those not able to participate in live sessions. To indicate interest, please email Dr. James G. Acker, or visit http://1.usa.gov/M9Hyi7 for more information.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Got Life?

The Year of the Solar System topic for July/August is “Got Life?” As humans, we gather perspective through our relationships with other people and with our environment. Similarly, as we study our solar system and worlds beyond, we search for the information about our relationship with the Universe – where else does life exist? To find resources and events relating to this month’s topic, please visit http://1.usa.gov/KGypKY.

Meteorite Outreach Events for the General Public (May 11, 12, 18)

The general public is invited to attend programs on meteorites in the Pacific Northwest, sponsored by the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. Most programs feature a PowerPoint presentation, and a number of meteorites that participants may examine and hold. The following are upcoming presentations:

• May 11 – Portland, Ore.
• May 12 – Hillsboro, Ore.
• May 18 – Kennewick, Wash.

For more details, please visit http://bit.ly/If8sDU.

Galileo Goes to Mars – Workshop for Teachers Grades 3-12 (Register by June 10)

(Register by June 10; Aug. 4-5, 8:30am-5:30pm; ASP Annual Meeting, DoubleTree Hotel Reid Park, Tucson, Ariz.)

In this workshop, participants will explore classroom-tested, standards-based astronomy activities, with a focus on the solar system. Participants will learn about the development of students’ understanding of science and science reasoning skills, which explore historical and multicultural perspectives on astronomy. Discussion will also cover how astronomy and space science fit into the new science framework and standards, and how to teach about recent developments in the exploration of the universe.

Registration is $75, and includes the new Universe at Your Fingertips DVD, which contains a collection of 133 classroom-ready activities. A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants, for proof of professional advancement. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/IbX6is.

Transit of Venus Events and Resources (June 5)

(June 5)

The Sun-Earth Day and NASA EDGE Teams will bring the Transit of Venus to the world from the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. During a live webcast, the transit will be shown in high definition video through H-alpha, Calcium-K, and White Light telescopes. Coverage will consist of video of the transit, interviews with scientists and Native Hawaiians, and question and answer sessions.

Resources are available on the website for use in museum events and classroom participation, including videos providing cultural and historical information about the transit. Promotional materials include bookmarks, wallpapers, and a flier that can easily be downloaded from the website. A Google map is also available, to see where events are happening, and where you can submit your own event. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/H1raix.

High School Science Teachers Needed for Dawn Curriculum Content Study

Are you interested in an opportunity for your class to learn more about NASA space science? Dawn Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) has developed a module of activities unpacking the concepts underlying how Dawn’s instruments gather and analyze data: Interactions of Energy and Matter: Dawn Instrumentation. Ideal for high school physics, chemistry, and integrated science classes, the materials are being piloted during the spring and fall of 2012. To preview the module, please visit http://bit.ly/z4AYkh. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Sharon Unkart.

Expedition Earth and Beyond Webinar – Grades 4-12 (March 27)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigations in the classroom using NASA data and resources. It also provides opportunities to connect with NASA or university scientists. Throughout the year, the program is offering a number of free online teacher trainings, as well as classroom connection opportunities for teachers and students with scientists. Below are the events being offered in March:

• March 27, 12:15-1:30pm ET – Classroom Connections Webinar, Grades 4-12 – Join this distance learning event (Viewing Aurora from Space) for an interactive presentation connecting students with a scientist at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Information about aurora, including video and astronaut imagery of aurora on Earth, will be presented.  http://1.usa.gov/zei1tt

Stars on Sundays 2012 (Feb. 5, March 4, April 1, May 6)

The Hofstra University Department of Physics and Astronomy invites kids of all ages to view the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, star clusters, nebulae, and double stars with telescopes from the Hofstra Observatory in Uniondale, N.Y. Each program begins with a short lecture.

• Feb. 5, 6-8pm: Super Bowl Star Party
• March 4, 6-8pm
• April 1, 8-10pm
• May 6, 8-10pm

For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/yI1uip.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education Educators and Students (May 5, June 9-10)

The Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education announces a series of educator workshops for astronomy educators. The goal of these workshops is to familiarize participants with research-validated active engagement teaching strategies and assessment materials, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend most of the workshop in the roles of student, instructor and critical friend to practice implementing new strategies learned. Advanced levels are available for those who have participated in previous CAE workshops. To learn more and register, visit http://bit.ly/rLp5cu.

• May 5 – Oceanside, Calif. – Regional Teaching Exchange on Implementing Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
• June 9-10 – Anchorage, Alaska – Improving the College Introductory Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop (Fee)
• June 10 – Anchorage, Alaska – NASA CAE Tier II (Advanced) Special Topics Workshop: Using Technology in the Classroom (Fee)

Student Climate Research Campaign Workshop Series for Educators (Jan. 14, Feb. 18, March 17)

NASA Langley Research Center, in partnership with the Virginia Air and Space Center, is offering a series of GLOBE Teacher Training Workshops supporting the Student Climate Research Campaign. These free workshops will provide approximately 5.5 hours of professional development per workshop.

• Jan. 14, 9am-3pm ET – Atmosphere and Climate – This workshop will prepare teachers for the next Great Global Investigation of Climate Intensive Observing Period. Teachers will become certified in temperature, precipitation, and cloud protocols.
• Feb. 18, 9am-3pm ET – Phenology and Climate – This workshop will introduce teachers to the Great Global Investigation of Climate, and the Climate and Land Cover Intensive Observing Period. Teachers will become certified in green-up and green-down, budburst, and temperature protocols.
• March 17, 9am-3pm ET – Land Cover and Climate – This workshop will prepare teachers for the next Climate and Land Cover Intensive Observing Period. Teachers will become certified in biometry, land cover site, and MUC classification protocols.

All workshops will be held at the Virgina Air and Space Center in Hampton, Va. For more information on the workshops, the GLOBE program, and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/vnQZlp.

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond Webinar (Jan. 17)

(Jan. 17, 6:30-7:45pm ET)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigations in the classroom using NASA data and resources. This teacher training session will provide participants with an overview and tutorial of the optional use of Wikispaces as classes participate in Expedition Earth and Beyond. The EEAB Wikis provide useful information for students conducting research, areas where teams can be mentored by a science expert, and a place for teachers to ask questions and learn from one another. Details on how to get a class set up and working with a mentor on a student-led investigation will be provided. For more information and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/uuve22.

NASA’s Aquarius Educator Webinar Series (Jan. 17 & 24)

(Jan. 17 & 24, 7-8pm ET)

NASA will host a two-part webinar series on the Aquarius/SAC-D Satellite and the science behind what it takes to measure the salinity of the world’s oceans. NASA scientists Gary Lageloef, David Le Vine and Yi Chao will discuss the complexities of getting accurate salinity measurements from space, and will share the most recent data collected by the satellite. The concept map-based webinars will also provide participants with a rich collection of educational resources relating to Aquarius, salinity and technology. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/un2imR.

Earthzine Annual Essay and Blogging Contest on Sustainability – Undergraduate/Graduate Students (Due Jan. 20)

(Deadline Extended to Jan. 20)

Earthzine invites undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to submit an essay for its 2011 Third Annual College and University Student Essay and Blogging Contest. This year’s theme is “How Can Earth Observation Help Us to Build a More Sustainable World?” Students are invited to submit original essays that describe, reflect upon, or envision roles for Earth observation in improving its website. The authors of each essay will be invited to lead a blog about their essay, and to participate in blogs of competing essays. Winners will be determined based on the overall quality of the essay and blog. Winners will share $1,200 in prizes, with $500 for the first prize. For full rules and to submit an essay, visit http://bit.ly/xLaQjM.

2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest (Entries Due April 16)

(Entries Due April 16)

From the massive Gulf oil spill to the continued decline of Arctic sea ice, NASA satellites and other observing instruments have proved crucial this year in monitoring the many environmental changes – both natural and human-induced – occurring on global, regional and local scales. The 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data.

The best project will receive cash awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. In the case of team entries, the cash award will be split equally among the winning team members. Winners will also be featured in an Encyclopedia of the Earth article. In addition to the student prizes, teachers or adult “coaches” of the first-, second-, and third-place students will receive a $200 Amazon.com gift card.

For more information, visit: http://www.strategies.org/thachercontest

Planet Hunters – Help Find Planets Using Kepler Data

Planet Hunters is a citizen science project where site visitors can help to sieve through data taken by the NASA Kepler space mission. These data consist of brightness measurements, or “light curves,” taken every thirty minutes for more than 150,000 stars. Users search for possible transit events — a brief dip in brightness that occurs when a planet passes in front of the star — with the goal of discovering a planet. The project’s first paper, Fischer, et al. 2011, ‘Planet Hunters: The First Two Planet Candidates Identified by the Public using the Kepler Public Archive Data‘ was published in September, and two more papers have recently been submitted: Schwamb, et al. 2012, ‘Planet Hunters: Assessing the Kepler Inventory of Short Period Planets‘ and Lintott, et al. 2012, ‘Planet Hunters: New planet candidates from the first year of analysis.‘ So far, over 10 million light curves have been classified by more than 100,000 users. To join the hunt, visit http://bit.ly/xh9kit.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Evolving Worlds

December’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “Evolving Worlds.” Like people, planets grow old. Over billions of years, they change. Planets can lose their atmospheres and oceans. They may gather craters. And as they age, planets cool and shrink, becoming more dense as they move into their senior years. To find events and resources related to this month’s topic, please visit http://1.usa.gov/sSxBiM.

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond Webinars (Dec. 6, 13, 20)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigations in the classroom using NASA data and resources. It also provides opportunities to connect with NASA or university scientists. Throughout the year, the program is offering a number of free online teacher trainings, as well as classroom connection opportunities that will teachers and students with scientists. Below are the events being offered in December:

• Dec, 6, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12: This session will focus on important aspects to assist students with the creation of an experiment design, as well as provide tips to help students collect and compile data for a student-led investigation. These steps are included as steps 4 and 5 of the modeled process of science in the Expedition Earth and Beyond Student Scientist Guidebook. To register, visit http://1.usa.gov/t7EOm8.
• Dec. 13, 6:30-7:45pm ET - Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12: This session will focus on important aspects to assist students conducting a student-led investigation focused on utilizing data, drawing conclusions, and sharing research. These steps are included as steps 6-9 of the modeled process of science in the Expedition Earth and Beyond Student Scientist Guidebook. To register, visit http://1.usa.gov/u3Gh81.
• Dec. 20, 6:00-6:30pm ET - Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12: This follow-up session will focus on important aspects to assist students conducting a student-led investigation. This brief overview of the process of science will help students conduct research with a focus on utilizing data, drawing conclusions and sharing research. To register, visit http://1.usa.gov/uUSWjW.

2012 Lunar Extreme Program and Workshop for Bay Area High School Teachers and Students (Apply by Dec. 12)

(Apply by Dec. 12; Jan.-June 2012)

DREAM – Dynamic Response of the Environment At the Moon – is one of several teams comprising the NASA Lunar Science Institute. The purpose of DREAM is to investigate the response of the lunar environment to the harsh and ever-changing conditions in space, including extreme events such as solar storms and impacts. DREAM is looking for two teams of high school teachers and students (4-6 students per teacher) in the Bay Area of California who would like to participate in the Lunar Extreme Program for Jan.-June 2012, culminating in participation at a Lunar Extreme Workshop with DREAM scientists on June 18-22, 2012, at Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. The target audience for this program are students who have already been exposed to physics, Earth science, chemistry, or computer modeling, and the teachers of these subjects. Teachers will be provided with small stipends for their participation. Participants will be notified of their acceptance by Dec. 16. To learn more and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/ulOB9J.

Using Microsoft’s Worldwide Telescope in the Classroom – Texas High School and Community College Educators (Apply by Dec. 20)

(Apply by Dec. 20; Jan. 8, Austin, Texas, 12-2pm)

The Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO) education and public outreach team, located at the Space Telescope Science Institute, will be offering a space science workshop to Texas high school and community college science educators. This workshop features Microsoft’s Worldwide Telescope, which allows for STEM-based subjects to be taught using astronomical data from Earth’s most powerful telescopes.

To register for the workshop, visit http://bit.ly/tcfHca. On the form, be sure to check the workshop name, listed as “Science Tools for Data-Intensive Astronomy.” A $35 registration fee is required, which will be reimbursed upon completion of the workshop. Please mail the registration form and send an email with your name, grade levels taught, School, State and Contact Number to Dan McCallister, STSCI.

AMS DataStreme Earth’s Climate Systems Professional Development Course for K-12 Educators (Jan.-April 2012)

The American Meteorological Society (AMS), with support from NASA and in partnership with the State University of New York’s College at Brockport, is developing a national cadre of K-12 teachers highly trained in climate science, and familiar with climate modeling. Teachers are trained through DataStreme Earth’s Climate System (ECS), a semester-long, graduate level, pre-college teacher professional development course. DataStreme ECS uses NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) data and visualizations, and introduced the Educational Global Climate Modeling (EdGCM) developed by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, to explore the fundamentals of climate change. Teachers completing the course construct and execute a Plan of Action to advance public climate science literacy and affect curriculum change within their local schools and districts.

DataStreme ECS is administered through 21 course Local Implementation Teams (LITs) across the country. The course is free to all participants, and the teachers are awarded three graduate credits upon successful completion of the course. For more information, including a listing of course offerings by state, and an application form, visit http://bit.ly/vvSBkG.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education Educators and Students (Jan. 7, 8, 20)

The Center for Astronomy Education announces a series of educator workshops for astronomy educators. The goal of these workshops is to familiarize participants with research-validated active engagement teaching strategies and assessment materials, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend most of the workshop in the role of student, instructor and critical friend to practice implementing new strategies learned. Advanced levels are available for those who have participated in previous CAE workshops.

• Jan. 7-8, Austin, Texas – Improving the College Introductory Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (introductory) Workshop ($45 registration fee)
• Jan. 8, Austin, Texas – NASA CAE Tier II (Advanced) Special Topics Workshop: Using Technology in the Classroom ($35 registration fee)
• Jan. 20, Ann Arbor, Mich. – Special Topics Workshop on Implementing Lecture – Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy (no registration fee)

To learn more and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/rLp5cu.

FameLab Astrobiology – Science Communication Competition for Grad Students/Early Career Astrobiologists (Jan. 13)

FameLab Astrobiology is a science communication competition focused on graduate students and post docs doing research in astrobiology. Via four preliminary and one final competition, early career astrobiologists will compete to convey their own research or related science concepts. Each contestant has the spotlight for only three minutes – slides and charts are not allowed. A panel of experts in both science and science communication will judge the events. Events will take place on the following dates:

• Jan. 13 – Houston, Texas – Lunar and Planetary Institute
• Feb. 10 – Denver, Co. – Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• March 9 – Washington, D.C. – NASA HQ/National Geographic Society
• Jan.-March – Online via YouTube
• FINAL: April 12-16 – Atlanta, Ga. – Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon)

Each preliminary event will feature science communication training and enrichment activities, providing exposure to alternative careers. There will be a two-day master class for finalists, prior to the final event in April. The winner will go on to compete in the International FameLab Final in the UK in June 2012. To find more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/sIz7Py. Questions may be directed to Daniella Scalice, NASA Astrobiology Institute.

2012 NASA Student Airborne Research Program – Undergrad and Early Graduate Students (Apply by Feb. 10)

(Apply by Feb. 10; Apply by Jan. 20 for Early Acceptance; Internship June 17-Aug. 10)

The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated junior and senior undergraduate and early graduate students to apply for participation in the NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2012). The summer internship program provides student with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign. Students will work in four multi-disciplinary teams to study surface, atmospheric, and oceanographic processes. Participants will fly onboard the NASA P-3B aircraft, where they will assist in the operation of instruments to sample and measure atmospheric gases, and to image land and water surface in multiple spectral bands. The flights will take place at NASA’s Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility, in Palmdale, Calif. Post-flight data analysis and interpretation will take place at the University of California, Irvine.

Applicants must have a strong background in any of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, or engineering, and an interest in applying their background to the study of the Earth system. For more information and to download the program application, please visit http://bit.ly/tpVjqE.

AMS Climate Diversity Project Course Professional Development for Undergraduate Faculty (Apply by March 15)

(Apply by March 15; May 20-25, Washington, D.C.; Jan. 5-8, 2013, Austin, Texas)

The American Meteorological Society invites minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to offer an introductory-level climate science course, AMS Climate Studies. This course explores the scientific principals governing Earth’s climate system, climate variability and change, and introduces societal and sustainability challenges. The lesson format allows students to explore real-world climate data and become informed citizens.

Professional development training is offered with no cost to designated climate course instructors through a NSF Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences grant. Workshops will cover climate science training, course implementation strategies, and issues related to enhancing diversity in the geosciences. Workshops will be held in conjunction with the AMS’s Annual Meeting. For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/thaKTR.

ASP Annual Meeting – Communicating Science: A National Conference on Education and Public Outreach (Aug. 4-8)

(Aug. 4-8; Doubletree by Hilton, Tucson, Ariz.)

The 124th annual meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific welcomes education and public outreach perspectives from astronomy, space, Earth and biological sciences, journalism, film, and social media, with a particular focus on effective communication of science and scientific ideas. There will be professional development sessions, hands-on workshops, special interest group meetings, talks, panels, poster papers, tours, and lots of time for networking. Special hotel rates have been arranged for participants. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/vSpJa6.

“Climate Science Research for Educators and Students” Professional Development Workshops for High School Science Teachers (Summer 2012)

The Institute for Earth Science Research and Education, in collaboration with Queens College/City University of New York, is now seeking participants for summer professional development workshops in the second year of its “Climate Science Research for Educators and Students” project. This project is funded under NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) initiative, and focuses on improving the understanding of sun-Earth-atmosphere interactions by helping educators and students develop high-quality, climate-related, science fair projects. The program focuses on using inexpensive instrumentation for monitoring solar radiation and the atmosphere, including instruments that educators and students can build themselves. All high school teachers are encouraged to apply, and travel funding is the responsibility of the participant. To apply, please contact David Brooks (610) 584-5619. For more information on the program, visit http://bit.ly/tpNh4R.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Magnetospheres: Planetary Shields

November’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “Magnetospheres: Planetary Shields.” The vast sea of space in our solar system is filled with powerful radiation and bombarded with high-speed atomic particles. In addition, the Sun generates a continuous stream of particles that we call the “solar wind.” These things are dangerous to life on Earth’s surface, but Earth’s planetary shield – the Earth’s magnetic field working together with our atmosphere – protects us. To find events and resources related to this month’s topic, visit http://1.usa.gov/rv5DBm.

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond Webinars (Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigation in the classroom using NASA data and resources. It also provides opportunities to connect with NASA or university scientists. Throughout the semester, the program is offering a number of free online teacher trainings, as well as classroom connection opportunities that will connect teachers and students with scientists. Upcoming events include:

• Nov. 1, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12 – Introduces and trains participants on the use of the Blue Marble Matches activity, which will help bring comparative planetology to the classroom. http://1.usa.gov/rYaYnN
• Nov. 8, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12 – Introduces and trains participants on strategies to use to transform students into researchers in the classroom. http://1.usa.gov/vpaKXD
• Nov. 15, 1:30-2:45pm ET – Classrooms Connection Webinar: Mars Rovers and Langers: Past, Present and Future – Connects students with a scientist from the NASA Johnson Space Center, who will discuss missions to the surface of Mars and the upcoming MSL lander mission. http://1.usa.gov/uvDoQx
• Nov. 29, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12 – Introduces and trains participants on the use of the Expedition Earth and Beyond Student Scientist Guidebook, allowing students to model the process of science as they conduct a research investigation. http://1.usa.gov/thYDfy

To check out other events being offered throughout the semester, please visit http://1.usa.gov/uuve22.

Earth and Space Exploration Day at ASU (Nov. 5)

(Nov. 5, 9am-3pm MT; Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz.)

The public is invited to spend a day exploring Earth and space with ASU scientists. Earth and Space Exploration Day provides a variety of science-related interactive activities for anyone interested in exploring Earth and space alongside real scientists. Hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, lab tours, and lectures will take place throughout the day, with a special unveiling to take place at 11am MT. Visitors will also be able to explore the latest NASA planetary images and tour Mars using the GeoWall 3-D projector. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/rp5SFN.

Free Public Lecture: Why Telescopes Are Amazing (Register by Nov. 7)

(Register by Nov. 7; Lecture Nov. 10, 7pm ET; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Visitors Center, Greenbelt, Md.)

Please join us for the second installment of the Gerald Soffen Public Lecture Series at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Visitors Center. Dr. Jane Rigby, Deputy Operations Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, will speak about “Why Space Telescopes Are Amazing.” Registration is free, but space is limited. All ages are welcome, and there will be hands-on activities for everyone after the lecture. To register, visit http://1.usa.gov/ttGZxs.

The First Kepler Science Conference (Register by Nov. 11)

(Register by Nov. 11; Dec. 5-9; NASA Ames Research Park, Moffett Field, Calif.)

The First Kepler Science Conference will highlight the full range of scientific results that have emerged from more than two years of Kepler observations, as well as what to expect from continued observations. The meeting will consist of 9-10 half-day sessions, each dedicated to a different topic. The conference is free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/spOyV4.

NASA’s SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador Program – Middle and High School Educators (Apply by Nov. 15)

(Apply by Nov. 15; Flights From Mid-2012 Through Mid-2013)

NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy is now accepting applications for its Cycle 1 Airborne Astronomy Ambassador (AAA) Program. Participants will fly on overnight missions, at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet, in conditions similar to that of a regular commercial flight, in order to capture data utilizing the 2.5 meter-diameter telescope on board. Participants will work side-by-side with NASA scientists as part of the mission, and will receive support materials to take back to the classroom. Two-member educator teams must include at least one grade 6-12 science teacher, and the second team member may be a math, science or technology teacher at elementary or secondary level, or an informal educator. For details on how to apply, visit http://bit.ly/rMn2uo.

Science Teachers Association of Texas Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science (Nov. 17-19)

(Nov. 17-19; Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas)

This year’s conference theme is “The Art of Science,” and will feature 3- and 6- hour short courses, workshops, field trips, special events and engaging speakers. NASA sessions includes the following:

• Science is Cool with NASA’s “Space School Musical” (short course)
• Unlocking the Mysteries: NASA Delivers Solar System Science to Your Classroom (short course)
• NASA’s Wise Mission Presents: More Than a Pretty Picture – Using Astronomical Data in the Classroom (workshop/jam session)
• NASA DIY: Podcasting in Your Classroom (workshop/jam session)
• NASA: Physics Assessment and Data Collection with Technology (workshop/jam session)
• NASA’s WISE Mission Presents: Size and Scale of the Universe (workshop/jam session)
• Size and Scale of the Universe (workshop/jam session)
• Answering the Big Bang Challenge (workshop/jam session)
• Space Weather in the Physics and Space Science Classroom (workshop/jam session)
• Electromagnetic Spectrum Global (workshop/jam session)
• Climate Change for Younger Students (workshop/jam session)

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/svlSyK.

Free Online Astronomy Workshop for Park and Nature Center Interpreters (Apply by Nov. 30)

(Apply by Nov. 30; Workshop Jan. 23-March 16)

Join the upcoming Sky Rangers online workshop, designed to enable park and nature center interpreters to share the night sky as an important natural resource. This free online workshop from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific provides materials and training for interpreters and outdoor educators who want to learn how to tell the story of the sky and bring the excitement of astronomy to their audiences. To learn more and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/ugFr2K .

Workshop: Understanding K-12 Science Learning Goals (Nov. 30-Dec. 2)

(Nov. 30-Dec. 2; Washington, D.C.)

Participants will work with a variety of tools – from strand maps in the Atlas of Science Literacy to state standards and the new conceptual framework for science education recently released by the National Research Council – to explore the knowledge and skills students are expected to have at each grade level and to try out new strategies for aligning classroom instruction, curriculum materials, and assessment with science learning goals. The workshop is suited for K-12 science and mathematics educators, administrators and curriculum specialists; informal science educators; teacher education faculty; education researchers; and curriculum and assessment developers. Workshop participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from AAAS Project 2061. For teams, the registration fee is $400/person. Individuals may register for $450. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/ucCu7W.

Exploration Station (Dec. 4)

(Dec. 4, 1-5pm PT; Moscone Center, San Francisco, Calif.)

Exploration Station, an annual four-hour science open house for families and teachers, is a free event open to the general public in association with AGU. The event will feature several NASA missions and programs, including the Solar Dynamics Observatory, CloudSat, Sun Earth Day, Chandra, and IRIS. Attendees will have a chance to meet scientists, do hands-on astronomy activities, and take home related resources collected during their visit to continue their excitement after the event. This event will follow the AGU public talk by astronaut and geoscientist Andrew Feustel. More information can be found at http://bit.ly/sNVls3.

2012 Faculty Institutes for NASA Earth and Space Science Education (FINESSE) – College Educators (Jan 3-4)

(Jan. 3-4; Clearwater Beach, Fla.)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2011-2012 FINESSE. This two-day workshop will assist university and community college science and education faculty in preparing future teachers in science. The 2012 institute will incorporate the theme of Our Solar System in a New Light, in conjunction with the Year of the Solar System.

FINESSE workshops are free, and participants receive a $300 stipend and lunch. During the workshop, NASA Earth and space scientists and educators share inquiry activities, data and resources. Registration will remain open while space is still available. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/vIr5Y5.

Polar Science Weekend at Pacific Science Center (March 1-4)

(March 1-4; Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Wash.)

The 7th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) brings student, teachers and families face-to-face with active scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth, to learn first-hand about Arctic and Antarctic research in a fun and informal setting. PSW consists of many hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers themselves. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in the polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA E/PO for Earth and Space Science. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/sEWWWw.

Year of the Solar Sytem – Resources for Moons and Rings: Our Favorite Things

October’s topic for the Year of the Solar System is “Moons and Rings: Our Favorite Things.” Objects that attract the most attention in the night sky include our brilliant Moon, and Saturn with its delicate rings. Our attraction to these objects has led many to study them in greater detail, and discover the beauty in scientific exploration. To find events and resources related to this month’s topic, visit http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2011&Month=10.

Earthzine Annual Essay and Blogging Contest on Sustainability – Undergraduate/Graduate Students (Due Dec. 22)

(Entries Due Dec. 22)

Earthzine invites undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to submit an essay for its 2011 Third Annual College and University Student Essay and Blogging Contest. This year’s theme is “How Can Earth Observation Help Us to Build a More Sustainable World?” Students are invited to submit original essays that describe, reflect upon, or envision roles for Earth observation in improving sustainability around the globe. After an initial judges’ review, Earthzine will post candidate essays on its website. The authors of each essay will be invited to lead a blog about their essay, and to participate in blogs of competing essays. Winners will be determined based on the overall quality of the essay and blog.

Winners will share $1,200 in prizes, with $500 for the first prize. For full rules and to submit an essay, visit http://www.earthzine.org/2011/09/22/earthzine-to-hold-third-annual-essay-and-blogging-contest-on-sustainability/.

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond Webinars (Oct. 4, 18, 21, 25)

NASA’s Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program promotes student-led research investigation in the classroom using NASA data and resources. It also provides opportunities to connect with NASA or University scientists. Throughout the semester, the program is offering a number of free online teacher trainings, as well as classroom connection opportunities that will connect you and your students with scientists. Below are the events being offered in October:

• Oct. 4, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar – Introduces teachers to the opportunities available through the EEAB program http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/eeab/event_10042011.cfm
• Oct. 18, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12 – Introduces and trains participants on the use of the Spheres of Earth activity http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/eeab/event_10182011.cfm
• Oct. 21, 12:30-1:45pm ET – Classroom Connection Webinar – Connects students with a scientist from the NASA Johnson Space Center http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/eeab/event_cc10212011.cfm
• Oct. 25, 6:30-7:45pm ET – Teacher Training Webinar, Grades 4-12 – Introduces and trains participants on the use of the Blue Marble activity http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/eeab/event_10252011.cfm

To check out other events being offered throughout the semester, please visit http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/eeab/eventcalendar.cfm.

International Observe the Moon Night (Oct. 8)

International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is a large, annual public outreach event that celebrates the excitement of lunar science and exploration, and encourages people all over the world to stop what they’re doing and look up at the Moon – together. Last year there were over 500 registered InOMN events in over 50 countries, and we’re hoping to increase that number in 2011.

The theme for InOMN 2011 is: “What does the Moon mean to you?” It is a theme that focuses on cultural connections to the Moon, and connecting art with science. To take advantage of this, we are encouraging partnerships between science museums and centers, planetariums, astronomy clubs, and others with a science focus to partner with cultural or art centers to bring the excitement of lunar science and exploration to diverse audiences by hosting an InOMN event together. A list of registered events, as well as information, activity ideas, advertising materials, and more can be found here: http://observethemoonnight.org/.

Earth Science Week Web Event With NASA’s Chief Scientist (Oct. 12)

(Oct. 12, 1-2pm ET)

Earth Science Week 2011 encourages people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences. “Our Ever-Changing Earth,” the theme of ESW 2011, engages your people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. In honor of Earth Science Week 2011, NASA will host a web event with Dr. Waleed Abdalati, NASA’s Chief Scientist. Dr. Abdalati – an Earth scientist – will share his stories and perspectives on our ever-changing Earth. Participants will be able to email questions during the webcast, and will be able to interact with the guests live on NASA’s Digital Learning Network’s DLiNfo Channel at http://dln.nasa.gov/dln.

NASA has created an Earth Science Week Website (http://climate.nasa.gov/esw2011) which contains many resources, interviews, articles and information on Earth Science Week events, to help bring Earth science into the classroom. NASA has also contributed many resources to an educator kit designed to help teachers engage students in Earth science before, during and after this special week. For more information on Earth Science Week and ordering an educator kit, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org.

Fall Online Courses for Educators from the American Museum of Natural History (Deadline Oct. 10)

(Register by Oct. 10; Oct. 24-Dec. 4)

Seminars on Science connects classroom teachers with scientists engaged in current, real-world research. Each course is authored by leading scientists in their fields and is then co-taught by an experienced researcher affiliated with AMNH. Courses include Earth: Inside and Out; Climate change; and The Ocean System. All courses run for six weeks. Each participant receives a CD of course resources suitable for classroom use. For more information and to register, visit http://www.amnh.org/learn/.

Premiere of “The Wanderers” – A Tour of the Solar System (Oct. 11)

(Oct. 11, 7-9pm ET; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD)

The ancient Greeks called the planets “the wanders,” mysterious stars that moved among the fixed constellations of background stars. Venturing from close proximity to the Sun, out to the farthest comets, the unique character of the planets and our solar system is now revealed in “The Wanderers,” the newest Science on a Sphere visualization. You are invited to witness the world premier of “The Wanderers” in the Science on a Sphere Theater at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s Visitor Center. There will be a brief introduction by the NASA scientists who collaborated on the production of the movie, and a Q&A session following it. Space is limited, so please register in advance at the following link http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/visitor/events/wanderers.html. For more information about the visualization and our solar system, visit http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/690/solarsystemtour.html.

Teacher Workshops in Earth and Space Science in Houston – Middle and High School Educators (Oct. 12, Oct. 20, Nov. 30)

Teachers are invited to register for Lunar and Planetary Institute workshops at the Harris County Department of Education this fall. The workshops being offered include:

• Oct. 12 – Stars and Galaxies – for 8-12th grade astronomy teachers
• Oct. 20 – Cracking Up: Plate Tectonics and the Structure of the Earth – for 6-8th grade teachers
• Nov. 30-Dec. 1 – Rock On! Plate Tectonics, Earth’s Interior, Volcanism, and Igneous Rocks – for 9-12th grade Earth systems science teachers

Each workshop requires a $30 registration fee, which will include extensive presentation materials, reference materials, hands-on lesson plans for the classroom, refreshments and lunch. To learn more and to register, visit http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/workshops/documents/fall2011workshopflyer.pdf.

2011 IGES Art Contest – Wonders of Weather: What Do You See? Grades 2-4 (Due Nov. 7)

(Entries Due Nov. 7)

When you go outside, what makes you wonder? Is it the colors and shapes of clouds? The burst of thunder during a rainy afternoon? Or a thick white blanket made of slowly falling snowflakes? Weather, the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, is constantly changing. So look around and ask yourself, what makes you wonder about weather?

This year’s contest invites young scientists and artists to explore weather in the world around them. Students grades 2-4 may submit one 2-D entry that does not exceed 16″x20″. The work should be creative, bold and colorful. Please provide a title on the entry form that describes the artwork (do not use the contest title Wonders of Weather: What Do You See?). Winners will have their artwork featured on the IGES web site, and will receive a Visa gift card (1st place – $100, 2nd place – $75, 3rd place – $50). To find out more, see complete rules and download an entry form, visit http://www.strategies.org/artcontest.

ASP Nominations for 2012 Awards for Excellence in Astronomy Education (Due Dec. 15)

(Deadline for nominations Dec. 15)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is now accepting nominations for the Society’s 2012 awards honoring accomplishments in astronomy education and public outreach. Recipients receive a cash award and engraved plaque, as well as travel and lodging to accept the award at the Society’s 2012 meeting:

• The Richard Emmons Award celebrates a lifetime of outstanding achievement in the teaching of college-level introductory astronomy for non-science majors.
• The Klumpke-Roberts Award recognizes those who have made major contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
• The Thomas J. Brennan Award is given for excellence in the teaching of astronomy at the high school level in North America.
• The Las Cumbres Amateur Outreach Award honors outstanding educational outreach by an amateur astronomer to K-12 students and the public.

You do not have to be an ASP member to make or second a nomination. Submission guidelines and lists of past recipients can be found at http://www.astrosociety.org/membership/awards/awards.html.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Gravity: It’s What Keeps Us Together

The September topic for YSS is Gravity: It’s What Keeps Us Together. Gravity helped form our solar system, the planets and the stars. It holds the planets in orbit around the Sun, and moons in orbit around the planets. And far beyond our solar system, the irresistible force of gravity is collapsing stellar cores into amazing – and bizarre – objects in our universe: neutron stars and black holes. For resources on this month’s topic, visit http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2011&Month=9&Tab=Educational%20Resources

Rice NASAversary (Sept. 9-16)

In celebration of 50 years of productive Rice/NASA collaboration, and the anticipation of many more to come, Rice University is proud to partner with NASA to present a week-long series of events. These events will include lectures, astronaut appearances, a talk by Norm Augustine, and a special preview planetarium show, “We Choose Space.” For more information, visit http://centennial.rice.edu/RiceNASAversary/.

GLOBE Student Climate Research Campaing (Program Launch Sept. 12)

GLOBE has now started the count down to the launch of the Student Climate Research Campaign (SCRC) on Monday, Sept. 12. The GLOBE SCRC will engage students in measuring, investigating and understanding the climate system in their local communities and around the world. Drawing on GLOBE protocols and data, as well as other datasets, students will take climate-related measurements and investigate research questions about climate. Students will learn about climate through foundational learning activities and intensive observing periods that will be implemented in GLOBE classrooms around the world from 2011-2013. Updated materials and instructions will be available on the GLOBE website at http://globe.gov/scrc.

Astronomy Camp “Train the Trainer” Workshop for Girl Scout Leaders (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)

(Sept. 30-Oct. 2; Hacienda Center, Tuscon, Ariz.)

Girl Scout leaders are welcome to apply for the next GSUSA Astronomy Camp training. Held at the Hacienda Center of the Sahuaro Council and atop Mt. Lemmon Observatory, this weekend workshop is a science education program sponsored by the near-infrared camera team (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Participants will become part of a world-wide network of 180 trainers teaching young women essential concepts in astronomy, the night sky environment, applied mate, engineering and critical thinking. The workshop engages leaders in the process of scientific inquiry and equips them to host astronomy-related activities at the troop level. Training includes topics in basic astronomy, as well as JWST-specific research areas in extra-solar planetary systems and cosmology. For more information, visit http://zeus.as.arizona.edu/%7Edmccarthy/GSUSA/index.htm.

NASA Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) Great Lakes Regional Teaching Exchange – Postsecondary Educators (Oct. 8)

(Oct. 8; University of Michigan, Dearborn, Mich.)

CAE Regional Teaching Exchanges are designed to foster a sense of community amongst geographically linked current and future Astro 101 college instructors. The program features regional experts from the broader CAE community who will provide the opportunity for participants to meet other instructors in their area, expand their instructional repertoire, and share their expertise. Instructors, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students are all welcome to join the Exchange! For more information, visit http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=93.

International Observe the Moon Night (Oct. 8)

(Oct. 8)

Get ready for International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN)! This night will be dedicated to encouraging as many people as possible, worldwide, to spend an evening observing and learning about the Moon. Information about InOMN and the Moon, a listing of all registered events, step-by-step instructions on hosting your own event, activities, and more are available at http://observethemoonnight.org/.

Earth Science Week 2011 Contests (Due Oct. 14)

(Deadline Oct. 14)

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is sponsoring three national contests as part of Earth Science Week 2011, celebrating the theme of “Our Ever-Changing Earth, ” Oct. 9-15.

• Photography Contest: This year’s theme is “A World of Change in My Community,” and participants should use their cameras to capture evidence of long- or short-term changes taking place on our planet or in their own neighborhood. Students, geologists and the general public are all invited to participate.
• Visual Arts Contest: This contest is open to students grades K-5. The theme is “Picturing our Ever-Changing Earth.” Participants should create a two-dimensional piece of artwork to illustrate the various ways air, water, land and living things change over time.
• Essay Contest: This contest is open to students grades 6-9. The theme is, “How Change Shapes our Planet.” In a brief essay, participants should explain how interaction between Earth’s systems can change our world over time. The essay should discuss the processes used to study these changes and how human life can be affected by geologic transformation.

For more information on how to enter, rules, and about Earth Science Week 2011, visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/.

Discovery Dome Featured at Upcoming Events (Oct. 15-Dec. 4)

Join Discovery Dome at a number of upcoming events this fall! With support from NASA REASoN and partnerships with museums and universities, Discovery Dome can visit a town near you! The domes are fully portable digital theaters, with fulldome movies and zoom-n digital starfields. They will be featured at the following events:

• Oct. 15-16: ASTC Exhibit Hall, Booth 351
• Oct. 28-29: SACNAS
• Nov. 5-6: Texas Science and Engineering Festival
• Nov. 17-19: CAST (Texas Science Teachers Meeting)
• Dec. 4: AGU Annual Meeting, GIFT Workshop for Teachers / Exploration Station

For more information on the Discovery Dome, visit http://www.discoverydome.com/.

Fall 2011 Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest – Grades 5-12 (Entries Due Oct. 26)

(Deadline Oct. 26, Noon PT)

The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants examine three possible observations taken by Cassini and choose the one they think will yield the best scientific results. This choice must be supported in a 500-word essay. Winners and their classmates will participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists.

The contest is open to all U.S. students grades 5-12, working alone or in groups of up to four students. The essays will be divided into three groups: grades 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12. All submissions must be the students’ original work. Each student may submit only one entry, and all entrants will receive a certificate of participation. For more information, visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/scientistforaday/.

Nuestra Tierra Dinámica: Club Eco-Lógico and Green Labs Launched – Grades K-12

The Nuestra Tierra Dinámica program’s Clubs Eco-Lógicos and Green Labs will raise global climate change and Earth systems literacy through inquiry-based, hands-on science investigations and activities designed to improve the nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) understanding. Nuestra Tierra’s bilingual, culturally aware program will engage K-12 students in Green Labs. Together with stakeholders, students will explore weather and climate change science through activities and environmental stewardship supported by more than 100 NASA resources translated into Spanish. Through this movement-based initiative, students K-12 will acquire the scientific and technological literacy needed to benefit themselves and their communities. For more information, visit http://www.clace.us/.

Research Study Opportunity for High-School Educators with PBS

You are invited to participate in an opportunity to help evaluate the effectiveness of a new online graduate course, STEM417: Global Climate Change Education for High School, by serving as a Control Teacher. As an incentive, participants will receive a $50 stipend for completing the evaluation instruments and for completing a PBS TeacherLine online course in science, math, or technology for high school this fall. The course enrollment fee will be covered by the study. Control teachers may NOT enroll in the STEM417: Global Climate Change Education for High School course. A NASA grant awarded to PBS TeacherLine funds the research study and the development of the GCC Course. If you are interested in participating as a control teacher, please visit http://www.pbs.org/pd/crepstudy.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Windy Worlds

The YSS topic for August is Windy Worlds. Many of the planets in our solar system have significant atmospheres, but none are breathable to us except our own Earth’s. These windy worlds do have some commonalities with our home planet. Like Earth, they have jet streams that can direct the flow of clouds and circulate the atmosphere. The weather systems on other planets can help us to better understand our own world. For resources relating to this month’s topic, visit http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2011&Month=8&Tab=Educational%20Resources.

NASA Coverage Events for Juno Launch (Aug. 3-5)

NASA’s Juno spacecraft is set to launch toward Jupiter aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on Aug. 5. The launch window extends from 11:34 a.m. to 12:33 p.m. EDT, and the launch period extends through Aug. 26. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Jupiter in 2016, on a mission to investigate the gas giant’s origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere. Juno’s color camera will provide close-up images of Jupiter, including the first detailed views of the planets’ poles.

• Wednesday, Aug. 3 – NASA will hold a prelaunch news conference at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 1 p.m. EDT. NASA Television’s Media and Education Channels will carry the conference live. http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
• Thursday, Aug. 4 – A prelaunch webcast will be streamed at noon EDT. http://www.nasa.gov/juno
• Friday, Aug. 5 – Live coverage on both NASA TV and the web will begin at 9 a.m. EDT. The coverage will feature live updates as countdown milestones occur, as well as streaming video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff. The NASA News Twitter feed will also be updated throughout the launch. http://www.twitter.com/nasa. A news conference will be held approximately 2.5 hours after the launch, and will be streamed live with a chat available at http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl2.

For more information on the Juno mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/juno.

NASA Earth Ambassador Program Training: Opportunity for Informal Educators (Apply by Aug. 17)

(Applications due by August 17)

Informal educators are invited to apply to the Earth Ambassador Program, part of NASA Climate Day. The program will hold a two-day training workshop at Goddard Space Flight Center, Oct. 13-15, focusing on global climate change and participating in the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s Wildlife Festival. During the training, participants will interact with Earth scientists who are looking at the effect of climate change with respect to their research area, learn effective ways of communicating global climate change with the general public, and become familiar with the online resources available to host their own event at their local institution. Transportation, lodging and meal per diem will be covered. More information and an application are available at: http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/NCD_Ambassador_Application.html.

2011 Association of Science-Technology Centers Annual Conference (Oct. 15-18)

(Oct. 15-18; Maryland Science Center and Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md.)

Visit the NASA Science Education and Public Outreach Forums exhibit hall booth #649 at the 2011 annual ASTC conference, where you can obtain education materials, learn about NASA Science Mission Directorate-funded education programs, and participate in in-booth activities and demonstrations. NASA HQ is also hosting a booth, along with an Astronomy and Aerospace Showcase. Early registration specials end Aug. 26. For more information, visit http://conference.astc.org/.

The Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshop – Postsecondary Educators (Oct. 22-23)

(Oct. 22-23; Mesa Community College, Mesa, Ariz.)

Since 2004, the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) has lead professional development workshops funded by JPL’s NASA Exoplanet Exploration Public Engagement Program (ExEP). Workshops have been attended by over 2000 current and future instructors of college-level astronomy and space science. CAE invites you to participate in one of their many workshops offered throughout the year, and to learn how to kick off teaching your class with Exoplanet curriculum! You can learn more about the next workshop here: http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=91.

NESTA Workshops at Fall 2011 NSTA Area Conferences (Oct. 28, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9)

NESTA will be offering workshops at all three NSTA Area Conferences this fall. In addition to their traditional Share-a-Thon and Rock and Mineral Raffle, they will also be offering workshops on Earth Systems science, climate change, and geology leveraging the new program, Windows to the Universe (http://www.windows2universe.org/). This popular educational resource contains over 9,000 pages of content spanning Earth and space science at elementary – high school levels, as well as over a hundred tested classroom activities ready for immediate use.

All of the events provide a full day of Earth science professional development, and are free with registration at the NSTA conference. Workshops will be held at the following :

• October 28; Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Conn.
• November 11; Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.
• December 9; Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, Wa.

For more information, and to submit to present in the Share-a-Thons, visit https://www.nestanet.org/cms/sites/default/files/documents/NESTA_Workshops_Fall_2011_NSTA.pdf.

Year of the Solar System – Resources for Asteroids: Leftovers from Planet Building

The July topic for YSS is Asteroids: Leftovers from Planet Building. Asteroids are bits of building material remaining from the formation of our solary system. During the solar system’s formation, bits of dust and rock bumped into each other, sometimes sticking together (accreting) and sometimes scattering. But even after the planets formed, there remained residual materials – asteroids. For resources relating to this month’s topic, visit: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2011&Month=7&Tab=Educational%20Resources.

COSEE-OS North Atlantic Bloom Webinar Series (July 7-Aug. 4)

(Every Thursday, July 7-Aug. 4; 7 p.m. ET)

Beginning on July 7th, your are invited to participate in weekly webinars featuring the research of scientists from the North Atlantic Bloom (NAB) Experiment and focusing on key concepts in physical, biological and ocean sciences. The five part weekly series will consist of linked presentations from NAB scientists, and will tell the story of the North Atlantic spring phytoplankton bloom and its role in the ocean ecosystem. It will describe the multi-faceted nature of this complex experiment and will provide participants with a rich body of educational resources, including linked concept maps aligned to National Science Education Standards, and access to datasets that can be translated into classroom activities. Registration is required, and registering will provide access to all five webinars in the series: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/nabwebinars. For more information on each webinar in the series, visit http://cosee.umaine.edu/programs/webinars/nab/.

Astronomy Night on the National Mall (July 8)

(July 8, 6-11 p.m. ET; National Mall, Washington, D.C.)

Join us for a guided tour of the Sun, Moon and stars at the second annual Astronomy Night on the National Mall. This astronomical extravaganza will feature exhibits, hands-on activities, telescopic viewing, multimedia presentations, and a chance to mingle with real astronomers. This free public stargazing is being organized by Dr. Donald Lubowich of Hofstra University. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum will participate by having the Observatory (with a 16″ telescope) and the terrace surrounding the Observatory open during the program for volunteers to set up telescopes for public viewing. Local volunteers from various astronomy clubs will set up telescopes on the Mall between 4th and 7th streets.  Representatives from some of the nation’s foremost astronomical institutions will be on hand to present exciting demonstrations and activities, to answer questions about careers in science, celestial objects and events, and to share the latest astronomical discoveries. For more information, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

Desert Research and Technology Studies Education Webinar (July 13)

(July 13; 2 p.m. ET)

Desert Research and Technology Studies (RATS) education engages classrooms in real-time exploration science and engineering during field tests through activities where students create geologic maps from satellite images, select sites for scientific exploration to meet mission objectives, and plan traverses using images, topographic maps, and rover capabilities. Join the webinar workshop for background and instruction on activities. This webinar will prepare teachers to use resource materials during the Desert RATS 2011 mission in September. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/drats/index.cfm.

Meteor Crater Field Camp Opportunity for Graduate Students (Apply by July 15)

(Applications Due July 15; Sept. 25-Oct. 1; Barringer Meteorite Crater, Ariz.)

Organized under the NASA Lunar Science Institute, The Field Training and Research Program at Meteor Crater is a week-long geology field class and research project based at Barringer Meteorite Crater, Ariz. The field camp will be led by Dr. David A. Kring, Senior Staff Scientist for the Lunar Exploration Initiative. The goal will be to introduce students to impact cratering processes and provide an opportunity to assist with a research project at the crater. Skills developed during the field camp should better prepare the students for their own thesis studies in impact cratered terrains, whether they be on Earth, the Moon, Mars, or some other solar system planetary surface.

The field camp is designed for graduate students in geology and planetary science programs, although advanced undergraduate students will be considered if they have successfully completed a summer field geology program and have a demonstrated interest in impact cratering processes. Interested candidates should apply by July 15. For more information, visit http://www.lpi.usra.edu/nlsi/mcFieldCamp/?view=program.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific Annual Conference (July 30-Aug. 3)

(July 30-Aug. 3; Baltimore, Md.)

The theme for the upcoming ASP Annual Conference is “Connecting People to Science.” NASA’s Chief Scientist, Waleed Abdalati, has recently been added to the schedule. He will discuss how space-based perspectives can give us a new understanding of planet Earth. Other featured sessions will include best selling author Chris Mooney giving the keynote address on “Unscientific America: What’s the Problem? What’s the Solution?” and America’s favorite public astronomer, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, discussing his experiences with social media and the “Twitterverse” as an avenue to public access. Randi Korn, one of the most creative of science education program evaluators, will discuss how best to plan and evaluate your projects. For more information and to register, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html.

Hands-On Programs for Classroom Teachers as Part of ASP Meeting (July 30-Aug. 3)

As part of the national ASP Meeting, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, in partnership with the American Geophysical Union and the Space Telescope Science Institute, is pleased to present a weekend workshop and six fascinating three-hour short courses for teachers in grades K-12 in Baltimore, Md. Presenters will include NASA mission education specialists and scientists, and most of the sessions include kits of materials and classroom-ready activity handouts. The sessions available for teachers are:

• In the Footsteps of Galileo: A Hands-On Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers in Grades 3-12 (July 30-31)
• Active Astronomy: Classroom Activities for Learning About the Electromagnetic Spectrum – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 1)
• Eye on the Sky: Exploring the Sun with Activities for the Elementary Classroom – Grades K-5 (Aug. 2)
• Light and Color in the Night Sky, in the City and in the Classroom – Grades K-8 (Aug. 2)
• Evidence-based Science: Climate in the Classroom – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 3)
• Global AND Local: Activity-based Explorations Connecting Global Climate Change to Change in Students Own Communities – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 3)

These sessions are open to all teachers; participants do no have to register for the full conference. Some scholarship support is available to help with registration fees and travel expenses. For more information, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html.

Weather and Climate Education Workshop at AAAS Project 2061 (Aug. 9-11)

(Aug. 9-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; AAAS Headquarters, Washington, D.C.)

You are invited to submit an application to attend a free, three-day professional development workshop supported by a grant from NASA’s Global Climate Change Education program and organized by AAAS Project 2061. Workshop participants will explore new resources being developed by Project 2061 to support teaching and learning about weather and climate through the use of NASA data and visualizations. The workshop will also give participants a behind-the-scenes look at Project 2061′s resource development process, plus guidance and practice in applying that process to their own work. Although the workshop is free, participants are responsible for their own travel expenses. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. To apply, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/98GZKG2. Space for this workshop is limited, and participants selected to attend will be notified by July 15.

MS PHD’s Professional Development Program for Graduate Students (Apply by Aug. 31)

(Applications due Aug. 31)

The application process is beginning for the Cohort VIII (2011-2013) of the Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD) Professional Development Program. This program provides professional development experiences that facilitate the advancement of minorities committed to achieving outstanding Earth system science related careers. Activities include oral and written presentation skill development; mentee/mentor partnerships with scientists; and networking experiences with professionals within academia, industry, federal government and professional organizations. Those selected to participate in the program will also engage in two professional society meetings and a capstone event touring federal agencies in Washington, D.C. To learn more and apply, visit http://www.msphds.org.

2012 NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (Apply by Sept. 23)

(Applications due by September 23)

NITARP, the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program, gets teachers involved in authentic astronomical research. The program partners small groups of educators with a mentor professional astronomer for an original research project using real astronomical data. Each team then writes up the results of their research, and presents both the research and the educational results of their experiences in the program at an American Astronomical Society meeting.

The program runs from January to January. Most (but not all) of the participating educators teach grades 8-13, and informal educators have participated as well. Participants should have a basic understanding of astronomy, and should be interested in learning how astronomy research is conducted. To apply for the program, visit http://nitarp.ipac.caltech.edu/.

Summer Solar Science Middle School Teachers Institute – 2012 Participants

(2012; New Haven, Conn.)

This institute is about the sun, the moon and light, and how we perceive them. Open to all middle school teachers, it is particularly targeted to the 5th grade curriculum standards and is focused on light, the positions of the Earth and moon relative to the Sun, and how advances in technology allow us to acquire new information about the world. Teachers will learn how to use NASA data in their classrooms, gain practical experience with telescopes, and preview cool planetarium shows about the Sun and sunlight. The Institute is jointly organized by the Yale Peabody Museum and Yale Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. Teachers will be eligible for free field trips to both venues with their classes as well as ongoing academic support from Museum and Planetarium staff. Requests to participate in the 2012 program are now being accepted; please email heid.herrick@yale.com to be put on the list. For more information, visit http://archive.peabody.yale.edu/education/fellows_nasa.html.

ScienceCasts – New Online Video Series from NASA

(Thursdays at 4 p.m. ET)

NASA’s new video series offers the public a fast and fun way to learn about scientific discoveries and facts about Earth, the solar system and beyond. Called ScienceCasts, the videos are created by astrophysicists and a team of agency narrators and videographers. The videos are posted online every Thursday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. ET. Future episodes will focus on citizen science research; the search for new galaxies; how to watch this summer’s Perseid meteor shower; and the causes of recent wild weather events in the United States.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/sciencecasts/

IceHunters Invites the World to Find New Horizons Future KBO Destinations

The world is invited to help discover a potential new, icy follow-on destination for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft through the IceHunters website. New Horizons is currently en route to make the first flyby of the Pluto system, and is then capable of making additional explorations of bodies still farther out in the Sun’s Kuiper Belt. Through this citizen science project, the public can help scientists search through specially-obtained deep telescopic images for currently unknown objects in the Kuiper Belt. Along the way, they will also discover variable stars and asteroids. For more information, visit http://www.icehunters.org/ or visit the project blog at http://blogs.zooniverse.org/icehunters/2011/06/15/hello-world/.

World Science Festival (June 1-5)

(June 1-5; New York, N.Y.)

The World Science Festival returns to New York City June 1-5 with an array of cutting-edge science programs designed to make the esoteric understandable and the familiar fascinating. The world’s leading scientific minds will be joined by renowned artists and influential thinkers for a five-day celebration of science through discourse and debate, dance and theater, film, music and the visual arts. This science happening has something for everyone, from invigorating discussions with researchers, to events for young scientists and their families, to performances and exhibitions.

For tickets and information on specific events, visit http://worldsciencefestival.com.

Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science – High School Teacher Workshop (June 21-22)

(June 21-22; Houston, Texas)

This free workshop for high school teachers will take place at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Participants will explore compare Martian geology to Earth’s, and examine the relationship between science and technology through the history of missions to Mars. For more information and to register, go to http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/workshops/mars/.

Move an Asteroid 2011 International Technical Paper Contest – Students & Young Professionals (Due July 1)

Move an Asteroid is an outreach project designed to raise awareness by offering students and young professionals (under the age of 35) the chance to come up with original ideas about Near Earth Object deflection and warning. The goal of this competition is to describe an innovative idea relating to one or more of these three areas:

• The safe deflection of an Earth-bound NEO
• The detection of NEOs
• A global impact warning system

Each entrant will submit a technical paper, up to ten (10) pages long, describing their design. The prize is a full scholarship to the International Astronautical Congress and the Space Generation Congress. For further information and a complete list of requirements, visit http://spacegeneration.org/index.php/activities/126-neo-move-an-asteroid.

Mountains of Sun, Making the Sun-Earth Connection For K-8 Educators – Workshop (July 8-9)

(July 8-9; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks, Calif.)

Join a unique professional development opportunity for teachers – a two-day workshop that will take a look at the latest NASA solar science and explore how local plants and animals have adapted to living in proximity to our closest star. A talk on archaeoastronomy – learning how Native cultures view the Sun – is also part of the workshop. Participants will engage in hands-on science activities, visit the Park to see adaptations first-hand, visit schoolyard garden habitats as well as have a chance to visit a wildlife care center to see sun-loving reptiles and other animals. There will be takeaway materials that are ready for use in the classroom. CPE (1 credit) optional. To learn more and register, visit http://www.nps.gov/samo/forteachers/workshops.htm.

Sky Rangers Outdoor Astronomy Interpretation Workshop (Apply by July 10)

(Apply by July 10; Sept. 25-29; Acadia National Park, Maine)

This four-day workshop at Acadia National Park will cover hands-on astronomy activities for outdoor settings, sky navigation, and telescope operation. Participants will receive ten hours of hands-on telescope experience (weather permitting), learn about the science behind the various astronomical objects viewed through the telescopes, hear from experienced rangers on how to organize astronomy events and interpret the sky for park visitors, and develop their own observing lists and constellation tours.

The workshop is intended for beginners in astronomy, but will also appeal to those with more experience. Participants will receive a free toolkit of materials for outdoor astronomy activities. There is no workshop or materials fee. Lodging and some meals will be provided, but participants are responsible for their transportation to the workshop site. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.afguonline.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=1857.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshop – Middle and High School Educators (July 16-17)

(July 16-17; Hilo, Hawaii)

This workshop seeks to help participants become familiar with research-validated instructional strategies and assessment materials appropriate for their introductory Earth and space science courses. Really good implementation of teaching strategies is a skill unto itself and requires practice. In this participation-based workshop, presenters will first model the use of instructional strategies and illustrate how they can be used to create an active and intellectually engaging learning environment. Then it is the participants’ turn to take on the role of instructor, practicing their implementation of these instructional strategies. Workshop participants will also play the role of “critical colleague,” pointing out to their “instructors” in real time when they’ve strayed from best practices. Option field trips to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea Observatories will be offered. College credit through the University of Hawaii is available. For more information, visit http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=80.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific Annual Conference (July 30-Aug. 3)

(July 30-Aug. 3; Baltimore, Md.)

The theme for the upcoming ASP Annual Conference is “Connecting People to Science.” NASA’s Chief Scientist, Waleed Abdalati, has recently been added to the schedule. He will discuss how space-based perspectives can give us a new understanding of planet Earth. Other featured sessions will include best selling author Chris Mooney giving the keynote address on “Unscientific America: What’s the Problem? What’s the Solution?” and America’s favorite public astronomer, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, discussing his experiences with social media and the “Twitterverse” as an avenue to public access. Randi Korn, one of the most creative of science education program evaluators, will discuss how best to plan and evaluate your projects.For more information and to register, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html.

A series of short courses for teachers will also be held in correlation with the conference. Registration for the conference is not required to attend these courses. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/jvTBZV.

Dawn Mission’s Vesta Fiesta (Aug. 5-7)

After nearly four years and 1.6 billion miles, Dawn is catching up to the object of it’s first destination in the main asteroid belt: Vesta. Soon we will explore this exciting new world up close. It’s Vesta Fiesta time!

Taking advantage of three nights where Vesta is near full and visible for night sky viewing with a telescope, Dawn is inspiring fiestas across the nation. Learn about the Vesta flagship fiesta in Pasadena, Calif., Aug. 6th, featuring fun activities, engaging scientists and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Find out where other Vesta Fiesta are being held on our interactive map and join a party near you, or host your own Vesta Fiesta. For more information, visit http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/vesta_fiesta.asp.

GLOBE Climate and Land Cover Project (April 17-May 22)

The GLOBE Program and scientists from NOAA’s Earth Systems Research Laboratory are working with GLOBE schools to collect land cover data that will be used to improve land-cover and climate models. During an intensive observation period from April 17-May 22, students around the world are taking digital photographs of land cover sites and then determining the land cover classification using a GLOBE protocol. Next, they upload the photos and enter land cover classification data into the GLOBE database. Students are able to view their uploaded photos and land cover data, as well as the data from other GLOBE schools using Google Earth. This is the second in a series of quarterly intensive data collection periods that comprise the testing period of one of the components of the Student Climate Research Campaign that will be introduced into GLOBE classrooms this fall. For more information, visit http://globe.gov/science/projects.

Astronomy Day (May 7)

Astronomy Day, May 7, 2011, is designed to share the joy of astronomy with the general population. Astronomy clubs, science museums, observatories, universities, planetariums, laboratories, libraries, and nature centers host special events and activities to acquaint their community with local astronomical resources and facilities. For a list of events near you, visit http://www.astroleague.org/AstronomyDay/AstronomyDay-2011-05.html

A Look to the Future: Student Videos Take on Climate Change – Presentation and Discussion (May 9; Lowell, Mass.)

May 9; University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Mass.; 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET

Twenty-five UMass-Lowell students have participated in an intensive NASA-sponsored workshop to create 5 short films on one of the greatest challenges faced by society and science : Climate Change. Join us for a free film festival, meet-the-filmmaker panel, and to take part in an open discussion.
http://www.uml.edu/centers/climate-change/

NASA Earth Day Video Contest 2011 (Entries Due May 27)

This Earth Day, NASA is asking you to share your vision about what NASA’s exploration of Earth means to you. Produce a short video (no more than 2-3 minutes) that captures what you find inspiring and important about the unique view of Earth and understanding about how our planet works that NASA science provides. Videos should be uploaded to YouTube and tagged with this exact language – “NASA Earth Day Video Contest 2011: – by May 27. Once the contest ends, the best entries, chosen by a panel of NASA scientists and communicators, will be featured on www.nasa.gov. For full rules and details, visit http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/earth-videos.html.

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (June 12-Oct. 28)

Join us at this event which brings astronomy to the public, with free star-gazing at music concerts and festivals. Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, will give concert goers a glimpse of the heavens. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts, and the Moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae at intermission and after the concerts – combined with videos, posters, hands-on activities, and the sounds of the Sun. The first events will take place on June 12 & 20. For a full schedule, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

NASA’s Multi-Wavelength Universe Online Professional Development Course for Middle and High School Teachers (July 11-22)

Middle and High-School teachers (both pre- and in-service) are invited to register for an online professional development course sponsored by several different NASA missions exploring our Universe across the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The course is offered for academic or continuing education credit through Sonoma State University. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to use astronomical examples (images, phenomena, telescopes) to describe the nature of light and color in terms of the regions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. They will also be able to explain why NASA uses a variety of telescopes and space-based instruments to make observations of the Universe, to identify NASA resources for the classroom, and to understand how NASA resources can be used to address common student misconceptions about the nature of light and color. For more information and to register, visit http://epo.sonoma.edu/multiu.php.

Hands-On Programs for Classroom Teachers as Part of ASP Meeting (July 30-Aug. 3)

As part of the national education and public outreach meeting, “Connecting People to Science,” the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, in partnership with the American Geophysical Union and the Space Telescope Science Institute, is pleased to present a weekend workshop and six fascinating three-hour short courses for teachers in grades K-12 in Baltimore, Md. Presenters will include NASA mission education specialists and scientists, and most of the sessions include kits of materials and classroom-ready activity handouts. The sessions available for teachers are:

• In the Footsteps of Galileo: A Hands-On Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers in Grades 3-12 (July 30-31)
• Active Astronomy: Classroom Activities for Learning About the Electromagnetic Spectrum – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 1)
• Eye on the Sky: Exploring the Sun with Activities for the Elementary Classroom – Grades K-5 (Aug. 2)
• Light and Color in the Night Sky, in the City and in the Classroom – Grades K-8 (Aug. 2)
• Evidence-based Science: Climate in the Classroom – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 3)
• Global AND Local: Activity-based Explorations Connecting Global Climate Change to Change in Students Own Communities – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 3)

These sessions are open to all teachers; participants do not have to register for the full conference. Some scholarship support is available to help with registration fees and travel expenses. For more information, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html.

NESTA Survey on Earth and Space Science Education Needs for K-12

In order to better serve Earth and space science teachers, the National Earth Science Teachers Association has prepared an anonymous survey to gather information about your Earth and space science education needs and concerns, your satisfaction with NESTA services (if you are a member), and your ideas about how NESTA can serve you better. Please take a moment to complete this survey at your earliest convenience. You may receive notice about the survey from a variety of sources, but please be sure to complete the survey only once: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NK7ZDGX.

EarthKAM Spring 2011 Mission – Middle School Educators (April 5-8)

Middle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Spring 2011 Mission. This is a NASA-sponsored project that provides high-quality photographs of Earth taken from the space shuttle and space station. Since 1996, EarthKAM students have taken thousands of photographs of Earth by using the World Wide Web to direct a digital camera on select spaceflights and on the space station. For more information and to register, visit https://earthkam.ucsd.edu/.

COSEE-OS ROLE Model Webinar (April 13)

April 13, 7 p.m. EDT

The second series of the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence – Ocean Systems (COSEE-OS) Researched-Based Online Learning Event (ROLE) Model webinars is under way. Each webinar features scientists presenting marine science content through concept-map presentations of their research. The next webinar is titled, “How Zooplankton Are Effected by Changes in the Marine Environment.” The webinar is free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://cosee.umaine.edu/programs/webinars/upcomingwebinars/.

CAE 2011 Professional Development Workshop Series for College Astronomy Instructors (April 15-16; El Paso, Texas)

April 15-16; El Paso, Texas
May 21-22; Boston, Mass.
July 16-17; Hawai’i National Park, Hawaii

Since 2004, the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) has lead professional development workshops funded by JPL’s NASA Exoplanet Exploration Public Engagement Program (ExEP). Workshops are for current and future instructors of college-level astronomy and space science. The workshop will help participants become familiar with research-validated instructional strategies and assessment materials appropriate for introductory astronomy and space science courses. It will also increase the participants’ ability to use best practices in their implementation of instructional materials. CAE invites you to participate in one of their many workshops in 2011, and learn how to kick off teaching your class with exoplanet curriculum. For more information, visit http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops.

2011 ASP Education and Public Outreach Conference (Abstract Deadline April 22; July 30-Aug. 3)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific invites you to a national conference on science education and public outreach in conjunction with its 123rd Annual Meeting. The conference, with the theme of “Connecting People to Science,” will be held at the Tremont Plaza Hotel in Baltimore, a few blocks north of the Inner Harbor. The conference will be held Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 1-3, with special events the preceding weekend, July 30-31. Conference sessions will take place in the Baltimore Masonic Temple building, providing a unique setting for learning about new developments, sharing experiences and results, improving practices, and making connections across science disciplines. Abstracts are currently being accepted (http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2011mtg/abstracts.html). To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html

AMNH Summer Online Courses for Educators (Beginning May 9)

May 2011 Session: May 9-June 19
Summer Session 1: June 6-July 17
Summer Session 2: July 4-Aug. 14

Join Seminars on Science and the American Museum of Natural History, for a summer course in the life, Earth or physical sciences. Available courses include Earth: Inside and Out; The Solar System; Evolution; our newest course, Climate Change, and more. All courses run for six weeks and are fully online. Each participant receives a CD of course resources suitable for classroom use. Affordable graduate credit is available for all courses. Sign up today for a $50 discount; email semadmin@amnh.org for more information. To register, visit http://www.amnh.org/learn/.

Explore@NASA Goddard (May 14; Greenbelt, Md.)

May 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Greenbelt, Md.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center will again open its gates to welcome the community for a day of activities, hands-on demonstrations, entertainment, and food. Explore@NASA Goddard will showcase the work and people of NASA and Goddard with a focus on science, engineering and technology. This year’s theme is “Understanding our Changing Planet.” Participants will learn about Goddard’s research in Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science and astrophysics. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/events/explore/index.html.

NASA Open House (May 14-15; Pasadena, Calif.)

May 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Pasadena, Calif.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory invites the public to a close-up look at JPL’s past, present and future at its annual Open House. The event, themed “Worlds Beyond,” features displays and demonstrations from numerous space missions, and a first look at JPL’s recently renovated von Karman Visitor Center. The JPL will provide hands-on activities and opportunities to talk with scientists and engineers. Selected locations at the Open House will be featured live online on Ustream TV (http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl). Admission to the open house is free. Parking is also free, but limited. For more information, visit http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm.

COSEE-OS Educators Workshop at NASA – K-12 Educators (June 3-4; Pasadena, Calif.)

June 3-4; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite, the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence – Ocean Systems will conduct a workshop for K-12 educators at JPL. Aquarius will employ advanced technologies to make NASA’s first space-based measurements of ocean salinity across the globe. This free workshop will feature NASA scientists who will work collaboratively with educators to examine connections between the water cycle, ocean circulation, climate and sea surface salinity. Educators will also visit the JPL facility, learn how to use an online Concept Map Builder, and conduct hands-on activities that support workshop themes. To learn more and register, visit http://cosee.umaine.edu/programs/nasaaquarius/.

2011 INSPIRE Project for High School Students (Application Deadline June 30)

U.S. high school students are invited to participate in NASA’s Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through an online learning community. INSPIRE is designed to encourage students in 9-12 grade to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students and parents will participate in an online learning community with opportunities to interact with peers, NASA engineers and scientists. The community also provides appropriate grade level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants to gain exposure to opportunities available at NASA. Students selected for the program will also have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2012 at NASA facilities and participating universities. Applications are being accepted through June 30. To apply and learn more, visit https://inspire.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=login.LoginForm.

ESIP Teacher Workshop – Grades 6-12 (July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.)

July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.

The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) teacher workshop is a 1.5 day event with an overall theme of Earth Science Education with an integral strand dedicated to Climate Change Education. Participating educators will learn about climate change science, climate resources, and ways to effectively communicate climate change topics. Educators will also be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Workshop sessions will be led by ESIP members from NOAA, NASA, NOAA Cooperative Institutes, EPA, DOE, and several Universities from around the country. Educators are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. For more information visit http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/teacherworkshop/esip/.

In the Footsteps of Galileo: A Hands-On Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers – Grades 3-12 (July 30-31; Baltimore, Md.)

July 30-31; Tremont Plasa Hotel, Baltimore, Md.

Presented by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, this workshop will focus on the development of of student reasoning and how to help students think like scientists. Teachers will learn how to bring astronomy into the classroom through a number of standards-based, hands-on astronomy activities. Topics will include how telescopes work, the threat of light pollution and recent developments in our exploration of the solar system. Registration is $95 for both days, and includes a Galileoscope telescope kit and the new Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 DVD. To register and learn more, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2011mtg/gttp.html.

GLOBE at Night (Through March 6th)

GLOBE at Night is an annual citizen-science campaign designed to raise awareness of light pollution in local communities by recording the brightness of the night sky. For two weeks (Feb. 21-March 6), when the moon is not our during the early evening hours and the constellations of Orion or Leo are visible, children and adults match the appearance of the constellations with seven star maps of progressively fainter stars found on the website. They submit their measurements with their date, time and location. For more information, visit http://globeatnight.org.

NASA Sessions at NSTA Conference (March 10-13)

San Francisco, Calif.

Make NASA a part of your NSTA experience this year! Find a NASA session that fits in your conference schedule by checking out our complete list of NASA-related sessions at the NSTA 2011 conference here: http//bit.ly/faqRgN. Stop by the NASA Exhibit Booth (#729) in Moscone Center South to find out about exciting new NASA programs and products. There will be many educational materials, lessons, handouts, giveaways, and information on upcoming products, workshop opportunities and more!

New Online Climate Change Graduate Courses from AMNH (March 14 – April 24)

March 14 – April 24; second session May 9 – June 19

Learn and understand how scientists study climate and the consequences of climate change for the future with Climate Change, the newest Seminars on Science course from the American Museum of Natural History, created in partnership with NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Courses run for six weeks and are fully online. Each participant receives a CD of course resources suitable for classroom use. Affordable graduate credit is available for all courses.

Spring sessions run March 14 – April 24 and May 9 – June 19. Registration has closed for the first session, but there may still be space available; email semadmin@amnh.org for more information. To register, visit http://www.amnh.org/learn/

The Many Colors of the Sun – Lecture (March 17)

11:30am EST, Library of Congress James Madison Building; Washington, D.C.

W. Dean Pesnell, project scientists for the Solar Dynamics Observatory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, will discuss “The Many Colors of the Sun.” Massive explosions, filament eruptions, changing magnetic fields, and other phenomena on the sun offer scientists a multitude of mysteries to solve. To help explore them, NASA has developed a very large observatory by combining several instruments on multiple spacecraft, including the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Dr. Pesnell will discuss how these instruments help us gain a better understanding of the sun. For more information, visit http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2011/11-037.html

Year of the Solar System: Ancient Astronomers/Modern Tools: Celebrating Sun-Earth Day (March 19)

The Year of the Solar System has a new theme this month: Ancient Astronomers/Modern Tools: Celebrating Sun-Earth Day. This theme focuses on our past and present observations of the sun. Sun-Earth Day is a combination of events and programs that occur through the year, ending with a grand Sun-Earth Day celebration on or near the Spring Equinox in March. This year’s theme is “Ancient Mysteries: Future Discoveries,” and will focus on examining early civilizations who created structures containing solstice and equinox alignments, as well as exploring how humankind continues to observe the Sun from the ground and space. Many resources will be available for Sun-Earth Day participation, including video and webcast programming (created by the NASA EDGE team). The Sun-Earth Day website also features resources for educators, museums, community groups and amateur astronomers: http://sunearthday.nasa.gov. YSS offers a number of resources related to the sun, as well as information on the tools used in solar research: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2011&Month=3&Tab=Overview

Faculty Development Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Teaching About Climate Change (Applications Due March 25)

Applications Due March 25; June 28-July 1 and August 8-11; Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.

Dickinson College is offering two programs this summer to enhance competencies for interdisciplinary teaching about climate change. The Changing Planet Faculty Study Group, a year-long learning community, begins with a four-day workshop (June 28-July 1) that will bring together faculty from multiple institutions to explore what we should teach about climate change in our physical science, social science and humanities courses, and how we should teach. Participants will share expertise, experiences, lesson plans and exercises, and hear from subject area experts. Members of the learning community will continue to collaborate after the workshop through distance-media and a second one-day workshop in spring 2012.

The second opportunity is the Climate Modeling and Data Tools Workshop (Aug.8-11). This workshop offers training in the use of a global climate model and tools to integrate and visualize climatic, environmental and socioeconomic data for teaching about climate change.

Applications are open to faculty in any discipline from any college or university. For more information, visit http://www.dickinson.edu/academics/distinctive-opportunities/sustainability-education/content/Climate-Education/.

Heliophysics Educator Ambassador Program – Middle School Teacher Workshop (Applications Due March 25)

Applications Due March 25; July 18-22, Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL

This week-long teacher professional development workshop will focus on in-depth learning experiences in Earth, space and physical science topics for educators teaching in middle school grades. The workshop will connect the GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) 6-8 Space Science Sequence with current NASA missions. The goal of this program is for participants to gain a better understanding of these content areas and develop the capacity to train other teachers on NASA Heliophysics science and educational resources. Participants will receive a $600 stipend for attending the week-long workshop and developing a 1-hour mini-workshop they can present at their own science education conferences or meetings. An additional $700 contract will be available for those participants who the go on to present to other teachers at a local and/or regional meeting/conference. Participants may also elect to earn up to two graduate credits. For more information, visit http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/educate/pd.

Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for Teachers (ASSET) – High School Educators (Applications Due March 31)

Applications Accepted March 1-31; July 17-23; San Francisco, Calif.

ASSET is a science and curriculum institute for high school science teachers. The ASSET experience will be interactive and content rich, with presentations by leading astrobiology researchers from the SETI Institute, NASA, and California Academy of Sciences. Participants receive the Voyages Through Time curriculum. All expenses are covered by grant funds. More details are available at http://www.seti.org/ASSET.

NASA Planetary Science Summer School Applications – Graduate Students/Post-Docs (Deadline April 1)

July 18-22 and August 1-5; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

NASA is accepting applications from science and engineering post-docs, recent PhDs, and doctoral students for its 23rd Annual Planetary Science Summer School, which will hold two separate sessions this summer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. During the program and pre-sessions webinars, student teams will carry out the equivalent of an early mission concept study, prepare a proposal authorization review presentation, present it to a review board, and receive feedback. But the end of the session, students will have a clearer understanding of the life cycle of a space mission; relationships between mission design, cost, and schedule; and the tradeoffs necessary to stay within cost and schedule while preserving the quality of science. Partial financial support is available for a limited number of individuals. Further information is available at http://pscischool.jpl.nasa.gov.

Astronomy Camp Workshop for Girl Scout Leaders (April 8-10; Tuscon, Ariz.)

Hacienda Center of the Sahuaro Council; Tuscon, Ariz.

Girl Scout leaders are welcomed to apply for the next GSUSA Astronomy Camp training. This weekend workshop is a science education program sponsored by the near-infrared camera team (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Participants will become part of the world-wide network of 170 trainers teaching young women essential concepts in astronomy, the night sky environment, applied math, engineering, and critical thinking. The workshop engages leaders in the process of scientific inquiry and equips them to host astronomy-related activities at the troop level.

Training includes topics in basic astronomy, as well as JWST-specific research areas in extra-solar planetary systems and cosmology, to pave the way for girls and women to understand the first images from JWST. For more information, contact Dr. Don McCarthy (dmccarthy@as.arizona.edu) or visit http://zeus.as.arizona.edu/~dmccarthy/GSUSA/index.htm.

Earth: The Operators’ Manual (ETOM) – PBS Special (April 10)

What if we had an operators’ manual that told us what causes climate change, and how sustainable energy options can help solve our problems? Penn State geologist Richard Alley offers an objective assessment of our climate predicament. ETOM, supported by NSF, the National Science Foundation, and includes HD visualizations from NASA Goddard’s SVS, premieres nationwide on PBS at 10pm EST on Sunday, April 10.

AGU Fall Meeting – Timelines (Session Proposal Deadline April 20)

AGU’s Fall Meeting is a major event for Earth and space sciences, attracting many geoscientists from around the world. Supporting the growing interest in the Fall Meeting and maintaining the high quality of AGU science has required the adjustment to some key deadlines. Session proposal and abstract timelines for the December 2011 Fall Meeting are as follows:

• Session Proposal Submission: February 25 – April 20
• Abstract Submission: June 8 – August 4
• Availability of Meeting Program: Week of September 15

These new deadlines will ensure that AGU is able to meet the expectations of all meeting participants, while effectively managing the publications and other logistics deadlines. Any questions or comments may be directed to meetingsdir@agu.org.

Lunar Workshop For Middle and High School Educators (June 20-24)

June 20-24; Herrett Center for Arts and Science, Twin Falls, Idaho
June 27-July 1; Hinds Community College, Utica, Miss.
June 27-July 1; McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, N.H.
July 25-29; Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.
Aug. 1-5; Arizona State University; Tempe, Ariz.

Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to attend a workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Workshop participants will learn about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, work with real LRO data, and learn how to bring this information to their students using hands-on activities aligned with local state and national standards. Laptops are strongly encouraged for participation in this workshop. For more information, to see other upcoming dates, and to register, visit: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/lwe/index.html

GLOBE 15th Annual Partner Meeting (July 17-22)

July 17 – 22; DoubleTree Hotel, Bethesda, Md.

The GLOBE Program Office is pleased to invite all GLOBE Partners, Country Coordinators, teachers, and science and education community members to participate in the 15th GLOBE Annual Partner Meeting. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Expanding International Perspectives About Climate.” Participants will learn about the latest scientific research activities and other developments in The GLOBE Program, interact with GLOBE’s worldwide network of community members and scientists using GLOBE data in their research, and talk to top educators on effective methods of enhancing the GLOBE educational experience in the classroom. For more information, visit http://globe.gov/events/2011-annual-meeting.

Enrichment Problems in Space and Earth Science XXVII – Grades 6-10 (Feb 3, 3pm EST)

This online professional development workshop is the 27th bi-monthly installment of mission- and inquiry-oriented mathematics problems. Dr. Sten Odenwald will supply background for and lead participants through problems from his “Problems in Space and Earth Science” series. Space Math@NASA (http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/) has posted four new math problems based on new press releases from NASA, with the goal of teaching students about space weather by using mathematics. Participants may ask questions and work along in this fully interactive Webinar environment.

Registration is free, but is required for participation. Only the first 150 registrants will be accepted. A computer, good internet connection and a phone are required for participation. To register, visit https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?ED=162247537&RG=1&UID=0&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D

Gamma-Ray Bursts and the Birth of Black Holes – Public Lecture (Feb. 16)

Washington, D.C, 11:30 am EST

Join NASA scientist Neil Gehrels as he discusses gamma-ray bursts and the birth of black holes. Gehrels, chief of the Astroparticle Physics Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and his team are using a new NASA satellite, SWIFT, to detect gamma-ray bursts. This illustrated lecture, the first in a series of programs in 2011, is presented through a partnership between the Library of Congress’ Science, Technology and Business divisions and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  For more information on the lecture, visit: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2011/11-019.html. For more information on SWIFT, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/swift/main/index.html.

Sally Ride Educator Institute on Climate Change for Middle and High School Educators (Feb. 26-27)

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

Connecting with Climate Change is targeted for middle and high school teachers. Participants will explore the latest research on climate change, hear from climate change experts and perform hands-on activities. There is a registration fee of $30, which includes lunch, snacks, all materials for activities, and an online follow-up webinar. Limited travel funds are available. For more information and to register, visit https://www.sallyridescience.com/for_educators/institutes/11climate.

2011 NSTA National Conference (March 10-13)

San Francisco, Calif.

Join NASA at this year’s NSTA National Conference in San Francisco. NASA will be hosting a number of workshops, sessions and other events at this year’s meeting. The conference headquarters hotels are the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and the Marriott San Francisco Marquis. Conference registration and exhibits will be at the Moscone Center. For more information, to register, and to browse NASA sessions, visit http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2011san/?lid=tnav

Thrill of Discovery Workshop – K-12 Educators (March 19)

Come celebrate NASA’s Year of the Solar System! NASA’s Discovery and New Frontiers missions are traveling vast distances to find answers to age-old questions. These robotic spacecraft are celestial detectives, revealing how our solar system formed and evolved, and doing science utilizing new technologies. The workshop will be held at four locations: NASA JPL, Pasadena, Calif; Johns Hopkins University APL, Laural, Md.; Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, Tx.; Jackson Middle School Observatory, Champlin, Minn. A registration fee of $25 is required for the workshop, which will include a packet of resources and a DVD of “Space School Musical. For more information, visit http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=110.

Earth Science Week 2011: Our Ever-Changing Earth (Oct. 9-15)

The American Geological Institute is pleased to announce the theme of Earth Science Week 2011: “Our Ever-Changing Earth.” This event will engage young people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. Earth Science Week 2011 materials and activities will show how evidence of change can be found everywhere, from the earth beneath our feet to the oceans and atmosphere around us.

Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the National Park Service, Exxon Mobil, ESRI, and other major geoscience groups. To learn more, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org

Google Science Fair – Ages 13-18

On Jan. 11, 2011 Google is launching the inaugural Google Science Fair. Google has partnered with CERN, National Geographic, Scientific American and the LEGO Group to create this new STEM competition. This is a global competition open to any student aged 13-18, and students may enter as individuals or as teams of up to three. There is no entry fee. Registrations and submissions will be made online. The Science Fair will culminate in a celebratory event at Google headquarters in California in July 2011, where finalists will compete for internships, scholarships and prizes in front of a panel of celebrity scientist judges, including Nobel Laureates and household names.

Submissions are due by April 4, 2011. To sign up for free resource kits for your classroom or school, please visit the Global Science fair website at http://www.google.com/sciencefair.

Webinar: Misconceptions About Climate Change

(Jan. 21, 1:00 PM EDT;12noon CDT; 11:00 AM MDT; 10:00 AM PDT)

There is no shortage of misconceptions, misinformation and inaccuracies within the topic of climate change. This presentation will identify common misconceptions held by students, and will offer pedagogic strategies for handling various types of misconceptions in the college classroom. Dr. Susan Buhr, director of the Education Outreach program of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado, will be the featured speaker. In addition to her work with CIRES, Dr. Buhr is also one of the lead-PI’s on the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) project, and she leads professional development workshops for science teachers who teach climate change.

Registration is free, but limited to 20 participants. Please make sure you can commit to this date and time before registering. For those who cannot attend, the presentation file, related references, and a webcast of this session will be available after the event. To learn more and register, visit: http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/climatechange/webinar/jan.html

Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) Program – Undergraduate/Graduate Students

(Application Deadline for Summer Session: Feb. 1)

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) invites rising undergraduate juniors and seniors, and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering (aeronautical, chemical, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical, systems) or select aerospace-related majors, and other majors that lend support to NASA’s mission in special project areas to apply for the LARSS program.

Eligible candidates are U.S. citizens who are enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some “Bridge Program” opportunities are available for high-school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores. For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.nianet.org/larss.

Polar Science Weekend at Pacific Science Center

(March 3-6, Seattle, Wash.)

The 6^th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) will be March 3-6, 2011, at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash. PSW brings students, teachers, and families face-to-face with scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth, to learn first-hand about Arctic and Antarctic research in an informal setting. PSW consists of dozens of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA E/PO for Earth and Space Science (EPOESS). For more information, please contact Harry Stern (harry@apl.washington.edu, 206-543-7253) or visit http://psc.apl.washington.edu/psw/.

NASA Explorer Schools Project (grades 4-12)

Project launches Sept. 1

The NASA Explorer Schools project is NASA’s classroom-based gateway for middle school (grades 4-8) and high school (grades 9-12) classrooms. NES provides free teaching and learning resources that promote student engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. The project provides opportunities for teachers and students to participate in NASA’s mission of research and discovers through inquiry-based experiences directly related to the work of NASA scientists and engineers.

At the end of the year, NES will recognize its best teachers and schools with NASA experiences such as field center training, research opportunities and flights aboard a reduced-gravity aircraft.

Click here for more information and to schedule an orientation session.

NASA Minority Innovation Challenges Institute Kick-Off

Sept. 8

The Minority Innovation Challenges Institute (MICI) is creating a virtual training ground where minority undergraduate students learn how to compete in NASA technical challenges for both prestige and significant cash prizes. On Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. EDT, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will deliver a pre-recorded welcome message, followed by a live presentation from MICI organizers. These individuals will explain how MICI works and how students and faculty can access this free year-round program that seeks to mentor students to compete in NASA technical challenges. The event will conclude with a question and answer session.

Immediately following the kick-off event will be a live presentation starting at 3 p.m. EDT from Julie Clift at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Clift will explain how students and faculty can get involved in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative. The entire month of September within the MICI will be focused on this particular challenge and will feature weekly presentations on the subject.

Students and faculty are encouraged to register in advance for the event at: http://nasamici.com/

NASA Education Stakeholders’ Summit Meeting

Sept. 13-15, Chantilly, Va.

The Education Stakeholders’ Summit will bring together high-level representatives of NASA, academia and industry. During the summit, participants will share important, national policy initiatives for STEM education and workforce development; communicate the president’s agenda for NASA; place the NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) for internships, fellowships and scholarship opportunities in context of these national policies and strategy frameworks; enhance the awareness of the OSSI-student online application and the associated roles and benefits; and provide forums for dialogue and feedback that might enhance NASA workforce development processes.

Summit participants will have the opportunity to hear from several speakers, including: Charles F. Bolden, Jr., NASA Administrator; the Honorable Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education; and Dr. Cora Marrett, Acting Director of the National Science Foundation.

For more information, and to register online, please visit: http://www.oai.org/OSSI/

International Observe the Moon Night

On Sept. 18, 2010, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter EPO Team, the NASA Lunar Science Institute, and the Lunar and Planetary Institute are teaming up to promote the First Annual International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN). This night will be dedicated to encouraging as many people as possible, worldwide, to spend an evening observing and learning about the Moon. The goal of InOMN is to engage lunar science and education communities, amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, and the general public in annual lunar observation campaigns that share the excitement of lunar science and exploration.

Information about InOMN and the Moon, a map of all registered events, step-by-step instructions on hosting your own event, activities, a Moon map, star charts, a lunar photography contest, and other resources are available at http://observethemoonnight.org/

2010 GLOBE Xpedition to the Roof of Africa

Begins Sept. 23

Join the second Xpedition of GLOBE students, alumni and scientists on a GLOBE Africa and Seasons and Biomes trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, as they observe firsthand the shifting biomes and shrinking glaciers of the mountain. The 9-day trek may be followed online. New features to the website include 3D Google Earth Tours of the mountain, as well as daily video blogs that include updates and GLOBE protocol demonstrations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.globe.gov

North American Association for Environmental Education 2010 Conference

Sept. 29-Oct. 2, Buffalo, N.Y.

The 39^th Annual NAAEE Conference will focus on the theme of Environmental Education: Building Connections, Bridging Gaps. Panels will include Federal Funding Opportunities in Climate Change Education (Lin Chambers, NASA Langley Research Center), Modeling Sustainability Education Through Student Scientific Investigation of Local Climate (Sheila Yule, The GLOBE Program), as well as a number of presenters focusing on Earth Systems Science Education Alliance (ESSEA) modules and NASA’s Global Climate Change Education Project.

For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.naaee.org/conference

Astronomy Camp Workshop for Girl Scout Leaders

Oct. 8-10, Tucson, Ariz.

Girl Scout leaders are welcomed to apply for the next GSUSA Astronomy Camp training on Oct. 8-10, 2010. Held in Tucson, Az. at the Hacienda Center of the Sahuaro Council, this weekend workshop is a science education program sponsored by the near-infrared camera team (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Participants will become part of our world-wide network of 160 trainers teaching young women essential concepts in astronomy, the night sky environment, applied math, engineering and critical thinking. The workshop engages leaders in the process of scientific inquiry and equips them to host astronomy-related activities at the troop level.

Training includes topics in basic astronomy (night sky, phases of the Moon, the scale of the Solar System and beyond, stars, galaxies, telescopes, ect.) as well as JWST-specific research areas in extra-solar planetary systems and cosmology, to pave the way for girls and women to understand the first images of JWST.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Don McCarthy at dmccarthy@as.arizona.edu

For more information and to obtain registration materials, please visit: http://zeus.as.arizona.edu/~dmccarthy/GSUSA/index.htm

Global Climate Change Education for Middle School

Oct. 27 – Dec. 10; 45 hours, 3 Graduate Credits

Developed by PBS TeacherLine as part of the NASA Global Climate Change Education (GCCE) initiative, this online course is designed to improve the quality of the nation’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and enhance students’ and teachers’ literacy about global climate and Earth system change from middle grades to lifelong learners. This course integrates NASA data models and NASA resources, as well as PBS resources from WGBH’s Teachers’ Domain and from PBS programs like NOVA in classroom instruction. This is the first of two courses developed under this grant. The second, Global Climate Change Education for High School will launch in May of 2011.

To learn more and register, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/catalog/courses/STEM412/

NASA Teacher Workshops at NSTA Regional Conferences

Kansas City: Oct. 28–30; Baltimore: Nov. 11–13; and Nashville: Dec. 2–4)

Look for NASA Earth and space science workshops for K-12 teachers at NSTA regional workshops this fall.  You can find NASA sessions by going to the following online schedules for each conference and entering “NASA” as a keyword search.

Kansas City – http://www.nsta.org/conferences/schedule.aspx?id=2010kan
Baltimore – http://www.nsta.org/conferences/schedule.aspx?id=2010bal
Nashville – http://www.nsta.org/conferences/schedule.aspx?id=2010nas

2011 NASA College and University Faculty Workshops

Dec. 11-12, San Francisco, Calif.; Jan. 18-19, Minneapolis, Minn.; Feb. 24-25, San Diego, Calif.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010-2011 Faculty Institutes for NASA Earth and Space Science Education (FINESSE). These two-day workshops are to assist university and community college science and education faculty in preparing future teachers in science. The workshops are held in conjunction with national science and education conferences around the country.

The 2011 Institutes will incorporate the theme of Our Solar System in a New Light, in conjunction with the upcoming Year of the Solar System. The workshops are free, and participants receive a $300 stipend and lunch, and development implementation plans.

To apply, and for more information, please visit: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/facultyInstitutes/

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (Nominations Due June 5)

(Nominations Due June 5)

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) is a Presidential awards established by the White House in order to recognize U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and career paths. Nominations, including self-nominations, are invited for Individual and Organizational PAESMEM awards. Each Individual and Organizational PAESMEM awardee will receive a $10,000 award and a commemorative Presidential certificate, to be awarded at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. Up to sixteen awards may be made from the nominations. For full rules and to nominate, please visit http://1.usa.gov/15EHbqC.

CosmoQuest Lunar Surface Geology Workshop for Middle School Educators (June 17-21)

(June 17-21; Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville)

Join astronomers and educators from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and CosmoQuest to learn how your students can conduct authentic astronomy research! Participants will help astronomers map the Moon’s surface using the MoonMappers citizen science project and data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), plus receive practical ideas from experienced teachers on how to bring citizen science into the classroom and meet science standards (including the NGSS). Activities from CosmoQuest’s new TerraLuna unit will be featured. Free materials, stipend, and CPDU’s provided; optional graduate course credit from SIUE is available. Contact Georgia Bracey for application information.

Exhibit Opening: Spacecraft, Craters, and Cosmic Rays (June 23)

(June 23, 12:00-5:00pm; McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, N.H.)

Spacecraft, Craters, and Cosmic Rays is a new exhibit on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER). The opening day of the exhibit will include activities for the whole family, including short talks on lunar science, demonstrations, and the chance to meet real lunar scientists! For more information on the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (exhibit information coming soon), visit http://bit.ly/13r5CUg.

Lunar Workshops for Educators Grades 6-9

(Session 1, June 24-28; Session 2, July 8-12)

Science educators grades 6-9 are invited to attend one of two free workshops focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Workshop participants will learn about recent discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, gain tools to address common student misconceptions about the Moon, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, work with LRO data, and learn how to bring these data and information to their students using hands-on activities aligned with National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks. Participants will also have the chance to tour the LRO Mission Operation Center and the Goddard spacecraft testing facilities. For more information and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/14zZa0M.

Unknown Moon Institute for High School Teachers (June 24-28)

(June 24-28; John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.)

This five-day professional training involves teacher participation in activities that bridge content from the Moon to Earth, address student misconceptions, and interact with lunar scientists. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/H9zxTI.

ESIP Teacher Workshop for Middle and High School Teachers (July 9)

(July 9; Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Middle and high school science teachers are invited to attend the 2013 ESIP Teacher Workshop for an opportunity to take an iPad on loan for the entire school year. The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) is a unique consortium of scientific organizations that collect, interpret, and develop applications for remotely sensed data. The ESIP education committee is inviting regional science teachers to join us for a one-day workshop, with an option to join ESIP members at an afternoon gathering at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History on July 10. The workshop theme will focus on Earth science education, with a strand on climate change education, featuring several hands-on sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Space is limited to 20 teachers, so register now at http://bit.ly/10Cn8Zh.

Galileo Looks Beyond to Other Worlds – Workshop for Science Teachers Grades 3-12 (July 20-21)

(July 20-21; San Jose State University, San Jose, Calif.)

Explore the Universe through classroom-tested, standards-based, hands-on astronomy activities. Participants will discover investigations and techniques to help teach Earth and space science in the context of the Next Generation Science Standards. The workshop will also focus on engaging underserved populations in science through their astronomical heritage. Information on the latest findings by NASA’s Kepler mission will be discussed, and a wealth of teaching resources will be provided.

Registration costs are as follows: $75 until May 15; $95 from May 16-July 5; $125 for on-site registration. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/11wgWi5.

NASA/NICE Climate Science Research for Educators and Students Workshop – Middle and High School Educators (Apply by May 1)

(Apply by May 1; End of June, Queens College, New York, N.Y.)

The NASA/NICE Climate Science Research for Educators and Students project (CSRES) is planning its 2013 workshop season. CSRES works with middle and secondary school educators and their students to develop authentic climate-related student research projects. The workshops include science background information, as well and information on building and calibrating equipment for monitoring Earth-sun-atmosphere interactions. In return for writing research proposals and reporting research results, participants will be able to access ongoing research support and additional equipment for collecting their own data.

The first workshop of the year will be held at Queens College near the end of June 2013. Organizers are also looking for participants to be part of online webinars and workshops. Questions about this program should be directed to Project Director David Brooks. More information about CSRES can be found at http://bit.ly/tpNh4R.

Temperature and Earth Climate: Modelling Hot and Cold Planets Webinar for Educators (May 2)

(May 2, 6:30pm EST)

As part of a series of electronic professional development experiences for educators, this webinar will present how NASA data collected from satellites is used to determine a planet’s climate. Participants will discover how they can incorporate authentic NASA data into their classroom to provide a real-world connection for students. For more information and to register online, visit http://bit.ly/Vs1Yap.

SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (Apply by May 3)

(Apply by May 3)

Applications are now being accepted for SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Cycle 2 teams. SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to accommodate a 2.5 meter reflecting telescope, and is the largest airborne observatory in the world. This is a unique opportunity for educators to be a part of astronomy research in action! Two member educator teams must have at least one grade 6-12 science educator, while the second member may be either a STEM educator at elementary or secondary level, a community college instructor, or an informal educator. Flights will take place January-December 2014, with most teams flying during the school year. For full details and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/rMn2uo.

IGES Earth Day Photo & Essay Contest – Grades 5-8 (Entries Due May 10)

(Entries Due May 10)

The 2013 IGES Earth Day Photo & Essay Contest encourages students to rediscover their world through the lens of a camera, taking note of the dynamic changes around them. Students grades 5-8 are asked to take a photo between April 15-26, 2013, of something changing in their local natural environment – it can be something changing in their backyard or neighborhood, near their school or local park, or anywhere they happen to be. Students should then research and write an essay (400 words or less) answering a series of questions on the changes taking place in the photo. First, second, and third place winners will receive a $150, $100, and $75 Visa gift card (respectively), along with a photo book of the top 10 photos and essays. The top 10 photos and essays will also be featured on the IGES website. For full rules, entry form, and more information, please visit http://bit.ly/YCTYW0.

ASP 2013 Annual Meeting: Ensuring STEM Literacy (Early Registration Closes May 15)

(Early Registration Closes May 15; July 10-24; San Jose State University, San Jose, Calif.)

This July, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) celebrates its 125th gathering of education and public outreach (E/PO) professionals. Via workshops, lectures, panels, discussions, and exhibits, more than 300 specialists across the science spectrum collaborate to explore best practices, research findings, trends, and professional development opportunities. The focus of this year’s meeting is STEM literacy across multiple disciplines. On-campus housing and meal plan options are available. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/14sSDoO.

Mars Revealed – Professional Development for High School Educators (July 22-26)

(July 22-26; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)

LPI is hosting Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science, a five-day professional development training for high school science educators focused on Mars science and exploration, and how the evolution of technology has advanced our understanding of the Red Planet. Training participants also learn about and discuss the nature and process of science with invited Mars scientists. Stipends are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/ZrkMrL.

The Challenge of Discovery Workshop for K-12 Educators (Register by April 1)

(Register by April 1; April 6, see announcement for locations)

In this third annual multi-site professional development workshop, participants will hear the stories behind some amazing NASA Discovery and New Frontiers program missions, from conception to science results. Learn how scientists, engineers, and mission operators collaborate to meet the challenges of complex missions to assure the science goals will be met. What does it take to turn a fantastic mission idea into a reality? Mission scientists and engineers will speak on this topic, and engaging activities for grades K-12 will be provided. The registration fee is $25, and the workshop will take place in the following locations: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.; and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md. For more information and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/WmOGKo.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for Secondary School Teachers (Nominations due April 1)

(Nominations due April 1)

The National Science Foundation is accepting nominations for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, or PAEMST, program. PAEMST is the highest recognition that a K-12 educator may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of math and science education. Awardees receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

The PAEMST program is open to outstanding mathematics and science teachers grades 7-12 in the 50 states and the four U.S. jurisdictions (Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense education activity schools, and the U.S. territories as a group). Anyone may nominate a teacher by completing a nomination form. Teachers may also apply directly. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/13J358p.

NASA Planetary Summer School for Ph.D. Students and Recent Graduates (Apply by April 5)

(Apply by April 5; Two sessions: July 29-Aug. 2 and Aug. 12-16, NASA JPL, Pasadena, Calif.)

NASA is accepting applications from science and engineering post-docs, recent PhDs, and doctoral students for its 25th Annual Planetary Science Summer School. During the program and pre-session webinars, student teams will carry out the equivalent of an early mission concept study, prepare a proposal authorization review presentation, present it to a review board, and receive feedback. By the end of the session, students will have a clearer understanding of the life cycle of a space mission. Partial financial support is available for a limited number of individuals. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/y8TPOl.

Astronomy Camp Workshop for Girl Scout Leaders (April 5-7)

(April 5-7, Hacienda Center of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.)

Girl scout leaders are welcomed to apply for the next GSUSA Astronomy Camp training. This weekend workshop is a science education program sponsored by the near-infrared camera team (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Participants will become part of a world-wide network of 225 trainers, teaching young women essential concepts in astronomy, the night sky environment, applied math, engineering, and critical thinking. Participants will be equipped to host astronomy-related activities at the troop level. Training will include topics in basic astronomy, as well as JWST-specific research areas, to pave the way for girls and women to understand the first images from JWST. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/VOhaO7.

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope and NuSTAR Workshop for Middle and High School Educators (April 9)

(April 9, 4:00pm-6:00pm PST; Pacific Grove High School, 615 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, Calif., 93950)

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and NuSTAR missions invite you to learn about black holes, exploding stars, and more. This free workshop is for middle and high school pre- and in-service teachers. Free NASA materials. To register, contact Marc Afifi, (831) 646-6590, ext. 223. Questions should be directed to Lynn Cominsky.

Workshop: Developing and Using Assessments Aligned to Science Learning Goals

AAAS Project 2061 invites educators of all types, science specialists, assessment directors, developers, and education researchers to a three-day professional development experience focused exclusively on assessment – from high-stakes testing to classroom diagnostics – and its role in helping all students achieve important science learning goals. Workshops will be held on the following dates:

• May 15-17 (Early bird registration by April 15)
• Aug. 7-9 (Early bird registration by July 10)
• Oct. 9-11 (Early bird registration by Sept. 11)

All workshops are $400/team member or $450 for individuals, and will be held at the AAAS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Early bird rates are available, as are limited scholarship opportunities. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/XKU35k.

2013 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for High School Students (Entries due April 15)

(Entries due April 15)

Everyday, geospatial tools are used to make new discoveries and better understand the changing world. As Hurricane Sandy began to form in October, scientists, decision-makers, and the public turned to satellites and other observing instruments to track the storm’s path, measure its intensity, and predict its impacts. Satellite data and information also helped paleontologists increase their odds of finding the best dig sites. The 2013 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data.

The best projects will receive a cash prize of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. In the case of team entries, the prize will be split equally among the winning team members. In addition to the student prizes, teachers or adult “coaches” of the first-, second-, and third-place students will receive a $200 Amazon.com gift card. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/ADW0wp.

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope and Swift Workshop for Middle and High School Educators (April 16)

(April 16, 4:00pm-6:00pm CST; Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood, Tenn., 37027)

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and Swift missions invite you to learn about black holes and gamma-ray bursts. This is a free workshop for middle and high school pre- and in-service teachers. Free NASA materials. To register, visit http://bit.ly/15eH0zq. Questions should be directed to Lynn Cominsky.

Webinar for Educators – Properties of Living Things: Searching for Life on Mars (April 18)

(April 18; 6:30pm EST)

This webinar will feature two lessons: one on extremeophiles and the other on searching for life. Review criteria for determining if something is alive and learn how students apply the criteria in a hands-on activity. A video will be shown that connects the activity to a NASA mission. Collaborate with other participants on ways of using and adapting the activity. Extension activities for students interested in the topic will be provided. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/RwKXf9.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for and Regional Teaching Exchanges for Faculty

Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) is offering a number of Teaching Excellence Workshops and Regional Teaching Exchanges in the upcoming months. Teaching Excellence Workshops provide college-level astronomy or space science faculty with information on how to create effective classroom environments. Best practices will be covered, including classroom-tested instructional strategies, and participants will gain first-hand experience implementing these strategies with a group of peers.

Regional Teaching Exchanges offer an opportunity to link current and future astronomy and space science instructors with regional experts, who can provide information covered in the Teaching Excellence Workshops, for those unable to travel.

Upcoming workshops/RTEs include:

• April 20 – RTE: Dearborn, Mich.
• May 4 – RTE: Oceanside, Calif.
  
• June 1-2 – Workshop: Indianapolis, Ind.
  (Registration Fee)

For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/rLp5cu.

GPM Anime Challenge (Entries due April 20)

(Entries due April 20)

The Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) and our partners at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are holding a design challenge for participants around the world to develop an Anime character for GPM. Participants are expected to learn about the GPM mission and science themes -  including the water cycle, weather and climate technologies, and societal applications – and incorporate they into the Anime character design. The winning character will star in a comic series that will teach students about GPM and precipitation science. There will be three age groups to which people may submit their designs: ages 13-15, ages 16-18, and ages 19 and older. For full instructions on how to submit an entry, as well as more information on GPM and contest rules, please visit http://1.usa.gov/128eIsw.

Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Day (April 20)

(April 20, 1:00pm-4:00pm EST; State University of New York at New Paltz)

The Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Day provides a venue for community members to learn how to make a positive difference by living in sustainable ways that benefit local communities and the environment. Interactive displays will be on hand to demonstrate sustainable and renewable energy technologies, as well as presentations by those working to conserve and protect the environment. Andy Revkin, Dot Earth blogger for the New York Times will speak, as well as Lynn Cherry, author and videographer of ”Young Voices for the Planet.” Questions about this event may be directed to Rosemary Millham.

LEARN Research Experience for Middle and High School Educators (Apply by April 22)

(Apply by April 22; July 8-11 and 15-18, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.)

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is looking for STEM educators to join a research team that will collaborate with NASA scientists on authentic research projects. Participants will receive training focused on atmospheric science and become GLOBE certified. Working with NASA research mentors, participants will complete two weeks of on-site work, followed by continued research through 2014 via virtual research team meetings and data presentations. A stipend is offered for participants, and educators may present proposals for travel funding to present their research at regional conferences. For more information and to apply, please visit http://1.usa.gov/YT36lM.

Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for Teachers (Apply by April 30)

(Apply by April 30; July 29-Aug. 3, San Francisco, Calif.)

The Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for Teachers (ASSET) experience consists of presentations by leading astrobiology researchers from the SETI Institute, NASA, and the California Academy of Sciences. Participants will receive the Voyaged Through Time curriculum, and all expenses are covered by grant funds. Three graduate credits are available for a reasonable tuition fee. Two person teams or single applicants are accepted. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/15KmZSA.

Here, There, and Everywhere Exhibition (Through Aug. 2015)

(Through Aug. 2015; Multiple locations)

Here, There, and Everywhere (HTE) is a NASA-funded program that consists of a series of exhibitions, posters, and supporting hands-on activities that utilize analogies in the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to provide multi-generational and family-friendly content in English and Spanish for community centers, libraries, schools, and under-resourced or small science centers. The purpose of the program is to connect cross-cutting content in Earth, planetary sciences, and astrophysics, with everyday phenomena. These connections will show that what happens in our daily lives also happens on a larger scale across the Universe. The HTE program utilizes multimodal content delivery (physical exhibits, handouts, interpretive stations, facilitated activities for educators, and online materials) hosted by locations for informal science learning. For more information, and to see if HTE is coming to a location near you, visit http://bit.ly/YThbPX.

AMS Maury Project Workshop for Master Teachers (Apply by March 15)

(Apply by March 15; July 7-19, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.)

The Maury Project is a teacher enhancement program of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) based on studies of the physical foundations of oceanography. This two-week workshop is intended to: introduce master teachers to the physical foundations of selected oceanographic topics and issues; explore and suggest ways in which these understandings and concepts can be employed in school studies; and prepare workshop attendees to conduct training sessions on selected oceanography topics and issues for teachers in their home areas during the next school year, as well as possibly participate in DataStreme Ocean Local Implementation Teams. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/TsM2H0.

NASA Internship Opportunities through OSSI (Apply by March 15)

(Applications due March 15 for Summer Internships; Applications due May 31 for Fall Internships)

NASA’s One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) is seeking applications for summer and fall internships. OSSI is a NASA-wide system for the recruitment, application, selection, and career development of undergraduate and graduate students, primarily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. For more information and to see available internships and other opportunities, please visit http://1.usa.gov/UGcdIq.

AMS Climate Studies Diversity Project Course Implementation Workshop for Qualifying Faculty (Apply by March 15)

(Apply by March 15; May 19-24, 2013, Washington, D.C.)

The American Meteorological Society has partnered with Second Nature, administrator of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, to implement the AMS Climate Studies course at 100 eligible, minority-serving institutions (MSIs) over a 5-year period. As part of this NSF-supported Diversity Project, AMS is recruiting 25 MSI faculty for the May Course Implementation Workshop. Faculty will be trained to offer the climate course and will hear presentations from top-level NASA, NOAA, and university scientists. The AMS Climate Studies course was developed and pilot tested with NASA Support. All expenses are paid for those selected to attend the workshop, and the AMS Climate Studies license fee is waived for the first two years the course is offered. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/thaKTR.

Earthzine Call for Papers on Environmental Awareness (Submit by March 21)

(Submissions accepted between Sept. 1 – March 21)

Earthzine.org is soliciting articles for its 2012 fourth quarterly theme on environmental awareness. Observation is inextricably linked to awareness. The development of a collective global perspective made possible through highly-integrated Earth observations will fundamentally change humanity’s awareness of its environment. Earthzine seeks contributions addressing theory and practices related to creating and expanding awareness of the Earth’s environment. Earthzine seeks to publish articles from all regions of the globe, however all submissions must be in English. For full details on desired themes and how to submit, please visit http://bit.ly/QL2PfS.

Sun-Earth Days 2013: Solar Max – Storm Warning: Effects on the Solar System (March 22)

(March 22)

Join NASA in celebrating Sun-Earth Days with a series of programs and events that occur throughout the year, culminating with a final celebration. This year’s theme, “Solar Max – Storm Warning: Effects on the Solar System,” invites participants to explore the violent nature of our sun at the peak of solar activity and the discoveries coming from the heliophysics and planetary missions during this exciting period. Learn about solar maximum and how it, along with other space weather, affects our daily lives. Find out why scientists and engineers find it important to track space weather, and learn about NASA Wallops Flight Facility’s role in launching rockets to explore weather on Earth and in space.

The final celebration on March 22 will feature a live Sun-Earth Day webcast. For more information, resources, and social media connections, visit http://1.usa.gov/WmhWDs.

MY NASA DATA Webinar for Educators: Analyzing Solar Energy Graphs (March 26)

(March 26, 6:30pm EST)

This 90-minute webinar allows educators to become familiar with the MY NASA DATA activity “Solar Cell Energy Availability From Around the Country.” Compare monthly averages of downward radiation in locations around the U.S. and analyze where conditions would be conductive to having solar panels. Access data on the NASA Live Access Server as participants “journey” around the U.S. to determine the amount of solar radiation and analyze overly plots to compare data from NASA satellites. For more information and to register online, visit http://bit.ly/Wrkg8I.

AMS Project Atmosphere Workshop for Master Teachers (Apply by March 31)

(Apply by March 31; July 14-26, NOAA National Weather Service Training Center, Kansas City, Mo.)

Project ATMOSPHERE is the comprehensive national program of teacher enhancements of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) based on studies in the atmospheric sciences. It is directed towards improving teacher effectiveness in generating interest and understanding in science, technology, and mathematics among students at precollege levels. The workshop is intended to: introduce master teachers to the latest technologies and techniques for sensing, analyzing, and forecasting weather; explore and suggest ways in which the products of these technologies and techniques can be employed in school studies of the atmospheric environment; and prepare attendees to conduct training sessions on selected atmospheric science topics for teachers in their home areas during the next school year, as well as possibly participate in DataStreme Atmosphere Local Implementation Teams. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/V0kPIS.

AMS Annual Meeting and WeatherFest – K-12 Educators (Jan. 6-10)

(Jan. 6-10; Austin, Texas)

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is hosting its 93rd Annual Meeting in 2013. In conjunction with this event, AMS will also host its 12th annual WeatherFest on Sunday, Jan. 6. This is a free, super-sized science fair to inform and educate about weather, climate, and related fields.

Scholarships are available to local and national educators interested in hosting an informal activity booth at the event. As an added bonus, AMS offers a workshop on Jan. 7 for K-8 educators, and another on Jan. 8 for high school educators, that cover everything from weather basics to more advanced topics covered in our national education science standards. These workshops connect teachers with some of the most innovative scientists working on weather and climate issues. If you are interested in applying for a WeatherFest scholarship, or prefer to enroll in the workshops only, please visit http://bit.ly/QjtKph.

Meteorite Outreach Event for the General Public (Jan. 12)

(Jan. 12, 1pm PT; North Plains Community Center, North Plains, Ore.)

The general public is invited to attend programs on meteorites in the Pacific Northwest, sponsored by the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. Most programs feature a PowerPoint presentation, and a number of meteorites that participants may examine and hold. For more details, please visit http://bit.ly/If8sDU.

Laboratory Earth: Human Dimensions of Climate Change Online Course – K-12 Educators (Apply by Jan. 14)

(Apply by Jan. 14 – Registration opens Nov. 7; Jan. 7-May 3, 2013)

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will offer NRES 832: Laboratory Earth: Human Dimensions of Climate Change for Spring 2013. This fully online, graduate-level course is geared toward K-12 science educators and extension educators who have a need to address climate change among public audiences. With funding from the NASA Innovations in Climate Education grant, this course hopes to provide tools to individuals who are on the ‘front line’ of climate change education. For this term only, the University is able to offer fifteen $700 stipends to those individuals who successfully complete the course (these funds are not available for use while registering, nor are they available to non-U.S. participants). For more information on the course and how to register, visit http://bit.ly/VFZpyw.

LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science for Undergrads (Apply by Jan. 18)

(Apply by Jan. 18; June 3-Aug. 9, 2013)

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) invites undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit to experience research in the planetary sciences. As a summer intern, participants will work one-on-one with a scientist either at LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center on a research project of current interest in planetary science. Participants will experience peer-reviewed research, learn from actual scientists, and preview various careers in science. Students selected to participate will receive a $5,000 stipend plus a travel stipend of $1,000 (foreign nationals will receive a $1,500 travel stipend). For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/UkWqug.

MyMoon Contest: “Honoring Neil” (Entries Due Jan. 20)

(Entries due midnight, Jan. 20)

Join MyMoon in honoring the life and legacy of Neil Armstrong, as we approach the 40th anniversary of the last footprints left on the Moon by Apollo 17 astronauts in December 1972. Neil’s family called him “a reluctant American hero” and issued the following statement after his death: “For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment, and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night, and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

MyMoon would like to see your tributes to Neil Armstrong. All forms of tributes will be accepted (artwork, poetry, music, video, service projects, etc.), but entrants are strongly encouraged to follow the suggestion of his family’s statement by finding ways to honor his example of service, accomplishment, and modesty. The top five will be chosen by the MyMoon team, then presented for voting on the MyMoon Polls, where the winner will be decided. The winner will receive a copy of Back to the Moon by Homer Hickam. For more information, and complete rules, visit http://bit.ly/SriPrq.

Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Solar and Space Physics – Summer 2013 (Apply by Feb. 1)

(Apply by Feb. 1; June 9-Aug. 2, 2013)

The University of Colorado and its partners invite applicants for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program for highly motivated students. Project opportunities span the field of solar and space physics, from instrument hardware to data analysis to modeling the Sun-Earth system. This program is open to current sophomore and junior undergraduates. Successful applicants will receive a stipend, room and board, and a travel allowance. For more details and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/Y7rKll.

IRIS Challenge: Tracking a Solar Storm (Feb. 4-May 3)

(Feb. 4-May 3)

Join the Tracking a Solar Storm Challenge and guide students as they learn about the Sun’s anatomy, the space weather it generates, and why studying the Sun is important. This challenge is designed around NASA’s solar mission Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS. Scheduled to launch in 2013, the IRIS spacecraft will study the dynamics of the Sun’s atmosphere using an ultraviolet telescope and spectrograph. As students participate in the challenge, they will learn more about the IRIS mission and the instruments that scientists will use to gather data. An educators’ guide is provided outlining basic lesson plans and supplementary learning projects available to help lead students in studying the Sun’s weather, tracking a solar storm, and predicting its effect on Earth. For more information and to register for the challenge, visit http://1.usa.gov/Ts6e8L.

NASA’s REEL Science Communication Contest for High School Students (Entries due Feb. 15)

(Entries due Feb. 15, 2013)

NASA Earth science missions are kicking off a new video contest asking high school-aged students to produce a two-minute video for middle school students communicating one of the following science concepts: ozone in the stratosphere, ship tracks and our environment, or the water cycle observed from space. Winners will have their videos posted on the NASA website, and will have the opportunity to be a NASA producer, working with NASA scientists and communications experts during the month of July 2013 to produce an Earth science feature video. For more information (including a Director’s Cut with tips for video production) and to enter, visit http://1.usa.gov/SNR0uX.

Polar Science Weekend at Pacific Science Center (Feb. 28-Mar. 3)

(Feb. 28-Mar. 3; Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Wash.)

The 8th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) is just around the corner! PSW brings students, teachers, and families face-to-face with active scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth to learn first-hand about Arctic and Antarctic research in a fun and informal setting. PSW consists of dozens of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers themselves. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in the polar regions. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/UJNXlY.

FameLab: Exploring Earth and Beyond

FameLab: Exploring Earth and Beyond is a science communications competition allowing early career scientists from numerous disciplines the opportunity to show off their skills! Each contestant has three minutes to convey their research without the aid of slides and charts (hand-held props are acceptable). A panel of experts in both science and science communication will do the judging. Regional competitions will be held, including an online option for those unable to travel. Winners will face off at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., April 2014, for the chance of winning the grand prize and the opportunity to compete at the FameLab International Final in the UK, June 2014. Currently scheduled regional competitions are:

• April 4, 2013 – Honolulu, Hawaii – Society for American Archaeology 78th Annual Meeting
• Summer 2013 – Online competition via YouTube

More regional competitions will be scheduled in the near future. For more information, a complete listing of rules and eligibility requirements, and to register, please visit http://1.usa.gov/SITUxQ.

2013-2014 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship for K-12 Educators (Apply by Dec. 5)

(Apply by Dec. 5)

Applications are currently available for the 2013-2014 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. This program is open to current public or private elementary or secondary mathematics, technology, engineering, and science classroom teachers with demonstrated excellence in teaching. Selected teachers spend a school year in Washington, D.C., sharing their expertise with policy makers. Einstein Fellows may serve with one of several government agency sponsors, such as the Department of Energy, NASA, or the National Science Foundation.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and be currently employeed full-time in a public or private elementary or secondary school, or school district. Applicants must have been teaching full time for at least five of the past seven years. For more information and to apply online, visit http://bit.ly/QKC3YA.

Tick Tick Tick…Begin the Baktun Event for Families (Dec. 22)

(Dec. 22, 11:00am-6:00pm PT; Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, Calif.)

Chabot Space and Science Center celebrates the end of the Maya calendar cycle and the start of a new Baktun. Visitors may explore the relationship of astronomy in the Maya culture with a full day of festivities including screenings of our planetarium show Tales of the Maya Skies (with a Q&A session with the producer and director), a café conversation with author Jeanie Kitchel, dance performances, a sunrise hike, and Maya cuisine. The new exhibit Touch the Sun will also be unveiled. This exhibit allows visitors to explore sunspots, magnetism, and solar storms, while showcasing real-time images of the Sun from space. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/UkS9XJ.

Center for Astronomy Education Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Workshops for Higher Education Educators (Jan. 5-6)

The Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) announces a series of workshops for higher education astronomy and space science educators. The goal of these workshops is for participants to become familiar with research-validated, active engagement teaching strategies and assessment material, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend time in the role of student, instructor, and critical friend, in order to practice implementing active engagement strategies. Advanced workshops are available for participants who have taken part in previous CAE Tier I workshops. The next workshops in the series are:

• Jan. 5-6, 2013 – Long Beach, Calif. – Improving the College Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop (Workshop Fee) http://bit.ly/QbOPhP
• June 1-2, 2013 – Indianapolis, Ind. – Improving the College Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop (Workshop Fee) http://1.usa.gov/UDTTAf

CAMEL Open Online Climate Change Course for Educators

CAMEL (Climate, Adaptation, Mitigation, E-Learning) is a free, comprehensive, interdisciplinary, multimedia resource for educators. An online college course for educator use has been introduced to the CAMEL website, and includes daily video mini-lectures, weekly assignments, a textbook, readings, a midterm, and a comprehensive final. The course was developed by Arnold Bloom, University of California, Davis. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/Snm0Bs.

Opportunity for Middle and High School Students to Publish Climate Research (NOI due Nov. 30)

(Notice of intent to submit due Nov. 30)

Harvard University’s Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) has formed a collaboration with the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education to publish a series of peer-reviewed climate-related papers authored by middle- and secondary-school students.

JEI is an open-access peer-reviewed online journal whose mission is to encourage and publish authentic student research. In addition to stand-alone research papers, JEI also encourages students who are developing science fair projects to submit journal articles based on those projects. Instructions on how to submit and guidelines for articles, including some practical suggestions for converting a science fair project into a journal article submission, can be found here: http://bit.ly/LYXdDx. For more information and questions, please contact David Brooks.

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitors center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility, and an inquiry-based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and are designed for grades 8-12. Contact Dawn Myers with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly, so register today!

The World’s a Place of Living Things – IGES Art Contest Grades 2-4 (Entries Due Nov. 16)

(Contest extended — Entries due Nov. 16)

This year’s art contest invites young scientists and artists to explore biodiversity. Learn about all the forms of life in a particular place – maybe it’s the Arctic, the rainforest, or your backyard. Then create a piece of artwork to show what you have learned!

Students grades 2-4 may submit one 2-D entry that does not exceed 16″x20″. The work should be original, creative, bold, and colorful. Please provide a title on the entry form that describes the artwork (do not use the contest title The World’s a Place of Living Things). Winners will have their artwork featured on the IGES web site, and will receive a Visa gift card (1st place-$1oo, 2nd place-$75, 3rd place-$50). To find out more, see complete rules, and download an entry form, visit http://www.strategies.org/artcontest.

IceHunters Invites the World to Find New Horizons Future KBO Destinations

The world is invited to help discover a potential new, icy follow-on destination for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft through the IceHunters website. New Horizons is currently en route to make the first flyby of the Pluto system, and is then capable of making additional exploration of bodies still farther out in the Sun’s Kuiper Belt. Through this citizen science project, the public can help scientists search through specially-obtained deep telescopic images for currently unknown objects in the Kuiper Belt. Along the way, they will also discover variable stars and asteroids. For more information, visit http://www.icehunters.org/.

Name that Asteroid! Contest for Students (Entries Due Dec. 2)

(Entries due Dec. 2)

Students under 18 years of age have the chance to name an asteroid from which an upcoming NASA mission will return samples to Earth! Scheduled to launch in 2016, the Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) will return samples from the surface of the near-Earth asteroid. Each contestant can submit one name, up to 16 characters long. Entries must include a short explanation and rationale for the name, and submissions must be made by an adult on behalf of the student. For full rules and to submit an entry, visit http://bit.ly/SiYyRN.

Citizen Science: Asteroid Mappers

In the thirteen months Dawn orbited the giant protoplanet Vesta, the mission gathered tens of thousands of images. For the science team, the work of analyzing the data has just begun. Dawn’s new citizen science project, Asteroid Mappers, invites you to help! A collaboration with CosmoQuest, Asteroid Mappers involves participants in the art of interpreting cool images from Vesta. The accumulated findings can help the Dawn Science Team make sense of new elements on the surface of Vesta: its age, its composition, its revealing patterns. Participate in the scientific endeavor at the heart of the Dawn mission. For more information and to participate, visit http://1.usa.gov/UxdfCI.

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php.

Mars for Earthlings – Faculty/Postdoc Workshop (Apply by Oct. 1)

(Apply by Oct. 1; Nov. 3; GSA Annual Meeting, Charlotte, N.C.)

Mars for Earthlings will be conducting its first faculty/postdoc half-day workshop at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting. Registrants will receive ready-made teaching modules and materials to be utilized in undergraduate Earth and planetary science courses. Introductions and walk-throughs of Earth analogs to Mars and Mars-related software will be provided. With attendance, registrants will receive a voucher for the amount of their registration to the GSA bookstore. For more information on registration and deadlines, please visit http://bit.ly/JUR5uG.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education – Webinar for High School Teachers (Oct. 30)

(Oct. 30, 4pm PDT)

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education, a project for high school teachers, is holding a webinar that will cover PicturePost. Dr. Annette Schloss, Research Scientist at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, will discuss PicturePost, which is a part of the Digital Earth Watch (DEW) network that supports environmental monitoring by citizens, students, and community organizations through digital photography and satellite imagery. Learn how teachers and students can contribute using digital images in a growing archive aimed at measuring environmental change. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MoFhx2.

Galileo Goes to Mars – Workshop for Teachers Grades 3-12 (Register by June 10)

(Register by June 10; Aug. 4-5; 8:30am-5:30pm; ASP Annual Meeting, DoubleTree Hotel Reid Park, Tucson, Ariz.)

In this workshop, participants will explore classroom-tested, standards-based astronomy activities, with a focus on the solar system. Participants will learn about the development of students’ understanding of science and science reasoning skills, which explore historical and multicultural perspectives on astronomy. Discussion will also cover how astronomy and space science fit into the new science framework and standards, and how to teach about recent developments in the exploration of the universe.

Registration is $75, and includes the new Universe at Your Fingertips DVD, which contains a collection of 133 classroom-ready activities. A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants, for proof of professional advancement. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/IbX6is.

ASP Annual Meeting – Communicating Science: A National Conference on Education and Public Outreach (Aug. 4-8)

(Aug. 4-8; Doubletree by Hilton, Tucson, Ariz.)

The 124th annual meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific welcomes education and public outreach perspectives from astronomy, space, Earth and biological sciences, journalism, film, and social media, with a particular focus on effective communication of science and scientific ideas. There will be professional development sessions, hands-on workshops, special interest group meetings, talks, panels, poster papers, tours and lots of time for networking. Special hotel rates have been arranged for participants. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/vSpJa6.

Satellites and Education Conference XXV (Aug. 9-11)

(Aug. 9-11; Los Angeles, Calif.)

Join the Satellite Educators Association for their annual conference! This conference is for educators interested in discovering ways to use satellites and related technologies in the classroom. Participants learn ways to help students appreciate and understand the complex interrelationships among science, technology, individuals, societies, and the environment. Conference attendees learn to develop and apply inquiry and technology skills to study authentic questions and problems. In conjunction with this year’s conference, a two-day training session for The GLOBE Program will take place on Aug. 10-11. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/N4rzle.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Workshop for Grade 6-12 Educators

Science teachers are invited to attend a free workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Participants will learn about recent discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, gain tools to address common student misconceptions about the Moon, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, and learn how to bring LRO data to their students using activities aligned with National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks. Where possible, workshops will include either a tour of a science facility or field trip that will help participants better understand mission operations or geologic processes relevant to the Moon. The workshops will be held on the following dates:

• June 18-22 – Morehead State University; Morehead, Ky. (application deadline May 20)
• June 25-28 – Lunar and Planetary Institute; Houston, Texas
• July 30-Aug. 3 – Museum of the North – University of Alaska; Fairbanks, Alaska (application deadline June 24)

For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/xFXw59.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education Educators and Students (May 5, May 19-20, June 9-10)

The Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education announces a series of educator workshops for astronomy educators. The goal of these workshops is to familiarize participants with research-validated active engagement teaching strategies and assessment materials, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend most of the workshop in the roles of student, instructor, and critical friend to practice implementing new strategies learned. Advanced levels are available for those who have participated in previous CAE workshops. To learn more and to register, visit http://bit.ly/rLp5cu.

• May 5 – Oceanside, Calif. – Regional Teaching Exchange on Implementing Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
• May 19-20 - Holly Springs, Miss. – Improving the General Education College-Level Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop
• June 2 - Seattle, Wash. – CAE Greater Northwest Regional Teaching Exchange on Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses
• June 9-10 - Anchorage, Alaska – Improving the College Introductory Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop (Fee)
• June 10 - Anchorage, Alaska – NASA CAE Tier II (Advanced) Special Topics Workshop: Using Technology in the Classroom (Fee)

Teachers Touch the Sky Workshop – Grades 3-9 (Apply by June 15)

(Apply by June 15; Aug. 6-10, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.)

During the summer of 2012, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will hold a one-week workshop for teachers grades 3-9. Teachers will learn about hands-on activities that are based on current projects in astronomy and space science at JPL, focusing on NASA’s current Dawn Mission to the asteroid Vesta. The integration of the lesson into curricula will be discussed, and a field trip to JPL’s Table Mountain Observatory is included. Teachers will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work with JPL scientists. For more information and to register, please visit http://1.usa.gov/IrhOsK.

Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science – A Workshop for High School Teachers (July 19-23)

(July 19-23; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)

High school teachers, both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach, are invited to attend this week-long workshop investigating Mars science and exploration. Topics include a comparison of Earth and Mars geologic features, Mars’ volcanic and aqueous mineralogy, spectroscopy, Mars exploration, and the relationship between science and technology. Workshop registration is free, and participants will receive a $700 stipend upon completion of the workshop. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/H9Albf.

High School Science Teachers Needed for Dawn Curriculum Content Study

Are you interested in an opportunity for your class to learn more about NASA space science? Dawn Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) has developed a module of activities unpacking the concepts underlying how Dawn’s instruments gather and analyze data: Interactions of Energy and Matter: Dawn Instrumentation. Ideal for high school physics, chemistry, and integrated science classes, the materials are being piloted during the spring and fall of 2012. To preview the module, please visit http://bit.ly/z4AYkh. To view the pilot study web page, visit http://bit.ly/Hfd5cA. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Sharon Unkart.

NASA 24th Annual Planetary Science Summer School for Post-Graduates/PhD Students (Apply by March 28)

(Apply by March 28; June 18-22 and July 16-20)

NASA is accepting applications from science and engineering post-docs, recent PhDs, and doctoral students for its 24th Annual Planetary Science Summer School, which will hold two separate sessions this summer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. During the program and pre-session webinars, student teams will carry out the equivalent of an early mission concept study, prepare a proposal authorization review presentation, present it to a review board, and receive feedback. By the end of the session, students will have a clearer understanding of the life cycle of a space mission; relationships between mission design, cost, and schedule; and the tradeoffs necessary to stay within cost and schedule while preserving the quality of science. Partial financial support is available for a limited number of individuals. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/y8TPOl.

Climate Science Research for Educators and Students (CSRES): Understanding Sun/Earth/Atmosphere Interactions – Workshop for Secondary School Educators (Apply by May 31)

(Apply by May 31; June 28-30, Queens College, New York City, N.Y.)

Secondary school educators interested in enhancing their effectiveness in teaching about climate and climate change are invited to participate in this workshop, funded through NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) program. The workshop, conducted by the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education, in partnership with Queens College, has the goal of developing a comprehensive approach to developing teachers’ and students’ understanding of sun/Earth/atmosphere interactions through hands-on student activities and research that combine NASA climate data with innovative and inexpensive instruments for ground-based measurements. The program also hopes to start building an infrastructure that enables secondary school students to undertake independent climate science research projects that will be competitive in high-level local, regional, and national science competitions.

Some travel support may be available for participants from outside the New York City metropolitan area. For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/tpNh4R.

Planet Hunters – Help Find Planets Using Kepler Data

Planet Hunters is a citizen science project where site visitors can help to sieve through data taken by the NASA Kepler space mission. These data consist of brightness measurements, or “light curves,” taken every thirty minutes for more than 150,000 stars. Users search for possible transit events – a brief dip in brightness that occurs when a planet passes in front of a star – with the goal of discovering a planet. The project’s first paper, Fischer, et al. 2011, ‘Planet Hunters: The First Two Planet Candidates Identified by the Public using the Kepler Public Archive Data‘ was published in September, and two more papers have recently been submitted: Schwamb, et al. 2012, ‘Planet Hunters: Assessing the Kepler Inventory of Short Period Planets‘ and Lintott, et al. 2012, ‘Planet Hunters: New planet candidates from the first year of analysis.‘ So far, over 10 million light curves have been classified by more than 100,000 users. To join the hunt, visit http://bit.ly/xh9kit.

A Vision of Discovery Workshop – K-12 Educators (Register by March 1)

(Register by March 1; March 10)

NASA’s Discovery and New Frontiers missions are exploring the solar system and sending back to Earth never-before-seen images. This workshop presents new images of Mercury from MESSENGER, of Asteroid Vesta from Dawn, and looks forward to the first close-up photos of Pluto and the Kupier Belt from New Horizons. Participants in this workshop will get the latest updates on these missions from scientists, then learn how to use art to engage students in the appreciation and interpretation of NASA imagery. Techniques for engaging students will be presented, along with activities that will help students understand science images using the elements of art.

The workshop will be held in four locations: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, Md.; NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, Ore. A registration fee of $25 is required, and includes a packet of resources. For those who cannot attend, a webinar option will be offered. For more information and to register, please visit http://bit.ly/zZ8fC4.

2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest – Grades 9-12 (Due April 16)

(Due April 16)

From the movement of Hurricane Irene up the east coast of the United States to images of ice receding in polar regions, scientists and decision-makers rely upon satellites and other observing instruments to understand the extent and impact of environmental changes. The 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, held by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, provides students grades 9-12 the opportunity to conduct innovative research on our changing planet. Students must demonstrate the best uses of the latest geospatial tools and data.

The best projects will receive cash awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. Winners will also be featured in an Encyclopedia of the Earth article. In addition to the student prizes, teachers, or adult “coaches” of the winning students will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/ADW0wp.

2012 Gregory G. Leptoukh Online Giovanni Workshop for Scientists, High School and Undergraduate Educators (Sept 25-27)

(Sept 25-27)

The NASA Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) will host an online workshop focused on the use of pioneering data visualizations and analysis tool, Giovanni. The purpose of this workshop is to share and disseminate the multitude of ways that the NASA Giovanni data system has been used for scientific research. Other objectives include fostering discussion on: applications of Giovanni to environmental and disaster monitoring; using Giovanni for geoscience and climate change education; and improvements to the system, including the current development and implementation of Giovanni 4, and desired enhancements suggested by the user community. For more information, full schedule of events, and to register, visit http://1.usa.gov/PMuS0h.

Mars Rover Celebration Teacher Workshops (Register by Sept. 6)

(Register by Sept. 6; Sept. 15 & 22, 9:00 am-4:00 pm; University of Houston, Houston, Texas)

These workshops are meant to prepare teachers who plan to enter their students in the 2012-2013 University of Houston Mars Rover Celebration. The first workshop covers the basics of Mars science. The second workshop is split into two sections – the morning section will cover effective methods for teaching the engineering design process, while the afternoon session will focus on details of the Mars rover celebration, newly revised beta test versions of curriculum materials, and proven methodologies for supervising the projects. Participating teachers will receive print and electronic copies of the curriculum, as well as one solar model kit. The fee for participating is $25/workshop, or $40 for both workshops. To learn more and to register, visit http://bit.ly/N6TTRY.

2012 Gregory G. Leptoukh Online Giovanni Workshop for Scientists, High School, and Undergraduate Educators (Sept. 2012)

(Sept. 2012, Exact dates TBD)

In September 2012, the NASA Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) will host an online workshop focused on the use of the pioneering data visualizations and analysis tool, Giovanni. The online workshop will be organized around four main themes: Earth system research utilizing Giovanni; Giovanni applications (air quality, disaster management, environmental monitoring, etc.); planned and desired augmentation of Giovanni; and educational use of Giovanni. The workshop will primarily consist of online author-led presentations coupled with real-time discussions about these presentations. Presentations and chat logs will be available online for review, for those not able to participate in live sessions. To indicate interest, please email Dr. James G. Acker, or visit http://1.usa.gov/M9Hyi7 for more information.

NASA G.I.R.L.S. Mentoring Program – Grades 5-8 (Apply by June 15)

(Apply by June 15)

NASA is looking for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Women@NASA has created a mentoring project that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for middle school girls. Participants will get to explore the possibilities of a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The project will feature one-on-one mentoring from women working at NASA, and participants will complete online lessons with their mentors while virtually connected through Skype or Google Chat. The mentoring project will take place over a five-week period during the summer. For more information and to register online, visit http://bit.ly/IbUh0V.

ESIP Teacher Workshop – Grades 6-12 (July 17-18)

(July 17-18; Madison, Wisc.)

The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) invites teachers to attend a 1.5 day workshop on Earth science education, with an integral strand dedicated to climate change education. Participants will be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Educators for grades 6-12 are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. After the workshop, teachers are invited to stay for the ESIP conference plenary and poster reception. To register for the workshop, please visit http://bit.ly/HpPqFT. To learn more about the ESIP summer conference, please visit http://bit.ly/H4x4AP.

IGES Earth Day Photo Contest – Grades 5-8 (Entries Due May 11)

(Entries due May 11)

Our planet is changing quickly – and what better way to capture those seasonal changes than with a photograph. Spring is a dynamic season: gray and brown landscapes give way to green trees and colorful flowers, birds migrate to summer homes, and weather patterns change. During the week of Earth Day (April 22), middle school students across the country can be part of a unique photography and short essay contest, documenting changes in their local environment. The top three winners will receive $150, $100, and $75 Visa gift cards. For more information and complete rules, visit http://bit.ly/yV35bh.

Symposium on Climate Change Education at NARST Conference (March 25)

(March 25, 1:00-2:30pm ET; JW Marriott, Room 303, Indianapolis, Ind.)

As part of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference, the symposium Climate Change Education: Curriculum, Controversy, Culture, and Critical Review will explore why we should understand the factors that contribute to climate and climate change, and how changes in climate can affect our lives. Climate change issues cross multiple science domains, and the discussion will explore how to address climate change issues in the classroom, including how NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) can provide insight. This symposium will be facilitated by: Anna R. Lewis, Coalition for Science Literacy at USF; Susan Buhr, University of Colorado; Julie Thomas, Oklahoma State University; and Anne L. Kern, University of Ohio. If you cannot attend the symposium, but would like access to the meeting notes and outcomes, please email Anna Lewis. To find out more about the NARST Annual Conference, please visit http://bit.ly/vZ1xXb.

“Climate Science Research for Educators and Students” Professional Development Workshops for High School Science Teachers (Summer 2012)

The Institute for Earth Science Research and Education, in collaboration with Queens College/City University of New York, is now seeking participants for summer professional development workshops in the second year of its “Climate Science Research for Educators and Students” project. This project is funded under NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) initiative, and focuses on improving the understanding of sun-Earth-atmosphere interactions by helping educators and students develop high-quality, climate-related, science fair projects. The program focuses on using inexpensive instrumentation for monitoring solar radiation and the atmosphere, including instruments that educators and students can build themselves. All high school students are encouraged to apply, and travel funding is the responsibility of the participant. To apply, please contact David Brooks (610) 584-5619. For more information on the program, visit http://bit.ly/tpNh4R.

NASA’s Multiwavelength Universe Online Professional Development for Educators (June 25-July 13)

(June 25-July 13)

Explore NASA resources in a combination of online synchronous and asynchronous formats to understand how astronomers use their knowledge of light to investigate the universe. Participants have the opportunity to obtain academic credit through Sonoma State University (1 credit for EDUC 490 or 1.5 Continuing Education Credits). For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/GTMM1t.

The Unknown Moon Institute: A Workshop for High School Teachers (July 25-29)

(July 25-29; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)

High school science teachers, both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach, are invited to this free 35-hour, 5-day institute investigating the Moon. Topics will include the lunar pole environment and the search for water on the Moon, exploration of the Moon, spectrometry, the Moon’s formation and geologic evolution, and more! For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/H9zxTI.

OSSI SOLAR – Summer 2012 Opportunities for Higher Education Students (Apply by March 16)

(Apply by March 16 for Summer 2012 Opportunities)

The NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) strives to provide students at all institutions of higher education access to a portfolio of internship, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities offered by NASA mission directorates and centers. Visit the OSSI LaunchPad to find information on these opportunities. The site features the OSSI: Student Online Application for Recruiting Interns, Fellows, and Scholars, or SOLAR. This system allows students to search and apply for all types of higher-education NASA opportunities in one location. A single application places the student in the applicant pool for consideration by all NASA mentors. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/waIiew.

Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for High School Teachers (Apply by April 13)

(Apply by April 13; July 23-28, San Francisco, Calif.)

ASSET, a science and curriculum institute for high school science teachers, offers an interactive and content-rich program, with presentations by leading astrobiology researchers from the SETI Institute, NASA, and California Academy of Sciences. Participants will receive the Voyages Through Time curriculum (http://bit.ly/Au9o7Z). All expenses are covered through grant funds. Two person teams or single person applications will be accepted. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/y2Ttf5.

Polar Science Weekend at Pacific Science Center (March 1-4)

(March 1-4; Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Wash.)

The 7th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) brings students, teachers and families face-to-face with active scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth, to learn first-hand about Arctic and Antarctic research in a fun and informal setting. PSW consists of many hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers themselves. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in the polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA E/PO for Earth and Space Science. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/zbboUM.

AMS DataStreme Earth’s Climate Systems Professional Development Course for K-12 Educators (Jan.-April 2012)

The American Meteorological Society (AMS), with support from NASA and in partnership with the State University of New York’s College at Brockport, is developing a national cadre of K-12 teachers highly trained in climate science, and familiar with climate modeling. Teachers are trained through DataStreme Earth’s Climate System (ECS), a semester-long, graduate level, pre-college teacher professional development course. DataStreme ECS uses NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) data and visualizations, and introduced the Educational Global Climate Modeling (EdGCM) developed by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, to explore the fundamentals of climate change. Teachers completing the course construct and execute a Plan of Action to advance public climate science literacy and affect curriculum change within their local schools and districts.

DataStreme ECS is administered through 21 course Local Implementation Teams (LITs) across the country. The course is free to all participants, and the teachers are awarded three graduate credits upon successful completion of the course. For more information, including a listing of course offerings by state, and an application form, visit http://bit.ly/vvSBkG.

2012 Faculty Institutes for NASA Earth and Space Science Education (FINESSE) – College Educators (Jan. 3-4)

(Jan. 3-4; Clearwater Beach, Fla.)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2011-2012 FINESSE. This two-day workshop will assist university and community college science and education faculty in preparing future teachers in science. The 2012 institute will incorporate the theme of Our Solar System in a New Light, in conjunction with the Year of the Solar System. FINESSE workshops are free, and participants receive a $300 stipend and lunch. During the workshop, NASA Earth and space scientists and educators share inquiry activities, data and resources. Registration will remain open while space is still available. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/vIr5Y5.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education Educators and Students (Jan. 7,8,20)

The Center for Astronomy Education announces a series of educator workshops for astronomy educators. The goal of these workshops is to familiarize participants with research-validated active engagement teaching strategies and assessment materials, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend most of the workshop in the roles of student, instructor and critical friend to practice implementing new strategies learned. Advanced levels are available for those who have participated in previous CAE workshops. To learn more and register, visit http://bit.ly/rLp5cu.

• Jan. 7-8 – Austin, Texas – Improving the College Introductory Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (introductory) Workshop ($45 registration fee)
• Jan. 8 – Austin, Texas – NASA CAE Tier II (advanced) Special Topics Workshop: Using Technology in the Classroom ($35 registration fee)
• Jan. 20 - Ann Arbor, Mich. – Special Topics Workshop on Implementing Lecture – Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy (no registration fee)

FameLab Astrobiology – Science Communication Competition for Grad Students/Early Career Astrobiologists (Jan. 13)

FameLab Astrobiology is a science communication competition focused on graduate students and post docs doing research in astrobiology. Via four preliminary and one final competition, early career astrobiologists will compete to convey their own research or related science concepts. Each contestant has the spotlight for only three minutes – slides and charts are not allowed. A panel of experts in both science and science communication will judge the events. Events will take place on the following dates:

• Jan. 13 – Houston, Texas – Lunar and Planetary Institute
• Feb. 10 - Denver, Co. – Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• March 9 – Washington, D.C. – NASA HQ/National Geographic Society
• Jan.-March - Online via YouTube
• FINAL: April 12-16 – Atlanta, Ga. – Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon)

Each preliminary event will feature science communication training and enrichment activities, providing exposure to alternative careers. There will be a two-day master class for finalists, prior to the final event in April. The winner will go on to compete in the International FameLab Final in the UK in June 2012. To find more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/sIz7Py. Questions may be directed to Daniella Scalice, NASA Astrobiology Institute.

2012 NASA Student Airborne Research Program – Undergrad and Early Graduate Students (Apply by Feb. 10)

(Apply by Feb. 10; Apply by Jan. 20 for Early Acceptance; Internship June 17-Aug. 10)

The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated junior and senior undergraduate and early graduate students to apply for participation in the NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2012). The summer internship program provides students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign. Students will work in four multi-disciplinary teams to study surface, atmospheric, and oceanographic processes. Participants will fly onboard the NASA P-3B aircraft, where they will assist in the operation of instruments to sample and measure atmospheric gasses, and to image land and water surface in multiple spectral bands. Applicants must have a strong background in any of the physical, chemical or biological sciences, or engineering, and an interest in applying their background to the study of the Earth system. For more information and to download the program application, please visit http://bit.ly/tpVjqE.

AMS Climate Diversity Project Course Professional Development for Undergraduate Faculty (Apply by March 15)

(Apply by March 15; May 20-25, Washington, D.C.; Jan. 5-8, 2013, Austin, Texas)

The American Meteorological Society invites minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to offer an introductory-level climate science course, AMS Climate Studies. This course explores the scientific principals governing Earth’s climate system. The lesson format allows students to explore real-world climate data and become informed citizens. Professional development training is offered with no cost to designated climate course instructors through a NSF Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences grant. Workshops will cover climate science training, course implementation strategies, and issues related to enhancing diversity in the geosciences. Workshops will be held in conjunction with the AMS Annual Meeting. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/thaKTR.

Exploration Station (Dec. 4)

(Dec. 4, 1-5pm PT; Moscone Center, San Francisco, Calif.)

Exploration Station, an annual four-hour science open house for families and teachers, is a free event open to the general public in association with AGU. The event will feature several NASA missions and programs, including the Solar Dynamics Observatory, CloudSat, Sun Earth Day, Chandra and IRIS. Attendees will have a chance to meet scientists, do hands-on astronomy activities, and take home related resources collected during their visit to continue their excitement after the event. This event will follow the AGU public talk by astronaut and geoscientist Andrew Feustel.

Don’t miss Cindi, the space android girl, who explains NASA’s CINDI mission in her two comic books, “Cindi in Space” and “Cindi in the Electric Atmosphere.” She will be talking to students and teachers, as well as autographing free copies of her comic books. Cindi will be at the Exploration Station, as well as the NASA booth in the AGU exhibition hall on Dec. 6, from 1:30-3:30pm PT.

More information on the Exploration Station can be found at http://bit.ly/sNVls3.

ASP Nominations for 2012 Awards for Excellence in Astronomy Education (Due Dec. 15)

(Deadline for nominations Dec. 15)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is now accepting nominations for the Society’s 2012 awards honoring accomplishments in astronomy education and public outreach. Recipients receive a cash award and engraved plaque, as well as travel and lodging to accept the award at the Society’s 2012 meeting:

• The Richard Emmons Award celebrates a lifetime of outstanding achievement in the teaching of college-level introductory astronomy for non-science majors.
• The Klumpke-Roberts Award recognizes those who have made major contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
• The Thomas J. Brennan Award is given for excellence in the teaching of astronomy at the high school level in North America.
• The Las Cumbres Amateur Outreach Award honors outstanding educational outreach by an amateur astronomer to K-12 students and the public

You do not have to be an ASP member to make or second a nomination. Submission guidelines and lists of past recipients can be found at http://bit.ly/sDQYWJ.

Earthzine Annual Essay and Blogging Contest on Sustainability – Undergraduate/Graduate Students (Due Dec. 22)

(Entries Due Dec. 22)

Earthzine invites undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to submit an essay for its 2011 Third Annual College and University Student Essay and Blogging Contest. This year’s theme is “How Can Earth Observation Help Us to Build a More Sustainable World?” Students are invited to submit original essays that describe, reflect upon, or envision roles for Earth observation in improving its website. The authors of each essay will be invited to lead a blog about their essay, and to participate in blogs of competing essays. Winners will be determined based on the overall quality of the essay and blog. Winners will share $1,200 in prizes, with $500 for the first prize. For full rules and to submit an essay, visit http://bit.ly/sinKGB.

2011 IGES Art Contest – Wonders of Weather: What Do You See? Grades 2-4 (Due Nov. 7)

(Entries Due Nov. 7)

When you go outside, what makes you wonder? Is it the colors and shapes of clouds? The burst of thunder during a rainy afternoon? Or a thick white blanket made of slowly falling snowflakes? Weather, the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, is constantly changing. So look around and ask yourself, what makes you wonder about weather?

This year’s contest invites young scientists and artists to explore weather in the world around them. Students grades 2-4 may submit one 2-D entry that does not exceed 16″x20″. The work should be creative, bold and colorful. Please provide a title on the entry form that describes the artwork. Winners will have their artwork featured on the IGES web site, and will receive a Visa gift card (1st place – $100, 2nd place – $75, 3rd place – $50). To find out more, see complete rules and download an entry form, visit http://bit.ly/t88e4i.

NESTA Workshops at Fall 2011 NSTA Area Conferences (Nov. 11 and Dec. 9)

NESTA will offer workshops at all NSTA Area Conferences this fall. In addition to the traditional Share-a-Thon and Rock and Mineral Raffle, there will also be workshops on Earth systems science, climate change, and geology, all leveraging the Windows to the Universe program (http://www.windows2universe.org/). All of the events provide a full day of Earth science professional development, and are free with registration at the NSTA conference. Workshops will be held at the following:

• November 11; Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.
• December 9; Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, Wa.

For more information, and to submit to present in the Share-a-Thons, visit http://bit.ly/tYPien.

Teacher Workshop in Earth Science in Houston – High School Educators (Nov. 30-Dec. 1)

(Nov. 30-Dec. 1; Houston, Texas)

Teachers are invited to register for the upcoming Lunar and Planetary Institute workshop, “Rock On! Plate Tectonics, Earth’s Interior, Volcanism, and Igneous Rocks.” This workshop is for high school Earth systems science teachers, and will be held at the Harris County Department of Education. A $30 registration fee includes extensive presentation and reference materials, hands-on lesson plans for the classroom, refreshments and lunch. To learn more and to register, visit http://bit.ly/s5Qe4D.

NASA Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) Great Lakes Regional Teaching Exchange – Postsecondary Educators (Oct. 8)

(Oct. 8; University of Michigan, Dearborn, Mich.)

CAE Regional Teaching Exchanges are designed to foster a sense of community amongst geographically linked current and future Astro 101 college instructors. The program features regional experts from the broader CAE community who will provide the opportunity for participants to meet other instructors in their area, expand their instructional repertoire, and share their expertise. Instructors, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students are all welcome to join the Exchange! For more information, visit http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=93.

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (Oct. 15 & 28)

Join us at this event which brings astronomy to the public, with free star-gazing at music concert and festivals. Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, will give concert goers a glimpse of the heavens. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts, and the Moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae at intermission and after the concerts – combined with videos, posters, hands-on activities, and the sounds of the Sun. Upcoming events include:

• Oct. 15 – 27th Anniversary Oyster Festival, Oyster Bay, N.Y.
• Oct. 28 – Spooky Walk, Albertson, N.Y.

For more information, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

2011 Associations of Science-Technology Centers Annual Conference (Oct. 15-18)

(Oct. 15-18; Maryland Science Center and Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md.)

Visit the NASA Science Education and Public Outreach Forums exhibit hall booth #649 at the 2011 annual ASTC conference, where you can obtain education materials, learn about NASA Science Mission Directorate-funded education programs, and participate in in-booth activities and demonstrations. NASA HQ is also hosting a booth, along with an Astronomy and Aerospace Showcase. For more information, visit http://conference.astc.org/.

The Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshop – Postsecondary Educators (Oct. 22-23)

(Oct. 22-23; Mesa Community College, Mesa, Ariz.)

Since 2004, the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) has lead professional development workshops funded by JPL’s NASA Exoplanet Exploration Public Engagement Program (ExEP). Workshops have been attended by over 2,000 current and future instructors of college-level astronomy and space science. CAE invites you to participate in one of their many workshops offered throughout the year, and to learn how to kick off teaching your class with Exoplanet curriculum! You can learn more about the next workshop here: http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=91.

Fall 2011 Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest – Grades 5-12 (Entries Due Oct. 26)

(Deadline Oct. 26, Noon PT)

The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants examine three possible observations taken by Cassini and choose the one they think will yield the best scientific results. This choice must be supported in a 500-word essay. Winners and their classmates will participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists.

The contest is open to all U.S. students grades 5-12, working alone or in groups of up to four students. The essays will be divided into three groups: grades 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12. All submissions must be the students’ original work. Each student may submit only one entry, and all entrants will receive a certificate of participation. For more information, visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/scientistforaday/.

NESTA Workshop at Fall 2011 NSTA Area Conferences (Oct. 28, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9)

NESTA will be offering workshops at all three NSTA Area Conferences this fall. In addition to their traditional Share-a-Thon and Rock and Mineral Raffle, they will also be offering workshops on Earth Systems science, climate change, and geology leveraging the new program, Windows to the Universe (http://www.windows2universe.org/). This popular educational resource contains over 9,000 pages of content spanning Earth and space science at elementary – high school levels, as well as over a hundred tested classroom activities ready for immediate use.

All of the events provide a full day of Earth science professional development, and are free with registration at the NSTA conference. Workshops will be held at the following:

• October 28; Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Conn.
• November 11; Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.
• December 9; Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, Wa.

For more information, and to submit to present in the Share-a-Thons, visit https://www.nestanet.org/cms/sites/default/files/documents/NESTA_Workshops_Fall_2011_NSTA.pdf.

Research Study Opportunity for High-School Educators with PBS

You are invited to participate in an opportunity to help evaluate the effectiveness of a new online graduate course, STEM417: Global Climate Change Education for High School, by serving as a Control Teacher. As an incentive, participants will receive a $50 stipend for completing the evaluation instruments and for completing a PBS TeacherLine online course in science, math, or technology for high school this fall. The course enrollment fee will be covered by the study. Control teachers may NOT enroll in the STEM417: Global Climate Change Education for High School course. A NASA grant awarded to PBS TeacherLine funds the research study and the development of the GCC Course. If you are interested in participating as a control teacher, please visit http://www.pbs.org/pd/crepstudy.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs are identifying the best resources to use, comparing course outlines, and are hearing/seeing webinars by climate scientists, both live and as archived presentations. PLCs are having real-time telemeetings, as well as asynchronous communication through shared websites, wikis, and other techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without petroleum-fueled travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, or forming a PLC (becoming a PLC Leader) please visit: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/.

2012 NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program – Middle and High School Teachers (Apply by Sept. 23)

(Applications due by September 23)

NITARP, the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Progrma, gets teachers involved in astronomical research. The program partners small groups of educators with a mentor professional astronomer for a research project using real astronomical data. Each team then presents both the research and the educational results of their experience in the program at an American Astronomical Society meeting. The program runs from January to January. Most of the participating educators teach grades 8-13, and informal educators have also participated. Participants should have a basic understanding of astronomy. To apply for the program, visit http://nitarp.ipac.caltech.edu/.

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (Sept. 24-Oct. 28)

Join us at this event which brings astronomy to the public, with free star-gazing at music concerts and festivals. Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, will give concert goers a glimpse of the heavens. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts, and the Moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae at intermission and after the concerts – combined with videos, posters, hands-on activities, and the sounds of the Sun. For a full schedule, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

2011 Associations of Science-Technology Centers Annual Conference (Oct. 15-18)

(Oct. 15-18; Maryland Science Center and Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md.)

Visit the NASA Science Education and Public Outreach Forums exhibit hall booth #649 at the 2011 annual ASTC conference, where you can obtain education materials, learn about NASA Science Mission Directorate-funded education programs, and participate in in-booth activities and demonstrations. NASA HQ is also hosting a booth, along with an Astronomy and Aerospace Showcase. For more information, visit http://conference.astc.org/.

The Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshop – Postsecondary Educators (Oct. 22-23)

(Oct. 22-23; Mesa Community College, Mesa, Ariz.)

Since 2004, the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) has lead professional development workshops funded by JPL’s NASA Exoplanet Exploration Public Engagement Program (ExEP). Workshops have been attended by over 2,000 current and future instructors of college-level astronomy and space science. CAE invites you to participate in one of their many workshops offered throughout the year, and to learn how to kick off teaching your class with Exoplanet curriculum! You can learn more about the next workshop here: http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=91.

NESTA Workshops at Fall 2011 NSTA Area Conferences (Oct. 28, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9)

NESTA will be offering workshops at all three NSTA Area Conferences this fall. In addition to their traditional Share-a-Thon and Rock and Mineral Raffle, they will also be offering workshops on Earth Systems science, climate change, and geology leveraging the new program, Windows to the Universe (http://www.windows2universe.org/). This popular educational resource contains over 9,000 pages of content spanning Earth and space science at elementary – high school levels, as well as over a hundred tested classroom activities ready for immediate use.

All of the events provide a full day of Earth science professional development, and are free with registration at the NSTA conference. Workshops will be held at the following:

• October 28; Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Conn.
• November 11; Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.
• December 9; Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, Wa.

For more information, and to submit to present in the Share-a-Thons, visit https://www.nestanet.org/cms/sites/default/files/documents/NESTA_Workshops_Fall_2011_NSTA.pdf.

Summer Solar Science Middle School Teachers Institute – Summer 2012 Participants

(Summer 2012; New Haven, Conn.)

Open to all middle school teachers, this institute is particularly targeted to the 5th grade curriculum standards and is focused on light, the positions of the Earth and moon relative to the Sun, and how advances in technology allow us to acquire new information about the world. Teachers will learn how to use NASA data in their classrooms, gain practical experience with telescopes, and preview cool planetarium shows about the Sun and sunlight. The Institute is jointly organized by the Yale Peabody Museum and Yale Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. Teachers will be eligible for free field trips to both venues with their classes, as well as ongoing academic support from Museums and Planetarium staff. Requests to participate in the 2012 program are now being accepted; please email heid.herrick@yale.com to be put on the list. For more information, visit http://archive.peabody.yale.edu/education/fellows_nasa.html.

IceHunters Invites the World to Find New Horizons Future KBO Destinations

The world is invited to help discover a potential new, icy follow-on destination for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft through the IceHunters website. New Horizons is currently en route to make the first flyby of the Pluto system, and is then capable of making additional exploration of bodies still farther out in the Sun’s Kuiper Belt. Through this citizen science project, the public can help scientists search through specially-obtained deep telescopic images for currently unknown objects in the Kuiper Belt. Along the way, they will also discover variable stars and asteroids. For more information, visit http://www.icehunters.org/ or visit the project blog at http://blogs.zooniverse.org/icehunters/2011/06/15/hello-world/.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs are identifying the best resources to use, comparing course outlines, and are hearing/seeing webinars by climate scientists, both live and as archived presentations. PLCs are having real-time telemeetings, as well as asynchronous communication through shared websites, wikis, and other techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without petroleum-fueled travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, or forming a PLC (becoming a PLC Leader) please visit: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/.

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php.

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitors center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility, and an inquiry-based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly, so register today!

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (Aug. 2-Oct. 28)

Join us at this event which brings astronomy to the public, with free star-gazing at music concerts and festivals. Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, will give concert goers a glimpse of the heavens. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts, and the Moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae at intermission and after the concerts – combined with videos, posters, hands-on activities, and the sounds of the Sun. Events in August will take place on the 2nd, 5th, 13th, 14th, 17th and 19th. For a full schedule, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

Dawn Mission’s Vesta Fiesta (Aug. 5-7)

After nearly four years and 1.6 billion miles, Dawn is catching up to the object of its first destination in the main asteroid belt: Vesta. Soon we will explore this exciting new world up close. It’s Vesta Fiesta time! Taking advantage of three nights where Vesta is near full and visible for night sky viewing with a telescope, Dawn is inspiring fiestas across the nation. Learn about the Vesta flagship fiesta in Pasadena, Calif., Aug. 6th, featuring activities, scientists, and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Find out where other Vesta Fiestas are being held on our interactive map and join a party near you, or host your own Vesta Fiesta. For more information, visit http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/vesta_fiesta.asp.

MS PHD’s Professional Development Program for Graduate Students (Apply by Aug. 31)

(Applications due Aug. 31)

The application process is beginning for the Cohort VIII (2011-2013) of the Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD) Professional Development Program. The program provides professional development experiences that facilitate the advancement of minorities committed to achieving outstanding Earth system science related careers. Activities include presentation skills development, mentor partnerships with scientists, and a variety of networking experiences. Those selected for the program will also participate in two professional society meetings and a capstone event touring federal agencies in Washington, D.C. To learn more and apply, visit http://www.msphds.org/.

2012 NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program – Middle and High School Teachers (Apply by Sept. 23)

(Applications due by September 23)

NITARP, the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program, gets teachers involved in astronomical research. The program partners small groups of educators with a mentor professional astronomer for a research project using real astronomical data. Each team then presents both the research and the educational results of their experience in the program at an American Astronomical Society meeting. The program runs from January to January. Most of the participating educators teach grades 8-13, and informal educators have also participated. Participants should have a basic understanding of astronomy. To apply for the program, visit http://nitarp.ipac.caltech.edu/.

Summer Solar Science Middle School Teachers Institute – Summer 2012 Participants

(Summer 2012; New Haven, Conn.)

Open to all middle school teachers, this institute is particularly targeted to the 5th grade curriculum standards and is focused on light, the positions of the Earth and moon relative to the Sun, and how advances in technology allow us to acquire new information about the world. Teachers will learn how to use NASA data in their classrooms, gain practical experience with telescopes, and preview cool planetarium shows about the Sun and sunlight. The Institute is jointly organized by the Yale Peabody Museum and Yale Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. Teachers will be eligible for free field trips to both venues with their classes, as well as ongoing academic support from Museum and Planetarium staff. Requests to participate in the 2012 program are now being accepted; please email heid.herrick@yale.com to be put on the list. For more information, visit http://archive.peabody.yale.edu/education/fellows_nasa.html.

ScienceCasts – New Online Video Series from NASA

(Thursdays at 4 p.m. ET)

NASA’s new video series offers the public a fast and fun way to learn about scientific discoveries and facts about Earth, the solar system and beyond. Called ScienceCasts, the videos are created by astrophysicists and a team of agency narrators and videographers. The videos are posted online every Thursday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/sciencecasts/

IceHunters Invites the World to Find New Horizons Future KBO Destinations

The world is invited to help discover a potential new, icy follow-on destination for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft through the IceHunters website. New Horizons is currently en route to make the first flyby of the Pluto system, and is then capable of making additional explorations of bodies still farther out in the Sun’s Kuiper Belt. Through this citizen science project, the public can help scientists search through specially-obtained deep telescopic images for currently unknown objects in the Kuiper Belt. Along the way, they will also discover variable stars and asteroids. For more information, visit http://www.icehunters.org/ or visit the project blog at http://blogs.zooniverse.org/icehunters/2011/06/15/hello-world/.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs are identifying the best resources to use, comparing course outlines, and are hearing/seeing webinars by climate scientists, both live and as archived presentations. PLCs are having real-time telemeetings, as well as asynchronous communication through shared websites, wikis, and other techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without petroleum-fueled travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, or forming a PLC (becoming a PLC Leader) please visit: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/.

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php.

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry-based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly, so register today!

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (July 8-Oct. 28)

Join us at this event which brings astronomy to the public, with free star-gazing at music concerts and festivals. Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, will give concert goers a glimpse of the heavens. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts, and the Moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae at intermission and after the concerts – combined with videos, posters, hands-on activities, and the sounds of the Sun. The next events will take place on July 8, 12, 16, & 23. For a full schedule, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

Mountains of Sun, Making the Sun-Earth Connection for K-8 Educators – Workshop (July 8-9)

(July 8-9; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks, Calif.)

Join a unique professional development opportunity for teachers – a two-day workshop that will take a look at the latest NASA solar science and explore how local plants and animals have adapted to living in proximity to our closest star. A talk on archaeoastronomy – learning how Native cultures view the Sun – is also part of the workshop. Participants will engage in hands-on science activities, visit the Park to see adaptations first-hand, visit schoolyard garden habitats as well as have a chance to visit a wildlife care center to see sun-loving reptiles and other animals. There will be takeaway materials that are ready for use in the classroom. CPE (1 credit) optional. To learn more and register, visit http://www.nps.gov/samo/forteachers/workshops.htm.

Sky Rangers Outdoor Astronomy Interpretation Workshop (Apply by July 10)

(Apply by July 10; Sept. 25-29; Acadia National Park, Maine)

This four-day workshop at Acadia National Park will cover hands-on astronomy activities for outdoor settings, sky navigation, and telescope operation. Participants will receive ten hours of hands-on telescope experience (weather permitting), learn about the science behind the various astronomical objects viewed through the telescopes, hear from experienced rangers on hot to organize astronomy events and interpret the sky for park visitors, and develop their own observing lists and constellation tours. The workshop is for beginners in astronomy, but will also appeal to those with more experience. There is no fee, participants will receive a toolkit of materials for outdoor astronomy activities, and some meals will be provided. Participants are responsible for their own travel to the workshop. For more information, visit http://www.afguonline.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=1857.

NASA’s Multi-Wavelength Universe Online Professional Development Course for Middle and High School Teachers (July 11-22)

Middle and High-School teachers (both pre- and in-service) are invited to register for an online professional development course sponsored by several different NASA missions exploring our Universe across the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The course is offered for academic or continuing education credit through Sonoma State University. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to use astronomical examples (images, phenomena, telescopes) to describe the nature of light and color in terms of the regions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. They will also be able to explain why NASA uses a variety of telescopes and space-based instruments to make observations of the Universe, to identify NASA resources for the classroom, and to understand how NASA resources can be used to address common student misconceptions about the nature of light and color. For more information and to register, visit http://epo.sonoma.edu/multiu.php.

ESIP Workshop for Earth Science Teachers – Grades 6-12 (July 12-13)

(July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.)

The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) teacher workshop is a 1.5 day event with an overall theme of Earth Science Education with an integral strand dedicated to Climate Change Education. Participating educators will learn about climate change science, climate resources, and ways to effectively communicate climate change topics. Educators will also be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Workshop sessions will be led by ESIP members from NOAA, NASA, NOAA Cooperative Institutes, EPA, DOE, and several Universities from around the country. Educators are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. For more information visit http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/teacherworkshop/esip/.

Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshop – Middle and High School Educators (July 16-17)

(July 16-17; Hilo, Hawaii)

This workshop seeks to help participants become familiar with research-validated instructional strategies and assessment materials appropriate for their introductory Earth and space science courses. Really good implementation of teaching strategies is a skill unto itself and requires practice. In this participation-based workshop, presenters will first model the use of instructional strategies and illustrate how they can be used to create an active and intellectually engaging learning environment. Then it is the participants’ turn to take on the role of instructor, practicing their implementation of these instructional strategies. Workshop participants will also play the role of “critical colleague,” pointing out to their “instructors” in real time when they have strayed from best practices. Optional field trips to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea Observatories will be offered. College credit through the University of Hawaii is available. For more information, visit http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshopdetails/index.cfm?workshopID=80.

GLOBE 15th Annual Partner Meeting (July 17-22)

(July 17-22; Double Tree Hotel, Bethesda, Md.)

The GLOBE Program Office at UCAR/UCP invites scientists and educators to participate in the 15th GLOBE Annual Partner Meeting. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Expanding International Perspectives About Climate.” Participants will learn about the latest scientific research activities and other developments in the GLOBE Program, interact with GLOBE’s worldwide network of community members and scientists using GLOBE data in their research, and talk to top educators on effective methods of enhancing the GLOBE educational experience. For more details or to register, visit http://globe.gov/events/2011-annual-meeting.

Dawn Mission’s Vesta Fiesta (Aug. 5-7)

After nearly four years and 1.6 billion miles, Dawn is catching up to the object of it’s first destination in the main asteroid belt: Vesta. Soon we will explore this exciting new world up close. It’s Vesta Fiesta time! Taking advantage of three nights where Vesta is near full and visible for night sky viewing with a telescope, Dawn is inspiring fiestas across the nation. Learn about the Vesta flagship fiesta in Pasadena, Calif., Aug. 6th, featuring fun activities, engaging scientists and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Find out where other Vesta Fiesta are being held on our interactive map and join a party near you, or host your own Vesta Fiesta. For more information, visit http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/vesta_fiesta.asp.

NESTA Survey on Earth and Space Science Education Needs for K-12

In order to better serve Earth and space science teachers, the National Earth Science Teachers Association has prepared an anonymous survey to gather information about your Earth and space science education needs and concerns, your satisfaction with NESTA services (if you are a member), and your ideas about how NESTA can serve you better. Please take a moment to complete this survey at your earliest convenience. You may receive notice about the survey from a variety of sources, but please be sure to complete the survey only once: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NK7ZDGX.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs are identifying the best resources to use, comparing course outlines, and are hearing/seeing webinars by climate scientists, both live and as archived presentations. PLCs are having real-time telemeetings, as well as asynchronous communication through shared websites, wikis, and other techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without petroleum-fueled travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, or forming a PLC (becoming a PLC Leader) please visit: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/.

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php.

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

COSEE-OS Educators Workshop at NASA – K-12 Educators (June 3-4; Pasadena, Calif.)

June 3-4; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite, the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence – Ocean Systems will conduct a workshop for K-12 educators at JPL. Aquarius will employ advanced technologies to make NASA’s first space-based measurements of ocean salinity across the globe. This free workshop will feature NASA scientists who will work collaboratively with educators to examine connections between the water cycle, ocean circulation, climate and sea surface salinity. Educators will also visit the JPL facility, learn how to use an online Concept Map Builder, and conduct hands-on activities that support workshop themes. To learn more and register, visit http://cosee.umaine.edu/programs/nasaaquarius/.

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (June 12-Oct. 28)

Join us at this event which brings astronomy to the public, with free star-gazing at music concerts and festivals. Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of the Astronomy Outreach Program at Hofstra University, will give concert goers a glimpse of the heavens. This NASA-sponsored program will include optical and radio telescope observations of the Sun prior to the concerts, and the Moon, planets, multi-colored double stars, star clusters, and nebulae at intermission and after the concerts – combined with videos, posters, hands-on activities, and the sounds of the Sun. The first events will take place on June 12 & 20. For a full schedule, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/PHYSIC/physic_underthestars.html.

Lunar Workshop for Middle and High School Educators (June 20-24)

June 20-24; Herrett Center for Arts and Science, Twin Falls, Idaho
June 27-July 1; Hinds Community College, Utica, Miss.
June 27-July 1; McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, N.H.
July 25-29; Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.
Aug. 1-5; Arizona State University; Tempe, Ariz.

Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to attend a workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Workshop participants will learn about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, work with real LRO data, and learn how to bring this information to their students using hands-on activities aligned with local state and national standards. Laptops are strongly encouraged for participation in this workshop. For more information, to see other upcoming dates, and to register, visit: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/lwe/index.html

2011 INSPIRE Project for High School Students (Application Deadline June 30)

U.S. high school students are invited to participate in NASA’s Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through an online learning community. INSPIRE is designed to encourage students in 9-12 grade to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students and parents will participate in an online learning community with opportunities to interact with peers, NASA engineers and scientists. The community also provides appropriate grade level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants to gain exposure to opportunities available at NASA. Students selected for the program will also have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2012 at NASA facilities and participating universities. Applications are being accepted through June 30. To apply and learn more, visit https://inspire.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=login.LoginForm.

NASA’s Multi-Wavelength Universe Online Professional Development Course for Middle and High School Teachers (July 11-22)

Middle and High-School teachers (both pre- and in-service) are invited to register for an online professional development course sponsored by several different NASA missions exploring our Universe across the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The course is offered for academic or continuing education credit through Sonoma State University. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to use astronomical examples (images, phenomena, telescopes) to describe the nature of light and color in terms of the regions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. They will also be able to explain why NASA uses a variety of telescopes and space-based instruments to make observations of the Universe, to identify NASA resources for the classroom, and to understand how NASA resources can be used to address common student misconceptions about the nature of light and color. For more information and to register, visit http://epo.sonoma.edu/multiu.php.

ESIP Workshop for Earth Science Teachers – Grades 6-12 (July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.)

July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.

The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) teacher workshop is a 1.5 day event with an overall theme of Earth Science Education with an integral strand dedicated to Climate Change Education. Participating educators will learn about climate change science, climate resources, and ways to effectively communicate climate change topics. Educators will also be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Workshop sessions will be led by ESIP members from NOAA, NASA, NOAA Cooperative Institutes, EPA, DOE, and several Universities from around the country. Educators are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. For more information visit http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/teacherworkshop/esip/.

GLOBE 15th Annual Partner Meeting (July 17-22)

July 17 – 22; DoubleTree Hotel, Bethesda, Md.

The GLOBE Program Office at UCAR/UCP invites scientists and educators to participate in the 15th GLOBE Annual Partner Meeting. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Expanding International Perspectives About Climate.” Participants will learn about the latest scientific research activities and other developments in the GLOBE Program, interact with GLOBE’s worldwide network of community members and scientists using GLOBE data in their research, and talk to top educators on effective methods of enhancing the GLOBE educational experience. For more details or to register, visit http://globe.gov/events/2011-annual-meeting.

Hands-On Programs for Classroom Teachers as Part of ASP Meeting (July 30-Aug. 3)

As part of the national education and public outreach meeting, “Connecting People to Science,” the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, in partnership with the American Geophysical Union and the Space Telescope Science Institute, is pleased to present a weekend workshop and six fascinating three-hour short courses for teachers in grades K-12 in Baltimore, Md. Presenters will include NASA mission education specialists and scientists, and most of the sessions include kits of materials and classroom-ready activity handouts. The sessions available for teachers are:

• In the Footsteps of Galileo: A Hands-On Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers in Grades 3-12 (July 30-31)
• Active Astronomy: Classroom Activities for Learning About the Electromagnetic Spectrum – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 1)
• Eye on the Sky: Exploring the Sun with Activities for the Elementary Classroom – Grades K-5 (Aug. 2)
• Light and Color in the Night Sky, in the City and in the Classroom – Grades K-8 (Aug. 2)
• Evidence-based Science: Climate in the Classroom – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 3)
• Global AND Local: Activity-based Explorations Connecting Global Climate Change to Change in Students Own Communities – Grades 6-12 (Aug. 3)

These sessions are open to all teachers; participants do not have to register for the full conference. Some scholarship support is available to help with registration fees and travel expenses. For more information, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html.

NESTA Survey on Earth and Space Science Education Needs for K-12

In order to better serve Earth and space science teachers, the National Earth Science Teachers Association has prepared an anonymous survey to gather information about your Earth and space science education needs and concerns, your satisfaction with NESTA services (if you are a member), and your ideas about how NESTA can serve you better. Please take a moment to complete this survey at your earliest convenience. You may receive notice about the survey from a variety of sources, but please be sure to complete the survey only once: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NK7ZDGX.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school trachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs are identifying the best resources to use, comparing course outlines, and are hearing/seeing webinars by climate scientists, both live ans as archived presentations. PLCs are having real-time telemeetings, as well as asynchronous communication through shared websites, wikis, and other techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without petroleum-fueled travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, or forming a PLC (becoming a PLC Leader) please see: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/.

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

AMNH Summer Online Courses for Educators (Beginning May 9)

May 2011 Session: May 9-June 19
Summer Session 1: June 6-July 17
Summer Session 2: July 4-Aug. 14

Join Seminars on Science and the American Museum of Natural History, for a summer course in the life, Earth or physical sciences. Available courses include Earth: Inside and Out; The Solar System; Evolution; our newest course, Climate Change, and more. All courses run for six weeks and are fully online. Each participant receives a CD of course resources suitable for classroom use. Affordable graduate credit is available for all courses. Sign up today for a $50 discount; email semadmin@amnh.org for more information. To register, visit http://www.amnh.org/learn/.

Explore@NASA Goddard (May 14; Greenbelt, Md.)

May 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Greenbelt, Md.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center will again open its gates to welcome the community for a day of activities, hands-on demonstrations, entertainment, and food. Explore@NASA Goddard will showcase the work and people of NASA and Goddard with a focus on science, engineering and technology. This year’s theme is “Understanding our Changing Planet.” Participants will learn about Goddard’s research in Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science and astrophysics. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/events/explore/index.html.

NASA Open House (May 14-15; Pasadena, Calif.)

May 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Pasadena, Calif.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory invites the public to a close-up look at JPL’s past, present and future at its annual Open House. The event, themed “Worlds Beyond,” features displays and demonstrations from numerous space missions, and a first look at JPL’s recently renovated von Karman Visitor Center. The JPL will provide hands-on activities and opportunities to talk with scientists and engineers. Selected locations at the Open House will be featured live online on Ustream TV (http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl). Admission to the open house is free. Parking is also free, but limited. For more information, visit http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm.

COSEE-OS Educators Workshop at NASA – K-12 Educators (June 3-4; Pasadena, Calif.)

June 3-4; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite, the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence – Ocean Systems will conduct a workshop for K-12 educators at JPL. Aquarius will employ advanced technologies to make NASA’s first space-based measurements of ocean salinity across the globe. This free workshop will feature NASA scientists who will work collaboratively with educators to examine connections between the water cycle, ocean circulation, climate and sea surface salinity. Educators will also visit the JPL facility, learn how to use an online Concept Map Builder, and conduct hands-on activities that support workshop themes. To learn more and register, visit http://cosee.umaine.edu/programs/nasaaquarius/.

Lunar Workshop for Middle and High School Educators (June 20-24)

June 20-24; Herrett Center for Arts and Science, Twin Falls, Idaho
June 27-July 1; Hinds Community College, Utica, Miss.
June 27-July 1; McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, N.H.
July 25-29; Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.
Aug. 1-5; Arizona State University; Tempe, Ariz.

Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to attend a workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Workshop participants will learn about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, work with real LRO data, and learn how to bring this information to their students using hands-on activities aligned with local state and national standards. Laptops are strongly encouraged for participation in this workshop. For more information, to see other upcoming dates, and to register, visit: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/lwe/index.html

2011 INSPIRE Project for High School Students (Application Deadline June 30)

U.S. high school students are invited to participate in NASA’s Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through an online learning community. INSPIRE is designed to encourage students in 9-12 grade to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students and parents will participate in an online learning community with opportunities to interact with peers, NASA engineers and scientists. The community also provides appropriate grade level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants to gain exposure to opportunities available at NASA. Students selected for the program will also have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2012 at NASA facilities and participating universities. Applications are being accepted through June 30. To apply and learn more, visit https://inspire.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=login.LoginForm.

ESIP Teacher Workshop – Grades 6-12 (July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.)

July 12-13; Santa Fe, N.M.

The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) teacher workshop is a 1.5 day event with an overall theme of Earth Science Education with an integral strand dedicated to Climate Change Education. Participating educators will learn about climate change science, climate resources, and ways to effectively communicate climate change topics. Educators will also be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Workshop sessions will be led by ESIP members from NOAA, NASA, NOAA Cooperative Institutes, EPA, DOE, and several Universities from around the country. Educators are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. For more information visit http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/teacherworkshop/esip/.

GLOBE 15th Annual Partner Meeting (July 17-22)

July 17 – 22; DoubleTree Hotel, Bethesda, Md.

The GLOBE Program Office at UCAR/UCP invites scientists and educators to participate in the 15th GLOBE Annual Partner Meeting. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Expanding International Perspectives About Climate.” Participants will learn about the latest scientific research activities and other developments in the GLOBE Program, interact with GLOBE’s worldwide network of community members and scientists using GLOBE data in their research, and talk to top educators on effective methods of enhancing the GLOBE educational experience. For more details or to register, visit http://globe.gov/events/2011-annual-meeting.

Earth Science Week 2011: Our Ever-Changing Earth (Oct. 9-15)

The American Geological Institute is pleased to announce the theme of Earth Science Week 2011: “Our Ever-Changing Earth.” This event will engage young people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. Earth Science Week 2011 materials and activities will show how evidence of change can be found everywhere, from the earth beneath our feet to the oceans and atmospheres around us. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth science and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the National Park Service, Exxon Mobil, ESRI, and other major geoscience groups. To learn more, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school trachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs are identifying the best resources to use, comparing course outlines, and are hearing/seeing webinars by climate scientists, both live ans as archived presentations. PLCs are having real-time telemeetings, as well as asynchronous communication through shared websites, wikis, and other techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without petroleum-fueled travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, or forming a PLC (becoming a PLC Leader) please see: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

Astronomy Camp Workshop for Girl Scout Leaders (April 8-10; Tuscon, Ariz.)

Hacienda Center of the Sahuaro Council; Tuscon, Ariz.

Girl Scout leaders are welcomed to apply for the next GSUSA Astronomy Camp training. This weekend workshop is a science education program sponsored by the near-infrared camera team (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Participants will become part of the world-wide network of 170 trainers teaching young women essential concepts in astronomy, the night sky environment, applied math, engineering, and critical thinking. The workshop engages leaders in the process of scientific inquiry and equips them to host astronomy-related activities at the troop level.

Training includes topics in basic astronomy, as well as JWST-specific research areas in extra-solar planetary systems and cosmology, to pave the way for girls and women to understand the first images from JWST. For more information, contact Dr. Don McCarthy (dmccarthy@as.arizona.edu) or visit http://zeus.as.arizona.edu/~dmccarthy/GSUSA/index.htm.

Earth: The Operators’ Manual (ETOM) – PBS Special (April 10)

What if we had an operators’ manual that told us what causes climate change, and how sustainable energy options can help solve our problems? Penn State geologist Richard Alley offers an objective assessment of our climate predicament. ETOM, supported by NSF, the National Science Foundation, and includes HD visualizations from NASA Goddard’s SVS, premieres nationwide on PBS at 10pm EST on Sunday, April 10.

2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for Grades 9-12 (Deadline April 11)

The 2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data. The best project will receive cash awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. Winners will also be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article. In addition to the student prizes, teachers or adult “coaches” of the first-, second-, and third-place students will receive a $200 Amazon.com gift card. For more information, visit: http://www.strategies.org/thachercontest.

AGU Fall Meeting – Timelines (Session Proposal Deadline April 20)

AGU’s Fall Meeting is a major event for Earth and space sciences, attracting many geoscientists from around the world. Supporting the growing interest in the Fall Meeting and maintaining the high quality of AGU science has required the adjustment to some key deadlines. Session proposal and abstract timelines for the December 2011 Fall Meeting are as follows:

• Session Proposal Submission: February 25 – April 20
• Abstract Submission: June 8 – August 4
• Availability of Meeting Program: Week of September 15

These new deadlines will ensure that AGU is able to meet the expectations of all meeting participants, while effectively managing the publications and other logistics deadlines. Any questions or comments may be directed to meetingsdir@agu.org.

Lunar Workshop for Middle and High School Educators (June 20-24)

June 20-24; Herrett Center for Arts and Science, Twin Falls, Idaho
June 27-July 1; Hinds Community College, Utica, Miss.
June 27-July 1; McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, N.H.
July 25-29; Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.
Aug. 1-5; Arizona State University; Tempe, Ariz.

Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to attend a workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. Workshop participants will learn about the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its discoveries, reinforce their understanding of lunar science concepts, interact with lunar scientists and engineers, work with real LRO data, and learn how to bring this information to their students using hands-on activities aligned with local state and national standards. Laptops are strongly encouraged for participation in this workshop. For more information, to see other upcoming dates, and to register, visit: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/lwe/index.html

GLOBE 15th Annual Partner Meeting (July 17-22)

July 17 – 22; DoubleTree Hotel, Bethesda, Md.

The GLOBE Program Office is pleased to invite all GLOBE Partners, Country Coordinators, teachers, and science and education community members to participate in the 15th GLOBE Annual Partner Meeting. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Expanding International Perspectives About Climate.” Participants will learn about the latest scientific research activities and other developments in The GLOBE Program, interact with GLOBE’s worldwide network of community members and scientists using GLOBE data in their research, and talk to top educators on effective methods of enhancing the GLOBE educational experience in the classroom. For more information, visit http://globe.gov/events/2011-annual-meeting.

Earth Science Week 2011: Our Ever-Changing Earth (Oct. 9-15)

The American Geological Institute is pleased to announce the theme of Earth Science Week 2011: “Our Ever-Changing Earth.” This event will engage young people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. Earth Science Week 2011 materials and activities will show how evidence of change can be found everywhere, from the earth beneath our feet to the oceans and atmospheres around us. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth science and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the National Park Service, Exxon Mobil, ESRI, and other major geoscience groups. To learn more, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs will identify the best resources to use and share best practices, and will also be invited to presentations by climate scientists. PLCs will have telemeetings and explore techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, please apply at: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers (Grades 8-12)

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

Polar Science Weekend (March 3-6)

The 6th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) will be at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash. PSW brings students, teachers, and families face-to-face with scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth. PSW consists of dozens of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA E/PO for Earth and Space Sciences (EPOESS). For more information, please contact Harry Stern (harry@apl.washington.edu, 206-543-7253) or visit http://psc.apl.washington.edu/psw/.

Thrill of Discovery Workshop – K-12 Educators (March 19)

Come celebrate NASA’s Year of the Solar System! NASA’s Discovery and New Frontiers missions are traveling vast distances to find answers to age-old questions. These robotic spacecraft are celestial detectives, revealing how our solar system formed and evolved, and doing science utilizing new technologies. The workshop will be held at four locations: NASA JPL, Pasadena, Calif.; Johns Hopkins University APL, Laural, Md.; Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, Tx.; and Jackson Middle School Observatory, Champlin, Minn. A registration fee of $25 is required for the workshop, which covers lunch, snacks, and a packet of resources and a DVD of “Space School Musical.” For more information, visit: http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/discovery/thrill_of_discovery.asp.

Google Science Fair – Age 13-18 (Deadline April 4)

Google has launched the inaugural Google Science Fair. This is a global competition open to any student aged 13-18. Registrations and submissions will be made online, and there is no cost to enter. The Science Fair will culminate in a celebratory event at Google headquarters in California in July. Submissions are due by April 4th. For more information, please visit http://www.google.com/sciencefair.

2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for Grades 9-12 (Deadline April 11)

The 2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data. The best project will receive cash awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. Winners will also be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article. In addition to the student prizes, teachers or adult “coaches” of the first-, second-, and third-place students will receive a $200 Amazon.com gift card. For more information, visit: http://www.strategies.org/thachercontest.

2011 ASP Education and Public Outreach Conference (July 30-Aug. 3)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific invites you to a national conference on science education and public outreach in conjunction with its 123rd Annual Meeting. The conference, with the theme of “Connecting People to Science,” will be held at the Tremont Plaza Hotel in Baltimore, a few blocks north of the Inner Harbor. The conference will be held Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 1-3, with special events the preceding weekend, July 30-31. Conference sessions will take place in the Baltimore Masonic Temple building, providing a unique setting for learning about new developments, sharing experiences and results, improving practices, and making connections across science disciplines. A call for abstracts will be released in early 2011. To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html

Earth Science Week 2011: Our Ever-Changing Earth (Oct. 9-15)

The American Geological Institute is pleased to announce the theme of Earth Science Week 2011: “Our Ever-Changing Earth.” This event will engage young people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. Earth Science Week 2011 materials and activities will show how evidence of change can be found everywhere, from the earth beneath our feet to the oceans and atmospheres around us. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth science and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the National Park Service, Exxon Mobil, ESRI, and other major geoscience groups. To learn more, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org.

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs will identify the best resources to use and share best practices, and will also be invited to presentations by climate scientists. PLCs will have telemeetings and explore techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, please apply at: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers (Grades 8-12)

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2011) (Applications Due. Feb. 11)

The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated junior and senior undergraduate and early graduate students to apply for participation in the third NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2011). The program is managed by the National Suborbital Education and Research Center at the University of North Dakota. The program begins June 19, 2011 and concludes July 29, 2011. The purpose of the Student Airborne Research Program is to provide students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign. The three research areas include atmospheric chemistry and evapotranspiration from agricultural crops in the California Central Valley and ocean biology along the California coast. Successful applicants will be awarded a $2,500 stipend for 6 weeks of participation in the program. Full travel and living expenses will also be provided. Applications can be found at: http://www.nserc.und.edu/learning/SARP2011.html

International Space University’s (ISU) 15th Annual International Symposium (Feb. 15-17)

Strasbourg, France

ISU has organized a three-day symposium as an interdisciplinary forum to help both the users and providers of space-related systems to move forward in the formation of solutions. This symposium will address the opportunities offered by extending the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) to 2020. The proposed scope of the symposium includes not just the centralized theme of how to make best use of the extended ISS life, but also related issues of commercialization. For more information, please visit: http://www.isunet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=443&Itemid=298

Polar Science Weekend (March 3-6)

The 6th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) will be at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash. PSW brings students, teachers, and families face-to-face with scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth. PSW consists of dozens of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA E/PO for Earth and Space Science (EPOESS). For more information, please contact Harry Stern (harry@apl.washington.edu, 206-543-7253) or visit http://psc.apl.washington.edu/psw/.

Sun-Earth Day 2011: Ancient Mysteries: Future Discoveries (March 20)

Sun-Earth Day is a combination of events and programs that occur through the year, ending with a grand Sun-Earth Day celebration on or near the Spring Equinox in March. This year’s theme will be “Ancient Mysteries: Future Discoveries,” and will focus on examining early civilizations who created structures containing solstice and equinox alignments, as well as exploring how humankind continues to observe the Sun from the ground and space. Many resources will be available for Sun-Earth Day participation, including video and webcast programming (created by the NASA EDGE team). The Sun-Earth Day website will also feature resources for educators, museums, community groups and amateur astronomers, as well as resources from past Earth-Sun Days. Educators can also register on the website to receive a free folder of materials (while supplies last). To learn more, please visit: http://sunearthday.nasa.gov

Google Science Fair – Ages 13-18 (Deadline April 4)

Google has launched the inaugural Google Science Fair. This is a global competition open to any student aged 13-18. Registrations and submissions will be made online, and the is no cost to enter. The Science Fair will culminate in a celebratory event at Google headquarters in California in July. Submissions are due by April 4th. For more information, please visit http://www.google.com/sciencefair.

2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for Grades 9-12 (Deadline April 11)

The 2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data. The best project will receive cash awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. Winners will also be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article. In addition to the student prizes, teachers or adult “coaches” of the first-, second-, and third-place students will receive a $200 Amazon.com gift card. For more information, visit: http://www.strategies.org/thachercontest

Online NASA-funded Lab Earth Courses Available Spring 2010

Two NASA-funded courses will be offered through the University of Nebraska’s Masters of Applied Science program. NRES 898: Human Dimensions in Climate Change offers a practical understanding of the concepts and applications of the Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing Technologies. NRES 814: Laboratory Earth: Earth’s Natural Resource Systems applies fundamental concepts in the Earth and physical sciences to understanding Earth’s natural resource system. Each 3 credit hour course may be taken independently, or as part of the Masters of Applied Science Online Degree for Science Educators. For more information, visit http://onlinegrad.unl.edu/programs/masters/science.

2011 ASP Education and Public Outreach Conference (July 30-Aug. 3)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific invites you to a national conference on science education and public outreach in conjunction with its 123rd Annual Meeting. The conference, with the theme of “Connecting People to Science,” will be held at the Tremont Plaza Hotel in Baltimore, a few blocks north of the Inner Harbor. The conference will be held Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 1-3, with special events the preceding weekend, July 30-31. Conference sessions will take place in the Baltimore Masonic Temple building, providing a unique setting for learning about new developments, sharing experiences and results, improving practices, and making connections across science disciplines. A call for abstracts will be released between now and early 2011. To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs will identify the best resources to use and share best practices, and will also be invited to presentations by climate scientists. PLCs will have telemeetings and explore techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, please apply at: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers (Grades 8-12)

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

2011 Professional Development Workshop Series for College-Level Astronomy Instructors

(Next workshop: Jan. 8-9; Seattle, Wash.)

Since 2004, the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) has lead professional development workshops funded by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Exoplanet Exploration Public Engagement Program (ExEP). The topic of the Seattle, Wash. workshop will be “Improving the College Introductory Astronomy Survey Course for Non-Science Majors Through Active Engagement.” This workshop will present strategies and assessment materials, as well as instruction on how to implement these in college astronomy courses. It will also allow instructors to practice implementing active engagement strategies, such as interactive lectures, with other meeting participants. For more information on the workshops and registration, visit: http://astronomy101.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops/

AMS Datastreme Earth’s Climate System

(Next course: January 2011)

The American Meteorological Society (AMS), with support from NASA and in partnership with the State University of New York’s College at Brockport, is developing a national cadre of K-12 teachers highly trained in climate science and familiar with climate modeling. Teachers are trained through DataStreme Earth’s Climate System (ECS), a semester-long, graduate-level, pre-college teacher professional development course. DataStreme ESC uses NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) data and visualizations, and introduces the Educational Global Climate Modeling (EdGCM), developed by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, to explore the fundamentals of climate change. Teachers completing the course construct and execute a Plan of Action to advance public climate science literacy and affect curriculum change within their local schools and districts. DataStreme ECS is administered through 21 courses Local Implementation Teams (LITs) across the country.

For a listing of courses offerings by state, please visit: http://www.ametsoc.org/amsedu/ECS/WebECSLIT.html

Online Climate Change Courses for Advanced High School Students to Professionals

(Beginning January 2011 and March 2011)

The State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry is offering two online courses on climate change. Climate Change Science and Sustainability introduces participants to climate science, the evidence of modern climate change, and an evaluation of some of the proposed solutions. Climate Change Science and Environmental Meteorology is a more in-depth examination of climate science and climate change through a basic meteorological perspective. Both courses are taught by veteran meteorologist, Dave Eichorn (AMS), and integrate NASA and other web-based climate change media with outside readings. Climate Change Science and Sustainability runs March 21- May 6, and Climate Change Science and Environmental Meteorology runs January 18 – May 11. For more information about the courses and to register, visit: http://www.esf.edu/esfonline.

NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship Program Accepting Proposals for 2011-2012

(Proposals Due Feb. 1, 2011)

This call for graduate fellowship proposals, entitled NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship Program – 2011-2010 Academic Year, solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing master’s or doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space sciences, or related disciplines. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be training grants to the respective universities, with the advisor serving as the principal investigator. The financial support for the NESSF program comes from the Science Mission Directorate’s four science divisions: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science and Astrophysics.

For more information on the solicitation, visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7B6803E463-A6EF-3164-F103-A1E4178E430D%7D&path=open

NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2011)

(Deadline for applications February 11, 2011)

The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated junior and senior undergraduate and early graduate students to apply for participation in the third NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2011). The program is managed by the National Suborbital Education and Research Center at the University of North Dakota. The program begins June 19, 2011 and concludes July 29, 2011. The purpose of the Student Airborne Research Program is to provide students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign, from detailed planning on how to achieve mission objectives to formal presentation of results and conclusions to peers and others. The three research areas include atmospheric chemistry and evapotranspiration from agricultural crops in the California Central Valley and ocean biology along the California coast.

Successful applicants will be awarded a $2,500 stipend for 6 weeks of participation in the program. Full travel and living expenses will also be provided. Selection criteria will include academic performance, evidence of interest in Earth system science and hands-on research, potential for contributing to U.S. future workforce as judged from career plans, diversity, and ability to perform as part of a team. Applications can be found at: http://www.nserc.und.edu/learning/SARP2011.html

International Space University’s (ISU) 15th Annual International Symposium

(Feb. 15 – 17; Strasbourg, France)

ISU has organized a three-day symposium as an interdisciplinary forum to help both the users and providers of space-related systems to move forward in the formation of solutions. This symposium will address the opportunities offered by extending the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) to 2020. The proposed scope of the symposium includes not just the centralized theme of how to make best use of the extended ISS life, but also related issues of commercialization. For more information, please visit: http://www.isunet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&Itemid=146

Sun-Earth Day 2011: Ancient Mysteries: Future Discoveries

(March 20, 2011)

Sun-Earth Day is a combination of events and programs that occur through the year, ending with a grand Sun-Earth Day celebration on or near the Spring Equinox in March. This year’s theme will be “Ancient Mysteries: Future Discoveries,” and will focus on examining early civilizations who created structures containing solstice and equinox alignments, as well as exploring how humankind continues to observe the Sun from the ground and space. Many resources will be available for Sun-Earth Day participation, including video and webcast programming (created by the NASA EDGE team). The Sun-Earth Day website will also feature resources for educators, museums, community groups and amateur astronomers, as well as resources from past Earth-Sun Days. Educators can also register on the website to receive a free folder of materials (while supplies last). To learn more, please visit: http://sunearthday.nasa.gov

2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for Grades 9-12

(Deadline April 11, 2011)

The 2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data. The best project will receive cash awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. Individuals or teams of up to four students may submit entries. Winners will also be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article. In addition to the student prizes, teachers or adult “coaches” of the first-, second-, and third-place students will receive a $200 Amazon.com gift card. For more information, visit: http://www.strategies.org/thachercontest

Online NASA-Funded Lab Earth Courses Available Spring 2010

Two NASA-funded courses will be offered through the University of Nebraska’s Masters of Applied Science program. NRES 898: Human Dimensions in Climate Change offers a practical understanding of the concepts and applications of the Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing Technologies. NRES 814: Laboratory Earth: Earth’s Natural Resource Systems applies fundamental concepts in the Earth and physical sciences to understanding Earth’s natural resource system. Each 3 credit hour course may be taken independently, or as part of the Masters of Applied Science Online Degree for Science Educators. For more information, visit http://onlinegrad.unl.edu/programs/masters/science.

2011 ASP Education and Public Outreach Conference

(July 30-Aug. 3, 2011; Tremont Plaza Hotel, Baltimore, Md.)

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific invites you to a national conference on science education and public outreach in conjunction with its 123^rd Annual Meeting. The conference, with the theme of “Connecting People to Science,” will be held at the Tremont Plaza Hotel in Baltimore, a few blocks north of the Inner Harbor. The conference will be held Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 1-3, with special events the preceding weekend, July 30-31. Conference sessions will take place in the Baltimore Masonic Temple building, providing a unique setting for learning about new developments, sharing experiences and results, improving practices, and making connections across science disciplines. A call for abstracts will be released between now and early 2011. To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education

Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education is a project to establish professional learning communities (PLCs) of high school teachers aimed at implementing effective teaching of climate change in existing courses. PLCs will identify the best resources to use and share best practices, and will also be invited to presentations by climate scientists. PLCs will have telemeetings and explore techniques to achieve the most effective ways to communicate without travel. If you are interested in joining a Lifeline PLC, please apply at: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/gss/lifelines/

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers (Grades 8-12)

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

Climate Change Webinars for Teachers

Join Windows to the Universe educators this fall for free 90-minute live seminars highlighting science content and classroom activities on topics related to climate change. Offered through the National Science Teachers Association, these seminars are a part of the NASA-funded Global Climate Change Educator Professional Development Network. Upcoming seminars:
- Sept. 22 – An Introduction to Earth’s Climate
- Sept. 28 – Clues to Climates of the Past
- Oct. 6 – Global Climate Change and the Earth System
- Oct. 14 – Effects of Climate Change: Oceans and Ice
- Oct. 20 – Effects of Climate Change to Life on Earth
- Oct. 28 – Predicting Future Climate and Considering Solutions

All Webinars start at 6:30 P.M. EDT. For more information, registration and other climate change education resources associated with the project, please visit: http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/main/gccepdn_main.html

Celebrate World Space Week (Oct. 4-10)

Join educators and space enthusiasts around the world to celebrate World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, 2010. This international event commemorates the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957. To find NASA educational resources that can be used during World Space Week, visit the Educational Materials Finder: http://search.nasa.gov/search/edFilterSearch.jsp?empty=true.

To learn more about World Space Week, search for events in your area and find educational materials related to the event, visit: http://www.worldspaceweek.org/index.html.

Call for Papers for International Space University’s 15th Annual International Symposium

Abstract deadline Oct. 8; Symposium Feb. 15 – 17; Strasbourg, France

ISU has organized a three-day symposium as an interdisciplinary, international forum to help both the users and providers of space-related systems to move forward from the discussion of problems to the formation of solutions. This symposium will address the opportunities and possibilities offered by extending the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) to 2020. The proposed scope of the symposium includes not just the centralized theme of how to make best use of the extended ISS life, but also related issues of commercialization both in its resupply and operation, and perhaps in the establishment and operation of related Earth-orbit infrastructure. Contributions from the ‘Newspace’ sector, as well as from agencies, industries and academic institutions already involved in ISS construction and operation are anticipated. The program will include invited contributions from leading experts in the field, as well as presentations and poster selected on the basis of abstracts submitted in response to the Call for Papers.

Abstracts are now invited and must be submitted by Oct. 8^th, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.isunet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&Itemid=146

International Symposium on the A-Train Satellite Constellation 2010

Oct. 25-28; New Orleans, La.

The A-Train satellite constellation brings together a rich array of instruments to better understand Earth’s changing climate and environment. This Symposium will provide a forum to exchange information on the latest scientific advancements using multisensor measurements from the A-Train, and is structured along four themes: atmospheric composition and chemistry; aerosols, clouds, radiation, and the hydrological cycle; atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial components of the carbon cycle; and weather and other operational applications. The meeting will be organized into two parts: a one-day user workshop on Oct. 25 focusing on instrument data products and their use and, a three-day symposium (Oct. 26–28) emphasizing science capabilities and advancements realized through the A-Train multi-sensor system. Travel assistance for a limited number of undergraduate and graduate students is also available.

For more information on the Symposium, including registration and lodging information, visit: http://a-train-neworleans2010.larc.nasa.gov/

Teacher Training Opportunity: Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Program (grades K-12)

Oct. 25-29; Apple Valley, Calif.

The Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) Program uses radio astronomy to provide real science experience to students and teach them that science is an ongoing process. Using classroom computers, students take control of a 34-meter, 500-ton, 9-story-tall radio telescope located at NASA’s Deep Space Network at Goldstone, Calif.

Interested teachers must attend a five-day training class. Classes will take place in Apple Valley, Calif. Upcoming classes: Oct. 25-29. The cost of the class is $745. Register, via: http://www.lewiscenter.org/gavrt/opportunities.php

2010 Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest for Grades 5-12

Entries Due Oct. 27, 3 p.m.

The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants examine three target images taken by the Cassini spacecraft and choose the one they think will yield the best results. This choice must be supported in a 500-word essay. Teaming up is encouraged. Winners will participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists.

The contest is open to all students in the U.S. in grades 5-12, working alone or in groups of up to four students. The essays will be divided into three groups: grades 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. All submissions must be students’ original work. Each student can submit only one entry.
For more information, visit: http://saturn.jpl.nasa/gov/scientistforaday/.

RealWorld-InWorld NASA Engineering Design Challenge Phase 1: For High-School Students and Teachers

Deadline for Phase 1 is Dec. 15

The “RealWorld-InWorld NASA Engineering Design Challenge” encourages students to explore and build skills necessary for STEM careers through two phases of project-based learning and team competition. In Phase 1, teams work cooperatively as engineers and scientists to explore and design solutions for one of two real-world problems related to the James Webb Space Telescope. Only teams who submit their final project solutions by Dec. 15, 2010 will be eligible to move into Phase 2. In Phase 2, groups will work in a 3D virtual environment using 21^st Century tools to refine designs and create 3D models of the Webb telescope. For more information, go to: http://www.nasarealworldinworld.org/

A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers (grades 8-12)

Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren (aleya.vandoren@nasa.gov) with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly so register today!

Solar Dynamics Observatory Ambassador in the Classroom

Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php

Educational Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) – NICE-T

(Pre-Proposal Telecon May 8; NOIs Due May 22; Proposals Due July 24)

NASA solicita education opportunities in support of NASA’s Office of Education under the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) for fiscal years 2013-2014. The goals of the NASA Innovations in Climate Education – Tribal (NICE-T) activity are to use NASA’s unique contributions to climate and Earth systems science, through collaboration with tribal institutions, to improve the quality of the Nation’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to:

• Increase the level of climate literacy and engagement of the United States public.
• Create a diverse, highly skilled, and motivated future workforce in climate-related science.
• Advance the understanding of how to effectively teach global climate change concepts.

NICE-T seeks to improve the teaching and learning about global climate change on tribal college campuses and in partnership with elementary and secondary schools through many objectives (see complete list in full solicitation). Proposals should make use of existing NASA contributions to climate and Earth systems science. Only Tribal Colleges and Universities as designated by the U.S. Department of Education are eligible to propose. Any other institution may apply through partnership with the lead institution.

To view the full solicitation, please visit http://bit.ly/10FZTxl.

NASA Solicitation – The GLOBE Program Implementation Office

(NOIs Due May 20; Proposals Due July 19)

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an important element of NASA’s commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among youth worldwide. The Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate solicits proposals for an organization or a consortium of organizations to host the GLOBE Implementation Office and collaborate with NASA in the implementation of GLOBE, with the objective of strengthening the programmatic support for GLOBE and enhancing the value of GLOBE to its worldwide community of Partners, Students, Teachers, and Scientists.

The GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO) shall perform functions related to GLOBE science, education, evaluation, and communication, as well as other functions necessary to support the GLOBE community. NASA anticipates making one award through this competitive solicitation at approximately $500,000-$800,000 for the first four months of transition from the current operations, and $2.0-$2.5 million per year for the subsequent three years for a total of three years and four months. It is possible that the award duration will be extended for two additional years, pending the outcome of an independent review to be conducted by NASA.

For more information and to view the full solicitation, visit http://bit.ly/ZRU1uz.

2013 Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer Faculty Research Program (Apply by April 1)

(Apply by April 1)

Applications are currently being accepted for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2013 Summer Faculty Research Program. This program provides opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, faculty to engage in research of mutual interest to the faculty member and a JPL researcher. Non-STEM faculty will be considered based on availability. Eligible faculty include those holding a full-time appointment at an accredited university or college in the U.S. There are special requirements for foreign national faculty members to apply. Fellows are required to submit a research report and present their work at the end of the session.

The program awards $13,500 fellowships for the 10-week session. A housing allowance will be offered for awardees who live beyond a 50-mile radius of JPL. For more information about this opportunity, please visit http://1.usa.gov/10hYzig.

NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship Program for Graduate Students (Apply by Feb. 1)

(New applicants apply by Feb. 1; Renewal applicants apply by March 15)

NASA announces a call for graduate fellowship proposals to the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) program for the 2013-2014 academic year. This call for fellowship proposals solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space science, or related disciplines. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to the respective universities.

The NESSF call for proposals and submission instructions are located at the NESSF solicitation index page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ – click on “Solicitations” then select “Open Solicitations.” Select the “NESSF 13″ announcement. Please also refer to “Proposal Submission Instructions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” listed under the “Other Documents” menu on the NESSF 13 solicitation index page.

For further information, please contact Claire Macaulay, Program Administrator for NESSF Earth Science Research (202.358.0151) or Dolores Holland, Program Administrator for NESSF Heliophysics Research, Planetary Science Research, and Astrophysics Research (202.358.0734).

Barringer Grant Applications Being Accepted – Graduate Students (Apply by April 6)

(Apply by April 6)

The Barringer Crater Company has established a special fund to support field work by eligible students interested in studying the impact cratering process. This program provides three to five competitive grants each year in the range of $2,500-$5,000 for the support of field research at known or suspected impact sites worldwide. Grant funds may be used to assist with travel and subsistence costs, as well as laboratory and computer analysis of research samples and findings. Masters, doctoral, and post-doctoral students enrolled in formal university programs are eligible. For additional details, please visit http://bit.ly/AzKoVC.

NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship Program – Graduate Students

(Deadline for new applicants – Feb. 1; For renewal applicants – March 15)

NASA announces a call for graduate fellowship proposals to the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) program for the 2012-2013 academic year. The purpose of the NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to the respective universities. This call for fellowship proposals solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space science, or related disciplines.

The NESSF call for proposals and submission instructions are located at the NESSF 12 solicitation index page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ – click on “Solicitations,” then select “Open Solicitation.” Select “NESSF 12″ announcement. Please also refer to “Proposal Submission Instructions” and “Frequently Asked Questions,” listed under “Other Documents” on the NESSF 12 solicitation index page.

Please note – the advisor has an active role in the submission of the fellowship proposal, and all proposals must be submitted in electronic format only through the NASA NSPIRES system. To use the system, the advisor, the student, and the university must all register. Extended instructions on how to submit an electronic proposal package are posted on the NESSF 12 solicitation index page listed above. You can register in NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com.

Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant Opportunity (Applications Due June 17)

The NASA Office of Education is pleased to offer Summer of Innovation (SoI) Mini-Grant opportunities in partnership with the National Space Grant Foundation. The mini-grant aspect of the SoI enables local  organizations to infuse NASA-themed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content and activities to middle school students through existing summer and/or afterschool programs. NASA looks forward to forging ahead with these important collaborations to engage and inspire students across the country. Organizations are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 in funding to incorporate SoI content and themes into their programming.

Second round applications are due June 17. For eligibility and applications information, visit http://soi.spacegrant.org/about.

Opportunities in Education and Public Outreach for Earth and Space Science (EPOESS) – Deadline Extended (Proposals Due May 20)

To give time to proposers who are without power due to the recent outbreak of tornadoes in the southern U.S., the deadline for the Opportunities in EPOESS announcement has been extended to May 20th. To view the full announcement, visit http://bit.ly/guG3mY.

NASA Seeks Education Partners to Help Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers (Proposals Accepted Through Dec. 31)

NASA is seeking partners to help achieve its strategic goals for education, including informal education done at museums, science centers, and planetariums. The agency is committed to sharing the excitement of NASA’s space-based missions and inspiring students of all ages to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

NASA seeks unfunded partnerships with organizations to engage new or broader audiences on a national scale. The agency will work collaboratively to leverage partners’ unique resources.

Potential partnership activities are varied. NASA is receptive to a broad range of possibilities from creative organizations with wide-ranging areas of expertise. All categories of domestic entities, including U.S. federal government agencies, are eligible to respond. NASA will accept proposals through Dec. 31. To view the announcement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/about/NASA_Seeks_Collaborators.html.

NASA Research Announcement for Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums (Due June 29)

The NASA Office of Education invites proposals from museums, science centers, planetariums, NASA Visitors Centers, and other informal education institutions via the 2011 NASA Research Announcement: Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums Plus Opportunities for NASA Visitor Centers and Other Informal Education Institutions (CP4SMP+), Announcement Number NNH11ZHA004N. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the NASA proposal data system NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Proposers may request a grant or cooperative agreement to support NASA-themed science, technology, engineering or mathematics informal education, including exhibits, within these congressionally directed topics: space exploration, aeronautics, space science, Earth science or microgravity. This is a competitive, high-quality national program to recruit NASA’s flagship investment in the Office of Education’s Outcome Goal 3: Build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education providers that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA’s mission. Eligible informal education institutions do not need to have the words “museum,” “science,” or “planetarium,” in their official name.

For more information (including detailed eligibility requirements), visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7B75AAC7BF-2F69-6C73-2980-B1DCF25EA665%7D&path=open

NASA Research Announcement for Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums (Due June 29)

The NASA Office of Education invites proposals from museums, science centers, planetariums, NASA Visitor Centers, and other informal education institutions via the 2011 NASA Research Announcement: Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums Plus Opportunities for NASA Visitor Centers and Other Informal Education Institutions (CP4SMP+), Announcement Number NNH11ZHA004N. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the NASA proposal data system NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Proposers may request a grant or cooperative agreement to support NASA-themed science, technology, engineering or mathematics informal education, including exhibits, within these congressionally directed topics: space exploration, aeronautics, space science, Earth science or microgravity. This is a competitive, high-quality national program to recruit NASA’s flagship investment in the Office of Education’s Outcome Goal 3: Build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education providers that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA’s mission. Eligible informal education institutions do not need to have the words “museum, ” “science,” or “planetarium,” in their official name.

For more information (including detailed eligibility requirements), visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7B75AAC7BF-2F69-6C73-2980-B1DCF25EA665%7D&path=open

NSF Climate Change Education Partnership Solicitation (Proposals Due March 15)

The Climate Change Education Partnership (CCEP) program seeks to establish a coordinated national network of partnerships devoted to increasing the adoption of effective educational programs and resources related to the science of climate change and its impacts. To view the full solicitation, see Frequently Asked Questions, and review slides and audio regarding the solicitation, visit http://bit.ly/fcEw3x

NASA 2011 Summer of Innovation (SOI) Project Cooperative Agreement Notice (Proposal Due Feb. 25)

The Summer of Innovation is a solicitation-driven project that is designed to support student interest in STEM by strengthening the capacity of community- and school-based organizations that inspire and engage middle school students in STEM content during the summer. SOI then continues to support follow-on/extended learning efforts designed to keep students involved in NASA-themed STEM activities. The full CAN may be viewed here: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={0747C4B3-F253-51A5-9A39-BA4A9F1AC1F3}&path=init

Deadline for ROSES Supplemental Funding (NOI Due Feb. 9; Proposal Due March 2)

Two deadlines are approaching for Research Opportunities in Earth and Space Sciences supplemental funding. Through these announcements, PI’s may apply for funding for education and public outreach activities related to their research.

The outreach proposal is available here: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7BDB4F8F6B-F2E2-EF81-908B-E9DA930FF19F%7D&path=open
The education proposal can be found here: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7BB1E77D67-0988-7FA3-CF3E-FA0A46861783%7D&path=open

Education Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) Research Announcement

The NASA Office of Education will be accepting proposals under the Education Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) Research Announcement. This new announcement is an umbrella announcement for opportunities under the Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP), and includes calls for proposals in the following program elements for Fiscal Year 2011:

Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award for the Integration of Research into the Undergraduate Curriculum (CIPAIR)
Innovations in Global Climate Change Education (IGCCE)
MUREP Small Projects (MSP)
Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Unique Projects
Stennis Space Center (SSC) Unique Projects

The solicitation can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/4cztq25.

Innovations in Global Climate Change Education (IGCCE)

(NOI Due Jan 27; Proposals Due March 2)

The goals of the IGCCE project are to use NASA’s unique contributions to climate and Earth systems science, through collaboration with minority institutions, to improve the quality of the Nation’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education to increase the level of climate literacy and engagement of the U.S. public, and create a diverse, highly skilled and motivated future workforce in climate related sciences. Proposers will be expected to make extensive use of NASA resources.

Proposals must be submitted by minority higher education institutions, community colleges, public school districts with high under-represented/under-served enrollment, and/or non-profit organizations with a substantial history of working with under-represented communities. Teaming requirements involve the inclusion of at least one science education expert, one science content expert, and one member with extensive knowledge of NASA Earth science.

To view the entire proposal, along with valuable resources to assist in the proposal process and frequently asked questions, visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7BDC47D7CD-C7CE-5BB5-C657-D40F86748010%7D&path=open

NASA Seeks Partnerships for Summer of Innovation Project

Responses Due Sept. 3

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is requesting information from entities interested in participating in its Summer of Innovation project. SoI engages the nation’s middle school youth in intensive science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences that will have an impace on their academic performance, choice of STEM coursework, degree programs and, eventually, career path. NASA is looking for partners to develop creative ways to help achieve one or more SoI goals and to increase the impact and visibility of SoI.

NASA is receptive to a wide range of creative partnership possibilities. Respondents may include, but are not limited to, the following: for-profit companies; universities and other academic institutions; libraries; informal or nonprofit organizations; professional or public organizations; and federal agencies.

To view this announcement, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/472104main_SoI_PartnershipAO_Aug19.pdf

To learn more about the Summer of Innovation, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/soi

Additional questions about this opportunity may be directed to soipartners@nasa.gov

NASA Seeking Proposal for Two New Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy Sites

Proposals due 4 p.m, Sept. 3, 2010

NASA is seeking proposals to establish two new SEMAA sites. Established in 1993, the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy is an innovative, pre-college project designed to increase participation and retention of historically underrepresented youth (grades K-12) in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.

Through this new RFP, NASA is seeking to partner with two- and four-year institutions, specifically minority-serving institution, to expand and replicate the SEMAA project to include two additional sites. Interested institutions responding to the RFP are encouraged to partner with local school systems to introduce underserved minority students and their families to the project.

A downloadable version of the Official SEMAA RFP can be found on the NASA portal by accessing http://www.nasa.gov/education/semaa

Questions should be directed to Janice Costaras at nasasemaa@paragon-tec.com

NOAA’s Office of Education Requesting Applications for Formal K-12 Education Projects Advancing Earth Systems Science Learning and Stewardship

Full Applications Due 5 p.m., Jan. 12, 2011

NOAA’s Office of Education (OEd) has issued a request for applications for Formal K-12 Education Projects that advance inquiry-based Earth systems science learning and stewardship directly tied to the school curriculum, with a particular interest in increasing climate literacy.

To address this goal, the solicitation will support service-learning and professional development projects related to NOAA’s mission in the areas of ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather and climate sciences and stewardship. Please note that projects related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are highly encouraged. A successful project will catalyze change in K-12 education at the state, regional and national level through the development of new programs and/or revision of existing programs to improve the environmental literacy of K-12 teachers and their students. A successful project will also leverage NOAA assets, although the use of non-NOAA assets is also encouraged.

For further information, please visit: http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html

Opportunities For Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences

Letter of Intent Due Oct. 1; Full Proposal Due Nov. 10

The Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG) Program is designed to address the fact that certain groups are underrepresented in the geosciences relative to their proportions in the general population. Goals of the OEDG Program are to increase participation in the geosciences by minorities, and to increase the perceived relevance of the geosciences among diverse segments of the population. The OEDG Program supports activities that will increase the number of members of underrepresented groups who:

- Are involved in formal pre-college geoscience education programs;
- Pursue and earn associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the geosciences;
- Enter geoscience careers; and
- Participate in informal geoscience education programs.

The OEDG Program offers three funding Tracks: OEGD Planning Grants, Proof-of-Concept (short-term) project, and Full-Scale (long-term) projects.

To view the Proposal Solicitation, please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2010/nsf10599/nsf10599.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click

NASA Astrobiology Institute Minorit Institution Research Support Program

Proposal Due Oct. 7

The NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) Minority Institution Research Support (MIRS) Program is intended to help train a new generation of researchers in astrobiology and to increase diversity within the astrobiology community. This solicitation seeks proposals to continue the process of recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by involving faculty and students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in astrobiology research.

NASA is soliciting proposals from accredited US institutions of higher education, non-profit higher education professional organizations, and consortia of those types of organizations and institutions. Proposals from MSIs and non-profit organizations serving underrepresented students are strongly encouraged. Other organizations, including for-profit organizations, with a demonstrable capability to engage minority populations are also eligible to propose.

The full text of the solicitation can be found at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/. The point-of-contact for all questions is Ms. Beatrice Morales at beatrice.m.morales@nasa.gov.

NSF Seeks Proposals for Transforming STEM Learning

Full Proposal Due March 11, 2011

TSL combines interests and resources of separate programs in the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) to explore the opportunities and challenges implied by innovative visions of the future for STEM learning. The TSL program invites interdisciplinary teams to submit proposals for the following categories:

Challenge 1: Studying Existing Examples of Innovative Models for STEM Education: We invite proposals for descriptive and analytic research projects that will study existing innovations to determine how and what students are learning, and features of successful programs. Proposals for work on those objectives should involve interdisciplinary teams, as appropriate, of STEM-related specialists and experts.

Challenge 2: Designing, Developing, and Studying New Structural Models for STEM Learning Environments: We invite proposals for planning and pilot development projects from interdisciplinary teams of STEM-related specialists and experts. The aim of these projects would be the development and study of new models for STEM learning environments that produce learners with understanding and skills to engage in scientific, engineering, technical, and mathematical thinking and practices. They should yield learning outcomes markedly superior to the yield of current practices in STEM education.

Questions may be directed to DRLTSL@nsf.gov

To view the full solicitation, please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2010/nsf10602/nsf10602.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click

Education Support Scientist at Sonoma State University (Apply by March 1)

(Apply by March 1)

Sonoma State University’s Education and Public Outreach group is seeking an Education Support Scientist to support several NASA space science missions (Fermi, Swift, XMM-Newton and NuSTAR), and an online college curriculum in cosmology. The incumbent independently plans and performs research, compiles data, and prepares and presents reports with reliable conclusions and recommendations for action. He/She will contribute to the completion of broad and more complex program projects and goals, often providing project leadership, or representing the organizational unit on key projects. Contacts involve interaction with all levels inside and outside the university, and may include dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information.

For complete details on this position and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/Tgiaxq, select “External Applicants,” and see position #103489.

Two Education Positions Available – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) has two positions open in education. One is an Education Specialist position in Green Bank, W.Va., which involves hands-on work with students and the public. The other is a STEM Education Development Officer position in Charlottesville, Va.

The Education Specialist leads, develops, and actively participates in the K-12 education, public outreach, and visitor center programs. In addition, the Education Specialist collaborates with the Green Bank Education Officer, the Assistant Director for E/PO, and all E/PO staff to design, fund, and implement the Observatory-wide formal and informal education programs.

To view both positions and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/SweF4p and select “Staff Positions.”

The STEM Education Development Officer will identify and implement opportunities for Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) to contribute to the advancement of STEM education via partnerships, grants, and the leveraging of existing NRAO and other AUI assets. Such opportunities may include the development of standards-based curriculum support resources for grades K-16, training of teachers, and partnerships with outside organizations who are funding/spearheading innovations in STEM education at a national level.

NASA Science Multimedia Producer

USRA seeks a full-time NASA Science Multimedia Producer with a passion for visual science storytelling. This is a chance to work with some of NASA’s most exciting space science themes, upcoming missions to Mars, asteroids, and the moon. The position is located at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

The NASA Science Multimedia Producer will develop and produce multimedia products in support of Goddard’s planetary and space science missions. Products are created for a wide range of venues and audiences, including: broadcast media, websites, educators, students, science center professionals, bloggers, park rangers, and the general public. Products will include short form video content, video news releases, live public affairs and news programming, educational vignettes, webcasts, and integrated web content. The producer will be responsible for all phases of video production, from generating ideas, writing scripts, directing camera operators, working with animators and data visualizers, editing, and overseeing product distribution.

The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in video production, communications, journalism, graphics/animation, or science writing. Candidates must be familiar with the entirety of the video production process and with video editing software (Final Cut Pro strongly desired). Strong project management and organizational skills are desired, and experience with After Effects or compositing software is a bonus.

For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/11gB7Cr.

Earthzine Seeks Volunteer Associate Editor for Education (Apply by Dec. 15)

(Apply by Dec. 15)

Earthzine.org is an online publication of the IEEE and a contributor to the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The Earthzine staff is comprised of volunteers and a few paid staff who oversee the site’s management and operation. Volunteer editors identify and review articles for publication. Earthzine seeks a motivated individual with an interest in education to serve as an Associate Editor in a special focus area that covers geo-spatial and Earth observation education and outreach.

The primary responsibilities of the Associate Editor are to work with the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor, Managing Editor, volunteers, and other staff in the planning and promoting of site content in the area of education. This is a volunteer staff position. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/WEss5U.

Education and Public Outreach Content Specialist, STScI (Apply by Sept. 14)

(Apply by Sept. 14)

The Space Telescope Science Institute is looking for a motivated Education and Public Outreach Content Specialist to conduct and lead astrophysics-related projects. This is a two-year term position based at the Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Qualified candidates should have an advanced degree in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum of three years related experience in the creation and dissemination of astrophysics E/PO content and programs. To view the full solicitation and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/Rq1fov.

Volunteer E/PO Coordinator for Earthzine

Earthzine, an IEEE publication covering Earth observation, is seeking a volunteer education and public outreach (E/PO) coordinator. Earthzine’s recent activities include an essay contest and virtual poster session, featuring students from NASA’s DEVELOP national program. Responsibilities include representing Earthzine across the E/PO community, coordinating contributions, and associated E/PO activities. Earthzine seeks an E/PO specialist with an interest in Earth science and the international Earth observation community. The right candidate should be ambitious, someone who loves to write, and a good communicator. This is a great opportunity to make contacts and gain experience. Send a letter of interest with qualifications to Paul Racette, Editor-in-Chief. To learn more about Earthzine, visit http://bit.ly/GSaIPf.

Earth Science Education Outreach Coordinator (Hampton, Va.)

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking an experienced middle school science educator to support Earth science education outreach programs in the Science Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. The candidate will work with staff members to update, revise, and adapt Earth science lesson plans that leverage NASA’s unique capabilities to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The candidate will help assess needs and develop new education resources based on NASA science content. The candidate will work in a small inter-disciplinary project team environment. The candidate may participate in the development of teacher’s workshop materials, and may participate in other education-related activities as requested.

Required Qualifications include:

• Must be a state-certified (any state) Earth/Physical Science middle school science teacher (grades 6-9)
• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years teaching experience; or Master’s degree with 5 years teaching experience.
• Must have outstanding communication skills, including the ability to create and edit publication-quality documents.
• Demonstrated experience in science curriculum development.

To view full solicitation and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/H6ANex.

Terra and Landsat Outreach Specialist – NASA GSFC

Sigma Space is looking for an outreach specialist to lead the TERRA mission education and public outreach (EPO) effort, and to participate as part of a team performing EPO activities for the LANDSAT and Landsat Data Continuity missions (LDCM). The work is part of the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences (HBS) support contract and supports NASA’s Science and Engineering Directorate based at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Md. EPO duties will include:

• Designing, developing, coordinating, and executing education and science outreach efforts in coordination with HBSL research and management personnel, and intended outreach audiences.
• Designing and developing mission-specific EPO products targeted for NASA management, news media, scientists, students, educators, and the general public.
• Representing Terra and Landsat/LDCM missions at public events
• Conducting or co-presenting workshops for classrooms and informal educators based on existing Landsat and/or Terra materials

In addition to the above duties, there are mission specific duties as well. Qualified candidates will have a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited university in Earth systems science, science education or history of science, plus three years experience engaging the public in formal and informal education communities in Earth science. Strong collaboration and project planning skills are required, along with excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of the needs of formal educators in regards to Earth science materials, as well as knowledge of exhibit design and informal education is highly desirable.

For a full list of qualifications and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/wu5zT6.

Technical Writer for NASA’s Earth Observatory

Sigma Space Corporation is hiring a technical writer for NASA’s Earth Observatory website (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/). The Earth Observatory is NASA’s premiere online magazine highlighting NASA imagery and research in Earth science and climate change. Responsibilities include:

• Identifying science and technology stories from satellite imagery current events, research journals, scientific meetings, lectures, and old-fashioned beat reporting
• Interpreting remote-sensing imagery (through reporting and/or experience), and writing detailed captions on a daily basis
• Writing and editing magazine-style features, photo essays, Q&As, and blog posts
• Collaborating with data visualizers and scientists to develop imagery and animations

Reporting and writing for a science institution requires initiative, persistence, an outgoing personality, and a thick skin. It also requires patience, self-confidence, and diplomacy, as you will be a translator and moderator between scientific and engineering specialists and the non-scientific public. Though Earth Observatory writers work for the scientists, they are also expected to maintain journalistic standards for storytelling, multiple-source reporting and accuracy. News judgement is critical, as the audience wants sound reporting, not spin.

Successful candidates will have three years of science-related writing experience, a strong desire to learn about and promote NASA Earth science, and a proven ability to work under deadlines. Writing samples are required. For a full list of qualifications, visit the “Technical Writing” listing at http://www.sigmaspace.com/index.php/careers/current-openings.

NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships (Apply by March 1)

(Applications accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1)

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers scientists and engineers unique opportunities to conduct research at NASA Centers. Each NPP fellowship opportunity is designed to advance NASA research in a specific project related to space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, lunar science, or astrobiology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a research scholar.

Stipends for Postdoctoral Fellows start at $50,000 per year, with moderate supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Funds are available for relocation expenses, up to a specified limit, and health insurance is available through the program. Fellows also receive $8,000 per appointment year to support travel to conferences, meetings, and other activities that directly support their research. For further information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/rPl8uc.

Applications Being Accepted for Einstein Fellowship Program – K-12 STEM Educators (Due Jan. 5)

(Applications due Jan. 5)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship program. The goal of the Einstein Fellowship program is to provide an opportunity for teachers to inform national policy and improve communication between the K-12 STEM education community and national leaders. If selected, Einstein Fellows spend a school year in Washington, D.C., sharing their expertise as a fellow in one of several government agency offices, such as the Department of Energy, NASA, the National Science Foundation, NOAA, or in the office of a member of Congress.

Selection is based on exemplary experience in K-12 STEM teaching; demonstrated leadership in the community; an understanding of national, state, and local education policy; and communication and interpersonal skills. During the Fellowship, each Einstein Fellow receives a monthly stipend of $6,000, plus a $1,000 cost of living allowance. In addition, there is a moving/relocation allowance, as well as a professional travel allowance. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/vrTT3G.

Science Scriptwriter/Senior Education Specialist

The NASA HITSS program requires a Science Scriptwriter with experience in national education standards in support of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate to research and develop content for animations, websites and print materials. The Science Scriptwriter will develop scripts for animations that emphasize NASA science and contain notes for visual representation of science concepts. Duties also include developing supplemental web and print content, and ensuring content relates to national education standards.

The successful candidate will have five years of science writing experience, experience with NASA educational products and review, the ability to communicate complex science concepts, and the ability to generate ideas for visualizing concepts. Writing samples are required. To view the full solicitation and apply, visit https://www.indyneinc.com/employment/Employment/tabid/54/PageID/1/PositionID/660/btnClick/btnDetail/Default.aspx.

Communications & Web Content Internship Opportunity at USGCRP

An opening is available for a communications and web content internship opportunity at the United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) office in Washington, D.C. Duties include: Analyzing the program’s website and implementing changes to improve web-based communications; producing communications templates and materials; managing additional web-based communications through social media tools and resources; and assisting with additional projects as needed. The position is casual (as needed/no benefits), with a flexible schedule offered over 20 hours/week during school, and 40 hours/week during breaks, not to exceed 1,000 hours in a 12-month period.

A successful candidate will have college-level coursework in a relevant discipline, such as communications, graphic or web design, environmental sciences, political science, or social science. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is preferred. Desired qualifications include: demonstrated knowledge of web content development and design; ability to summarize and present technical information to non-technical audiences; excellent oral and written communications skills; computer literate, with knowledge of web content management systems, graphic design software, Microsoft Office, and basic social media software; and the ability to handle confidential/sensitive information in a manner consistent with UCAR policy.

For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/qFVQqn.

Science Communications Manager, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies is searching for a Science Communications Manager for their Arlington, Va. office. The Science Communications Manager will support IGES projects, including those with federal agencies such as NASA, NOAA and NSF. Primary responsibilities include developing articles and publications on Earth science, environmental information, and space science for student, educator, public and policymaker audiences; developing and implementing strategic communications and media outreach efforts across multiple platforms, including web, print and social media; supporting IGES public awareness and outreach efforts, including media outreach and writing, and placement of op-eds; and developing science and educational resources and materials as required.

Qualified candidates will have a degree in science, science education or communications (Master’s preferred); strong writing, editorial and presentation skills; and education expertise and/or teaching experience with under-served audiences, or related experience to support education outreach/communication efforts. Knowledge of NASA education, Earth and space science, and working with or as media is highly desirable. To view the full solicitation, visit http://bit.ly/qnMcZM.

Outreach Specialist, NASA AURA Mission

The outreach specialist will lead the Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) effort for NASA’s AURA mission by keeping the public informed of scientific findings from the mission, emphasizing collaborative measurement results, and providing the formal and informal education communities with access to scientific data, associated visualizations and science stories related to Aura’s scientific questions.

Qualified candidates will have a Master’s degree from an accredited university, with a mix of education, education curriculum and physical science or mathematics coursework; five years of experience coordinating and contributing material for education outreach programs for NASA or a similar science organization; excellent scientific writing and editing skills; and an interest in science and capability to communicate scientific achievements to the public. Experience working as an E/PO coordinator on NASA exploration or science directorate missions and experience in curriculum development, grant writing, evaluation, instruction and supervision is highly desirable. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.sigmaspace.com/index.php/careers/current-openings.

Positions with North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is now hiring for their new 80,000 sq ft wing, the Nature Research Center. In addition to the five positions listed below, they will be posting an additional 42 positions throughout the coming year. The Space Observation and Earth Observation Lab Directors will have direct tie-ins to NASA.

The following new positions for the Nature Research Center have been posted on the OSP’s job vacancy website. You can review the postings at this link: http://bit.ly/lPelHp

• Space Observation Laboratory Director (Position 65012979) – closes 7/07/11
• Paleontology/Geosciences Laboratory Director (Position 65012980) – closes 7/28/11
• Earth Observation and Biodiversity Laboratory Director (Position 65012982) – closes 7/07/11
• Director of Science and Communications (Position 65013244) – closes 7/28/11

Education Public Outreach Specialist – Goddard Space Flight Center and Houston, Texas

Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a large non-profit space research university consortium is seeking two Education and Public Outreach Specialists. As part of the Education Public Outreach (EPO) Program team, the selected applicant will work closely with scientists, the NASA education community, formal and informal educators, parents, children and the general public.

The ideal candidate for the position with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center will be involved in numerous programs and projects, including leading face-to-face, distance-learning based Earth and planetary science workshops for K-12 and higher-education faculty, and developing products for formal and informal education learning environments. Duties will also include building and supporting learning communities, as well as communicating science to, and conducting programs for, the general public. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated abilities to lead programs with minimal supervision, and to obtain financial support of programs through federal and/or non-federal grant proposal opportunities.

A Master’s degree in Earth or planetary science is required, with a degree in an informal education field preferred. A minimum of five years of experience in formal or informal education and outreach is also necessary. To view the entire solicitation and apply, visit http://www.usra.edu/galleries/careers/EPO Specialist_Goddard_March 2011.pdf.

USRA also has a position available for an experienced Education and Public Outreach Specialist in their Houston, Texas office. The ideal candidate for this position will be involved in and lead numerous programs and projects, including: developing virtual and face-to-face communities of practice; delivering professional development in Earth and planetary science education for education specialists, K-12 and higher education faculty, and scientists; developing products for classrooms, museums and after-school programs; and conducting programs for the general public.

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Earth or planetary science, and a minimum of five years experience in leading either formal or informal education projects is required. To view the full solicitation and apply, visit http://www.usra.edu/galleries/careers/EPO_Specialist_Houston_II.pdf.

Penn State Seeks Curriculum Development Specialists for Summer of Innovation (Start Date March 1-April 15)

The Penn State College of Education, under the NASA Aerospace Education Services Project, is seeking seven Curriculum Development Specialists for the NASA Summer of Innovation program. These positions are non-tenure track, 48-week academic positions based at the specialists’ homes. Salary is commensurate with education and experience; full University benefits apply. To view the entire solicitation, visit http://www.ed.psu.edu/educ/employment/copy_of_curriculum-development-specialist_soi

GLOBE Program Office Director (Deadline Feb. 11)

The GLOBE Program is a leading international primary and secondary school science and education program. GLOBE supports schools around the world to investigate environmental problems through the collection, analysis, and sharing of scientific data at local, regional and global scales. The program is primarily supported by NASA, NOAA, NSF, and in-kind support from GLOBE’s U.S. And International partners.

The GPO Director is responsible for: 1) the overall program leadership, strategy and impementation, 2) management of all GPO-based budget and staff resources, and 3) ensuring that the overall program direction is developed in consultation with the GLOBE partners, sponsors, advisory boards, and GPO staff. The Director also serves as a senior manager within UCAR and has UCAR responsibilities.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 11th. To view the entire solicitation, visit http://tinyurl.com/476t2hv

Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel Education Video – Middle School/Informal Audiences

NASA’s Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission uses NASA’s Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to study tropical storms and hurricanes. This video describes the mission, reveals details about the Global Hawk aircraft, and offers a glimpse inside the command centers of both the ground-based pilots and the scientists who analyze satellite images to assist in flight navigation. The video concludes with information about getting students involved directly from the classroom through computer monitoring of the Global Hawk’s flight patterns and participating in live chats with the ground-based pilots and scientists. http://bit.ly/11iwesZ

New on SciJinks: Be a Citizen Scientist!

Weather offers the perfect opportunity to become a citizen scientist. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Netword – CoCoRaHS for short – has thousands of volunteers across the country who take daily measurements of precipitation from their location. Read a summary of the program on SciJinks, then follow the link to the CoCoRaHS site to find out more and join a nation-wide community of citizen meteorologists. http://bit.ly/10Rp09C

Design Squad Nation – Mission: Solar System (Ages 9-12)

Launch students into space exploration with Mission: Solar System, a new (and free) trans-media project celebrating NASA’s Year of the Solar System missions. This project includes hands-on engineering design challenges related to exploring the solar system, as well as videos featuring NASA engineers. This resource is great for classroom settings, afterschool programs, museums, clubs, camps, and scouting programs. http://to.pbs.org/Y1JNMO

To request a free copy of the Mission: Solar System guide, email designsquad_feedback@wgbh.org with the subject line “Mission Solar System.”

SpaceMath@NASA – New Math Guides

Four new math guides have been released by SpaceMath@NASA:

• Exploring the Lunar Surface (Grades 3-5): This introduction of the lunar surface is comprised of 10 problems on basic scale and proportion. http://1.usa.gov/13VQxOC
• Exploring Planetary Moons (Grades 3-6): This collection of 22 problems includes work with proportional relationships, fractions, and temperature changes. http://1.usa.gov/ZMCLGb
• Exploring Stars in the Milky Way (Grades 6-8): These 13 problems focus on basic counting, tallying, and grouping techniques, as well as working with simple proportions. http://1.usa.gov/12FoP63
• Exploring the Milky Way (Grades 6-8): This collection of 30 problems introduces students to mapping the shapes of the Milky Way, and how to identify different kinds of galaxies in our universe. http://1.usa.gov/11yXBNg

Popular Astronomy Lectures Now Available on YouTube

The Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures, featuring noted scientists presenting non-technical illustrated lectures on recent developments in astronomy, are now available on their own YouTube channel. The lectures are co-sponsored by NASA’s Ames Research Center, SETI Institute, and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. More talks in the series will be added as they become available. http://bit.ly/ZMzV3R

SpacePlace Mission Chronicles

What are NASA scientists and engineers up to? Find out with Mission Chronicles! This blog presents stories, reflections, and mission information from the viewpoint of scientists and engineers working on NASA science. Check out the newest post by Sarah Milkovich, discussing what it’s like to work with the Curiosity mission and how scientists and engineers work together to get the job done! http://1.usa.gov/10wx2eN

New Featured Products on NASA Wavelength

Come see our new round of forty featured products on the NASA Wavelength home page! This collection features educational resources from each of the NASA Science Mission Directorate Forums: astrophysics, Earth sciences, heliophysics, and planetary sciences. Resources cover a broad range of subject matter, and are appropriate for many different audiences – come see what’s new! http://nasawavelength.org

Eco-Schools USA Climate Change Connections – High School Curriculum

National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools USA has teamed up with NASA to develop a comprehensive high school curriculum, utilizing NASA Earth Observing Satellites (EOS) data, that provides students with authentic, systems-thinking, and STEM-based learning opportunities. Students will use environmental audits, action planning, data collection (through MY NASA DATA), analysis and evaluation, and service learning to experience the Earth system as a whole. http://bit.ly/11HNOqU

CosmoQuest’s TerraLuna – Middle School Classroom Unit on Lunar Surface Geology

This unit uses NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data and inquiry activities to guide students grades 7-9 in an exploration of planetary geology. Using the Moon Mappers project and other tools on the CosmoQuest website, new “questers” join a vibrant, global community of scientists, teachers, and learners who explore and share their universe through citizen science. Students have the opportunity to add their own unique individual discoveries, as well as adding to classifications that depend on the input of everyone who has visited the site. Lessons in the unit feature activities linked to NGSS, NSES, and Project 2061 standards. To download TerraLuna, visit http://bit.ly/ZoFkh0.

NASA Climate Kids – Make Your Own Seed Paper

There’s a new activity on the NASA Climate Kids website! Instead of emptying the paper-shredder receptacle into the recycle bin, why not recycle it yourself? Students can make their own recycled paper greeting cards, and plant them. This seed paper activity is easy and fun, and produces a greeting anyone would find endearing. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/X8MJFW.

Explore Landsat Activities with NASA Wavelength

Are you looking for educational resources to follow on the recent launch of Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)? NASA Wavelength is currently featuring a number of educational resources using Landsat data and imagery! This collection consists of resources for all age groups. http://bit.ly/XfiHQd

And don’t forget to keep up-to-date on NASA Wavelength news and resources via Facebook (http://on.fb.me/ZIj4kQ) and Twitter (@NASAWavelength)!

CosmoQuest Weekly “Learning Space” Hangout

Every Wednesday at 7pm EST/4pm PST, “Learning Space, ” a Google+ hangout, is held. This hangout is a topical discussion on science education, with a focus on space sciences. The hangout is broadcast live on YouTube and on Google+, and archived for later viewing. Previous shows cover hands-on demonstrations, the Galileoscope project, and children’s literature. If you would like to be a guest on the show to discuss your E/PO project, please email educate@cosmoquest.org. For more information on CosmoQuest, visit http://bit.ly/XmT7oz.

The Faces of MMS – Career Interviews

Each video in this growing series will provide viewers with a quick peek into the lives and careers of the people involved in the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. A variety of experts including scientists, engineers, technicians, educators, photographers and more will provide you with information about the mission while answering questions about how they became involved with the MMS mission and why their work is so important. http://1.usa.gov/VtyObs

MMS Bookmark and Scale Model Activity

This creative bookmark and activity features a 1/31 scale model of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft, along with important URLs and QR codes for quick access to additional information about the mission. The information on the supporting web page is identical to the physical printed version of the bookmark/activity, although the online content contains some additional resources, definitions, links, images, videos and vodcasts. This is a great resource for highlighting important connections to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. http://1.usa.gov/W3f1jP

Space Place Prime Now Available for iPhone

Space Place Prime, the popular iPad magazine app, is now available for the iPhone. This app gathers some of the best and most recent web offerings from NASA and JPL, including articles from The Space Place website, videos, and daily images such as the Astronomy Picture of the Day and the NASA Earth Observatory Image of the Day. Look for the Space Place Prime app in the Apple App Store. http://bit.ly/V6dOK3.

Curiosity Explorer Badge on Foursquare

NASA and the mobile application Foursquare have teamed up to help the public unlock its scientific curiosity with a new rover-themed Curiosity Explorer badge. Users of the Foursquare social media platform can earn the badge by following NASA and checking in at a NASA visitor center or venue categorized as a science museum or planetarium. Upon earning the badge, users will see a special message. To learn more about the badge, visit http://www.nasa.gov/connect/foursquare.html.

Planetary Science Graduate Program Clearinghouse from American Astronomical Society

The Division for Planetary Sciences Education and Public Outreach Subcommittee of AAS has assembled a listing of 68 institutions offering graduate degrees with opportunities in planetary sciences. This listing is meant to help undergraduates find graduate programs in one, easy-to-find locations. http://bit.ly/TcBXtQ

MY NASA DATA: Seasons – Grades 3-5

In this lesson, students learn about the tilt of the Earth and its effects on the seasons. This is accomplished through connecting the ideas of the tilt and the orbit of the Earth with monthly snow and ice data from January 2008-June 2008. The students will look at a single location at different times of the year to note the seasonal differences. Detailed procedure, materials list, a link to an online glossary, and teachers notes are provided. http://1.usa.gov/TrzWfc

Stellar Evolution: Our Cosmic Connection – Grades 9-12

In this sequencing activity, students use multiwavelength images of stellar nurseries, proto-stars, supernova remnants, planetary nebulae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsara, and black holes to investigate how the initial masses of proto-stars determine different evolutionary paths from stellar nurseries to final end products. The activity includes extensive background information and a teachers guide, student task descriptions and worksheets, online tutorials, a webquest version, and the form to request a card set from the Chandra website. http://bit.ly/VbFuwj

Killer Asteroids: Science Fiction or Science Fact

This website on asteroids and comets provides educational information, physics-based asteroid games, simulations of asteroid impacts with Earth (allowing users to select the impact site), and information on how backyard astronomers are contributing to asteroid research. http://www.killerasteroids.org

NASA Wavelength is Here!

NASA Wavelength is here! This new online resource for educators and students helps to bring Earth, the solar system, and the universe into the classroom. NASA Wavelength features hundreds of resources organized by topic and audience level, from elementary to college and out-of-school programs, that span the extent of NASA science. Educators at all levels can easily locate resources through information on educational standards, subjects, and keywords, and other relevant details, such as learning time required to complete a lesson or activity, cost of materials, and more. All resources featured on the site have been peer-reviewed by both scientists and educators. Please stop by to check out this valuable new resource! http://nasawavelength.org

Tri-Agency Climate Education Catalog

The NASA, NOAA, and NSF tri-agency climate education collaboration is pleased to announce the public release of the Tri-Agency Climate Education (TrACE) Catalog of educational products and resources. This is a tool for the climate education community that helps educators leverage existing resources, minimize duplicate efforts, and benefit from the expertise of a broad range of products. Contributions from other federally-funded climate education initiatives, particularly though funded through the partner agencies of the U.S. Global Climate Change Research Program (USGCRP). The catalog contains over 200 educational resources, representing more than 80 tri-agency funded projects, categorized by audience type and resource type. http://1.usa.gov/TKI5GY

PBS Design Squad Nation Educator Resources

The WGBH Education Department is developing educator resources for the PBS series Design Squad Nation, focused on NASA’s Year of the Solar System – including an online tutorial for educators and afterschool leaders. This self-guided training allows educators to learn how to lead students through Design Squad engineering activities in a classroom setting. http://to.pbs.org/MpEArb

GPM Precipitation Education Website

Global Precipitation Measurement is an international satellite mission that will use multiple satellites orbiting Earth to collect rain, snow, and other precipitation data worldwide every three hours. The Precipitation Education website is filled with activities, videos, and other educational resources that will educate audiences on precipitation and the GPM mission. http://1.usa.gov/RRaxYZ

NASA Earth Science Week Websites

Earth Science Week may be over, but the resources created to celebrate Earth science careers may be used year round! The NASA Earth Science Week website is filled with useful resources, videos, blog entries, and recordings of live events, all exploring the numerous Earth science careers available to young Earth scientists. http://1.usa.gov/VtrskI

This year, NASA also created the Earth Science Week website in Spanish. This site contains resources, blog posts, and live events for Spanish-speaking audiences. http://1.usa.gov/VtrwRe

Discovery Dome Loaner Program

Thanks to NASA support from the Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums, museums, science centers, Challenger centers, and other 501(c)(3) community organizations are eligible for a free Discovery Dome loaner program. The Discovery Dome is available for month-long loans, and includes the show “We Choose Space,” but will also include other NASA-sponsored planetarium shows. All required software is included, as well as a free immersive game “Monster Trucks on the Moon.”

In order to receive a loaner Discovery Dome, your organization must:

• Commit to sending someone to Houston, Texas or Washington, D.C., for training (or pay for a trainer to come to your site).
• Pay for one-way return shipping of the system to Houston, or to its next location.
• Have insurance or guarantee for any loss or damage. If the mirror is damaged during use, the cost will vary from $100 (minor scratch) to $1,000 (replacement). The total financial commitment is $2,000 or less.
• Commit for a person to operate the dome, at least part time. Venues are allowed to sell tickets or otherwise charge (especially if offsite travel is involved), but to maximize usage, it is requested that fees be kept to a minimum.

Preference will be given to rural sites, sites more than 100 miles from a digital planetarium, and sites serving minority groups. To fill out an applications form, please visit http://adobe.ly/QiCZF0. To watch all available planetarium shows and resources, please visit http://bit.ly/PksfTm.

Learn About the Moon with New Selene Video Game – Ages 9 and Up

In “Selene: A Lunar Construction Game,” students learn about basic geological processes on Earth and in their solar system while helping educational researchers study how and when people learn through educational video games. “Selene” has won numerous awards, and research has shown that the game aids learning. New for 2012-2013 is a Spanish language version of the game. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/OSncOb.

NASA’s Space Place Prime iPad App

This brand new app gathers some of the best and most recent web offerings from NASA. It taps articles from the Space Place website, NASA videos, and daily images such as the Astronomy Picture of the Day and the NASA Earth Observatory Image of the Day. Space Place Prime targets a multigenerational audience through this free app. To download, visit http://1.usa.gov/TkQ12f.

Here, There, and Everywhere – Poster Exhibit for Educators

A new project called “Here, There, and Everywhere,” illustrates how familiar phenomena on Earth and across the Universe are connected by basic physical laws. The main feature behind this project is a series of spectacular visual comparisons that span from the human scale on Earth to some of the largest structures in the cosmos. The topics covered include shadows, wind, electric discharge, bow waves, lensing, and the collisional excitation of atoms, among others. This exhibit is available as a series of posters for educators. To request a set of free posters, please visit http://bit.ly/NSlls9.

Resources for Dealing with Student and Public Fears about Doomsday 2012

As students return to school, and the media and web hype about Doomsday 2012 reaches its climax, all of us in science education will need to be prepared to respond to concerns from those who are genuinely concerned. Two new resources are now available to address fears that the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012:

• Resources for Responding to Doomsday 2012: An Annotated Guide – This guide provides a selection of useful resources for responding to student and public questions. http://bit.ly/RhfvM8
• Doomsday 2012 and Cosmophobia – This video recording features a panel including astronomers, educators, and an expert on Mayan civilization. Panelists examine some of the key claims about end-of-the-world predictions and the more general idea of “cosmophobia.” This website also includes links to other useful resources. http://1.usa.gov/QoEXEc

The Camilla Space Weather Project Forecast Lesson – Grades 5-12

Camilla Corona SDO, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) mascot, wants to know the forecast for tomorrow’s space weather! Since space weather can harm her astronaut friends and satellites in space, she wants students to help her predict what the space weather will be. Students will learn about space weather using the forecast lesson, then will make a space weather prediction using the Space Weather Submission Form. http://1.usa.gov/QcMyTJ

T-Shirt to Bag Activity from Climate Kids

Turn an old t-shirt into a handy reusable bag! With the leafy Climate Kids website banner ironed onto the front, and the Climate Kids “Leaps and Flutters” game ironed onto the back, your bag will double as entertainment at the beach or the pool. After the iron-ons are done, the rest of the project is very easy, with no sewing required. Please visit http://1.usa.gov/KTibNX for instructions and transfer art.

New “State of Flux” Gallery Available on NASA’s Global Climate Change Website

In celebration of this year’s Earth Day, NASA’s Webby Award-winning Global Climate Change website has unveiled a new version of its popular image gallery, “State of Flux.” This gallery presents images, mostly from space, of our ever-changing planet, chronicling changes taking place over time periods ranging from days to centuries. To view the gallery, visit http://1.usa.gov/I8mT96.

Comet Quest – iPhone/iPad Game from Space Place

Learn about comets and the Rosetta mission while playing the immersive action game “Comet Quest.” The player controls the spacecraft: first, drop the comet lander carefully onto the nucleus; observe and record gas jets, craters, cracks, and other happenings; dodge and dart around ice chunks flying off the nucleus; and, in your spare time, communicate with the lander and with Earth. This free game is available at the Apple app store: http://bit.ly/H519Qd.

Climate Education in an Age of Media Project Website

The newly launched Climate Education in an Age of Media (CAM) Project website contains information about how media production be students is being brought into climate change education in ways that are engaging, empowering, and can be readily adopted in a wide range of instructional environments. Student media-making can be used to overcome many of the challenges that climate change education presents, and is an excellent way to bring active, social, and effective learning to one of the most important and most complex problems facing human society. There are many ways to partner with the CAM Project – to learn more, visit http://bit.ly/Hd2Rwb.

NASA SEDAC Facebook Page

The NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC), operated by CIESIN, has many interesting educational products, including the upcoming release of a new climate change mapping tool for K-12 students and educators. Become a “fan” of the NASA SEDAC Facebook page to hear about new resources, reports, blogs, and workshops with an educational component. This is a moderated page with high language use restrictions, so it is suitable for students.
http://on.fb.me/y5iQ3u

Comet Quest Now Available on Space Place Website

The popular Comet Quest game is now available on The Space Place website. Learn about comets and the Rosetta mission while playing this fast-moving, immersive action game. Players will maneuver the comet lander onto the nucleus; observe and record gas jets, craters, cracks, and more; dodge obstacles; and communicate with the lander and Earth.
http://1.usa.gov/MBcQwb

BLiSS Sim – New iPad App

BLiSS Sim is a free science education app developed by the Center for Educational Technologies at Wheeling Jesuit University. With help from NASA’s Bioregenerative Life Support System research, players engage in the challenges of supporting humans in space or extreme environments on Earth. Players learn how four plant types can be grown and harvested to supply human oxygen, water, and food needs. For more information and to download the app, visit http://bit.ly/JLyukh.

Coma Clusters Activity Using Hubble Space Telescope Data – Grades 9-12

In 2006, the Hubble Space Telescope pointed its gaze at a nearby collection of galaxies called the Coma Cluster. Using the unprecedented images that the HST provided, astronomers gained fascinating insights into the evolution of galaxies in dense galactic neighborhoods. In this activity, students will first learn the basics of galaxy classification and grouping, then they will use actual HST images to discover the ‘morphology-density effect’ and make hypotheses about its causes.
http://bit.ly/yeltbd

Mysteries of the Sun – Grades 6-8

This unique NASA resource features web, print, and companion video materials that introduce Heliophysics – the study of the Sun’s influence throughout the solar system and, in particular, its connection to the Earth. Learn about topics such as space weather, solar variability, the heliosphere, Earth’s magnetosphere, and the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Come and explore our Sun!
http://bit.ly/w51KhW

Dawn’s Framing Camera Interactive

Dawn, part of NASA’s Discovery Program, is providing new information on the two largest protoplanets in our solar system, Ceres and Vesta. Both of these protoplanets reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter, together with many other smaller bodies, known as the asteroid belt. This interactive explains the nature of the data gathered by Dawn’s framing camera, and allows users to experiment with images viewed through its red, green and blue filters.
http://bit.ly/xxPGoW

Explore: Jupiter’s Family Secrets – Informal Education Activity Guide for Ages 8-13

This module showcases how the Juno mission will unveil Jupiter’s deepest secrets, including clues about how our solar system formed and Jupiter’s unique traits. Activities included are hands-on, and include additional selections of deeper investigation for children ages 11-12. These activities may be flexibly implemented in summer camps, after-school programs, public science events, and more. They rely on inexpensive, easy-to-find materials to investigate science concepts like weather, magnetic fields, density, gravity, solar system formation, and the process of science. The module also includes correlations to the National Science Education Standards, background information for facilitators, and resource lists. To download the PDF, visit http://1.usa.gov/MWOi1U.

My NASA Data Lesson 32: Is Portland, Oregon Experiencing Global Warming? – Grades 6-9

In this MY NASA DATA lesson, students use long wave radiation data to determine whether the climate has changed in Portland, Oregon over a 20-year time span. http://bit.ly/MVm58O

Supernova Remnant SNR 0509 Lithograph and In Search Of…Supernova Remnants Classroom Activity – Grades 11-12

This Hubble Space Telescope image shows what appears to be a delicate bubble of gas floating serenely in space. In actuality, the bubble is the visible remnant of a powerful supernova explosion called SNR 0509. The bubble was formed from gas that was swept up by the expanding shock wave. The accompanying classroom activity is a curriculum support tool designed for use as an introductory inquiry activity. Students will use the images and text on this lithograph to generate questions about supernova explosions and remnants, then conduct research to answer their questions.
http://bit.ly/wZ79z0

SatCam iPad/iPhone/iTouch App

This new app for iOS devices allows users to collect observations of local cloud and surface conditions, coordinated with an overpass of the Terra, Aqua, or Suomi NPP satellites. When users capture a SatCam observation, it helps to check the quality of the satellite readings. In return, users will receive a satellite image that is captured at their location, anywhere in the world. To download the app, visit http://bit.ly/LYSeSf.

Engineer a Satellite – Ages 10-Adult

In this activity, participants learn about the complications of engineering satellites. First, participants select the scientific instruments they would like on their satellite. Then, they calculate the power requirements for all of the subsystems, and construct a scale model of their Earth observing satellite. http://bit.ly/MVnDjp

MY NASA DATA Lesson Plan 44: Think GREEN – Utilizing Renewable Solar Energy (Grades 7-12)

Through this lesson plan, students utilize satellite data to determine greatest renewable energy potentials in any given region. This process allows students to develop skills in graphing and reading graphs.
http://bit.ly/IsKB2I

Big Explosions and Strong Gravity – Girl Scout E/PO Program

Big Explosions and Strong Gravity (BESG) is a highly-successful Girl Scout E/PO program. This one-day event features a series of hands-on activities on spectroscopy, cosmic abundances, supernovae, and black holes. Professional scientists, engineers, and graduate students assist with the activities, giving the participants a chance to interact with professionals in science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM) fields. This guide has been developed by the NASA Goddard Astrophysics Science Division E/PO Team, to assist those who would like to run this event with their own Girl Scout council.
http://bit.ly/yJMvMT

ImageJ Activity Booklet

This PDF guide explains how to use ImageJ image processing software to understand and manipulate astronomical images. The guide begins with instructions on how to download ImageJ, plus some additional astronomy-related plugins, followed by directions on how to install everything correctly. There are three lessons to help the user become familiar with basic processing skills needed for analyzing astronomical images. The lessons include questions to help guide thinking, along with an answer key.
http://bit.ly/zShRzQ

Eclipse Watch Website

Plan ahead for the May 20 solar eclipse and the June 5 transit of Venus! Dr. Doug Duncan of the University of Colorado has established a website that contains information to help scientists prepare their communities to watch these interesting events safely. There are two public service videos, and suggestions on how science or other clubs can plan events, as well as get safe eclipse-watching glasses. This is a great opportunity to increase public appreciation for astronomy and space science.
http://www.eclipse-watch.com

NASA iPad App – NASA Science: A Journey of Discovery

NASA has released a new iPad app, which provides users with the latest information on NASA’s science missions, including spacecraft, their instruments, data, and what NASA scientists are learning from the missions. The app is available for free at http://bit.ly/QZEjNH.

Coming Soon – Educator Resources for Design Squad Nation

The WGBH Education Department is developing educator resources for the series Design Squad Nation, focused on NASA’s Year of the Solar Syste. These resources will include an educators guide, with related hands-on activities, how-to videos, scientist and engineer profile videos, and an online tutorial. Focus groups were held online, as part of an information gathering exercise on how WGBH could make these resources the best they could be. A summary of the feedback from the focus groups will be available soon. The new resources follow two collaborations between Design Squad and NASA: The On the Moon Educator’s Guide (http://to.pbs.org/NN7i4E), and a self-guided training on how to lead hands-on activities with kids (http://to.pbs.org/MpEArb).

New Media from the NASA Kepler Mission

The following are new media resources created for the NASA Kepler Mission:

• Kepler and the Transit of Venus Poster – This poster features a family portrait of the 2,326 Kepler planet candidates (as of Dec. 5, 2011). The back contains activities and information relevant to the transit of Venus. http://bit.ly/yGOX7V
• Kepler’s Transiting Planet Systems – This artist’s rendering depicts the multiple planet systems discovered by NASA’s Kepler mission. http://bit.ly/yDZiEd
• Kepler Multi-Planet Systems Animation – This animation shows an overhead view of the orbital position of the planets in systems with multiple transiting planets discovered by the Kepler mission. http://bit.ly/vZhZvX

“Go with the Flow” Game on NASA’s Space Place

Why is it easier to float on the ocean than on a lake? It’s because salty water is denser than fresh water. Whenever ocean water and fresh water meet, the saltier water sinks. Saltiness, or salinity, has a profound effect on ocean currents, too. Of course, so does heat, since warm water is less dense than cold water. These two simple facts, so important to understanding Earth’s climate, are demonstrated in this new game. Use salt and heat tools to create currents that will carry you to treasure.
http://1.usa.gov/xmVFXD

From Earth to the Solar System Gallery

From Earth to the Solar System (FETTS) is a collection of high-resolution images that showcase planetary exploration. The images are artistic and informative, weaving together the themes of astrobiology, planetary science and astronomy. Take some time to browse the over 90 images in the collection, created to celebrate NASA’s Year of the Solar System. Users are invited to download images and to host an exhibit. http://bit.ly/z5COKm

Annotated Listing of Astronomy Apps for Smart Phones and Tablets

An annotated overview of 98 astronomy applications for smart phones and tablets has been published in the online journal Astronomy Education Review. The list includes a variety of apps for displaying and explaining the sky above you; a series of astronomical clocks, calendars, and calculators; sky catalogs and observing planners, citizen science tools; and even a graphic simulator for making galaxies collide. Many of the apps are free, while some cost a dollar or two. The list is available at http://bit.ly/thpg6b.

World of Change: Athabasca Oil Sands

The Athabasca Oil Sands are at once a source of oil, of economic growth, and of environmental concern. This series of images shows the growth of surface mines around the Athabasca River from 1984 to the present.
http://1.usa.gov/udVFy9

Vesta Greeting Cards

Inspired by Vesta’s series of craters affectionately nicknamed “the snowman,” the Dawn E/PO team invites you to get creative and make a Vesta greeting card. Choose from several intriguing images of Vesta. We have developed templates to get you started. Take a photo of your card and it may be featured in the Vesta Greeting Card Gallery. To create your own card, visit http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/DawnCommunity/vesta_greeting_card.asp.

New On Space Place Web Site: Meteor Shower!

Have you ever wondered how astronomers can predict when there is going to be an abundance of shooting stars in the night sky? Showers of meteors, the scientific name for “shooting stars,” occur predictably several times a year, usually peaking within the same two- or three-day period. So what causes them? Why do they seem to come from the same part of the sky? Visit http://1.usa.gov/sATgX8 and get ready to enjoy the next show!

GLOBE Scientists’ Blog

Read the Scientists’ Blog to keep informed of timely topics in Earth Systems Science. Updated weekly, the blog is an online journal where the GLOBE scientists post their thoughts, comments, and philosophies about a variety of science topics. The blog provides students the opportunity to share comments and discuss topics with each other. Comments are moderated, so no anonymous comments are allowed. Currently, Jessica Mackaro is reporting on the recently released 2010 NOAA State of the Climate report. http://bit.ly/ttj2ns

Transit Tracks – Classroom Activity Grades 8-12

Using a model of a planet transiting a star, students learn what a transit is, under what conditions a transit may be seen, and what effects a planet’s size and distance from its star have on transit behavior. Students will interpret graphs, derived from actual Kepler mission transit data, of brightness vs. time to deduce characteristics of a star-planet system. Two methods for data interpretation are offered in the lesson, and are adaptable for middle and high school students. http://bit.ly/stR2rk

Leaps and Flutters – Game Ages 7-9

This is a “Chutes and Ladders” type game. As players land on squares, depending on the described action, they either “leap” frog ahead if they help the environment, or butterfly “flutter” back if they do not. There is a short explanation as part of the game as to why we should care about frogs and butterflies, as well as some facts about the activities on the game board and why they are good or not good for the environment. To play, visit http://1.usa.gov/sR91E5.

Picture Post – Citizen Science Program

The Picture Post Network offers the means for people to help study and analyze their own findings using Digital Earth Watch software. Digital photographs taken from the same location and positioned in the same direction and orientation allow individuals, schools, communities and scientists to monitor a variety of environmental parameters. Picture Post participants study change over time in their local area, view NASA satellite imagery taken on the same day as their pictures, and contribute towards improving their own communities. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/uwYriz.

Satellite Insight – Game for iPhone

“Satellite Insight” for iPhone and other iOS devices is now available on iTunes. This free game consists of colored blocks that represent different types of data gathered by GOES-R’s science instruments. The data blocks fall into columns on a grid. Players must bundle like data types together and store them safely before the data grid overflows. This is the first iPhone app from NOAA in partnership with NASA. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/satellite-insight/id463588902?mt=8

Kepler Planet Candidate Data Explorer

The Kepler Planet Candidate Data Explorer gives you access to the latest set of Kepler planet candidates. The Kepler spacecraft has the most exquisitely sensitive light sensor (photometer) ever launched into space, monitoring over 150,000 stars simultaneously, to detect drops in starlight caused by transiting planets. The Explorer has two tools, Table and Plot, which allow the user to explore Kepler data in various ways. For more information, visit http://184.72.55.19/kepler.

Changes to SpaceMath@NASA Website

There have been some changes to the SpaceMath@NASA website that will hopefully make the site more useful to its users. The site now has a public side and a side for registered users. When you register as an educator by selecting, ‘Click Here to Register’, you will be asked to submit a brief registration form. Within a few days, you will be sent information on accessing the protected portion of the site. The protected portion will contain all of the contents of the original website, including books and many new problems with answer keys provided.

The change to the website is meant to allow educators to access the full content of the site, without allowing students to gain access to the answer keys via a Google search. By registering, you will also be subscribed to the new SpaceMath@NASA listserv for educators. Periodic site updates will be sent out informing users of new content. To register now, visit http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov.

New Horizons Student Dust Counter – Grades 8-11

These three lessons, designed for a lower high school audience, are intended to familiarize students with the Student Dust Counter, data collection and analysis. In A Dusty Dilemma, students are introduced to the concept of error analysis, including standard deviation. In Speaking Volumes About Dust, students will investigate density as an introduction to the SDC on the New Horizons mission. And in The White Glove Test, students explore the SDC Data Viewer to establish any trends in the distribution of dust in the Solar System.
http://lasp.colorado.edu/sdc/lessons.php

MY NASA DATA #72: Hurricane Frequency and Intensity – Grades 9-12

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the Earth’s climate and how it is evolving. When studying hurricanes, it is important to understand that, for a hurricane to grow, warm water is an absolute necessity. So if the Earth continues to warm, what does that mean for hurricanes and their intensity? The students will be asked to look at past hurricane data by researching the intensity and frequency of hurricanes using the Live Access Server and several Internet sites.
http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/preview_lesson.php?&passid=105

Blue Marble Matches: Using Earth for Planetary Comparisons – Grades 5-12

This activity is designed to introduce students to geologic processes on Earth and model how scientists use Earth to gain a better understanding of other planetary bodies in the solar system.
http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/ares/eeab/BMM.cfm

Space Math @ NASA: Algebra 2

This text, available for free download, features over 200 math problems that follow very closely the standard curriculum for high school Algebra 2 courses, but with a strong emphasis on space science and astronomy topic areas. Fourteen chapters featuring concepts and skill areas including statistics, probability, conics, trigonometry, complex numbers and matrix algebra. Science topics are drawn from all areas of planetary, heliophysics, and astrophysics, as well as space exploration and rocketry.
http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/algebra2.html

The Inverse Square Law of Light – Grades 6-8

We all know that a light, such as a candle or a streetlight, looks dimmer the farther away from it we get. This classroom activity gives an easy way for students to measure the relationship between distance and brightness. Once students discover the relationship, they can begin to understand how astronomers use this knowledge to determine the distances to stars and far away galaxies.
http://wise.ssl.berkeley.edu/documents/The%20Inverse%20Square%20Law%20of%20Light_Final.pdf

Project SPECTRA! – Grades 6-12

Project SPECTRA! is a science and engineering program focusing on how light is used to explore the Solar System. Project SPECTRA! emphasizes hands-on activities, like building a spectrograph, as well as the use of real data to solve scientific questions. Lessons are available for middle school students, which can be easily adapted for use with high school or elementary students as well. Each lesson has a front page listing national standards in science and mathematics, prior knowledge required, materials, and time needed to complete the lesson.
http://lasp.colorado.edu/spectra/

MY NASA DATA Lesson 64: Evidence of Change Near the Arctic Circle – Grades 8-12

The most hard-hit area where global climate change is apparent is within the Arctic Circle. In this lesson, students use the Live Access Server to explore data from the Arctic, develop relationships between parameters and make conclusions based on the collected evidence. Detailed procedures and materials, vocabulary linked to an online glossary, and teacher notes are provided.
http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/preview_lesson.php?&passid=98

Earth Calling… – Grades 6-8

This hands-on activity explores spacecraft radion communication concepts, including the speed of light and the time delay for signals sent to and from spacecraft. Through this activity, students will be able to calculate the amount of time it takes for a radio signal to travel to a spacecraft using the speed of light; demonstrate the delay in radio communication signals to and from a spacecraft; devise unique solutions to the radio-signal delay problem; and compare their velocity to that of the spacecraft and the speed of light.
http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/common/content/pdfs/NewHorizonsEarthCalling.pdf

STOP for Science! – A School-Wide Science Enrichment Program

“STOP for Science” is a simple and extensible building-wide science enrichment program aimed at raising questions about science topics chosen to capture student interest. Created through the combined efforts of an astropysicist and an elementary school principal, “STOP for Science” combines displays of science topics accompanies by level-selected questions and extensive teacher resources to provide broad exposure to familiar yet intriguing science themes.  This new product series is now available for educators at http://chandra.harvard.edu/edu/stop/.

Workshops on “STOP for Science” will also be held at the ASP meeting in Baltimore, Md. (July 30-Aug. 3) and all three regional NSTA meetings this fall.

Earth Science Week 2011 – Toolkits Available for Order (Oct. 9-15)

Earth Science Week 2011 will be celebrated October 9-15. To give you plenty of time to prepare, the American Geological Institute (AGI) is now accepting advance orders for the 2011 Earth Science Week Toolkit, which contains educational materials for all ages that correspond to this year’s theme of “Our Ever-Changing Earth.” Government agencies such as NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have all contributed educational materials. Learn about fossils, geological heritage, Earth from space, the New Madrid earthquake and much more in this year’s extensive toolkit, filled with posters, brochures, bookmarks, fact sheets, postcards and more.

To learn more about this week and to pre-order your 2011 Toolkit, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

A New Era for NASA’s Space Place – New Websites for Elementary Students

Two award-winning websites for students have joined forces to further inspire a new generation of explorers. NASA’s science.nasa.gov/kids and spaceplace.nasa.gov have combined to provide several new Web features with interactive graphic design and easy, versatile navigation. The new site includes the extensive and rich science and technology content of the ‘old’ Space Place with over 50 NASA science missions enriched with content from science.nasa.gov/kids. These sites offer the best of NASA materials for elementary school students.

The site includes over 300 separate modules available in English and Spanish. Modules are sorted into menus for Space, Earth, Sun, Solar System, People and Technology, and Parents and Teachers. Information mirrors the missions of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, as well as the agency’s commitment to education and public engagement.

The site is available at http://science.nasa.gov/kids or http://spaceplace.nasa.gov.

The Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 – DVD and Activities

The Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 is a DVD featuring 133 activities for teaching Astronomy (and much more) from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. The activities are field-tested from programs and projects around the U.S. The DVD also included 17 topical guides to sources of information in print and on the web, 52 background articles on astronomy and education, 55 introductory astronomy images with detailed captions, a guide to finding hundreds more images, and 12 short videos with instructions for doing some of the most often-used activities. The disk is available for the special price, through May 31, of $26.95 (free shipping). For more information, visit http://astrosociety.org/uayf/.

Host a “From Earth to the Solar System” Exhibit

Celebrating NASA’s Year of the Solar System, “From Earth to the Solar System” is a collection of high-resolution images that showcase the excitement of planetary exploration – our journey to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system, to the search for life elsewhere.

“From Earth to the Solar System” is freely available to organization worldwide to use to host their own exhibitions. The high-resolution images can be downloaded for free, and printed and displayed in any format, in any location. Tips for success are included on the website. The images are at once artistic and informative, weaving together themes in astrobiology, planetary science and astronomy. Including contributions from backyard astronomers, large telescopes in space, and even point-and-shoot cameras of field researchers, the collection represents the current state of exploration as seen through the eyes of the scientific community.
http://fettss.arc.nasa.gov/

Magnetospheric Multiscale Science Team Videos

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)) website features a collection of video interviews with mission scientists discussing the MMS mission, instrumentation, results, and practical applications of the mission science.
http://mms.rice.edu/mms/index_multimedia.php

EarthSky22: What Caused April’s Deadly Tornados? – Podcast

Weather Underground’s Jeff Masters on the science of the deadly April tornadoes in the U.S., in this 22 minute podcast of science and music.
http://earthsky.org/human-world/earthsky-22-the-science-of-aprils-deadly-tornadoes

The Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 – DVD and Activities

The Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 is a DVD featuring 133 activities for teaching Astronomy (and much more) from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. The activities are field-tested from programs and projects around the U.S. The DVD also included 17 topical guides to sources of information in print and on the web, 52 background articles on astronomy and education, 55 introductory astronomy images with detailed captions, a guide to finding hundreds more images, and 12 short videos with instructions for doing some of the most often-used activities. The disk is available for the special price, through May 31, of $26.95 (free shipping). For more information, visit http://astrosociety.org/uayf/.

Dr. Bill Patzert Video Interviews on Ocean Surface Topography From Space Website

Two new interviews with Dr. Bill Patzert have been posted on the NASA JPL ‘Ocean Surface Topography From Space’ website. The first features a discussion of La Niña still impacting the southwest drought, while the second features a discussion on the rise of ocean temperature and sea level.
http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/newsroom/featurearchive/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=375

Year of the Solar System – Volcanism!

The Year of the Solar System continues with the monthly topic for May: “Volcanism!” There is plenty of hot stuff in our solar system, even in the outer frozen realms; so much that planetary scientists have found evidence of volcanism on every terrestrial planet and on many of the moons, and even some asteroids. To learn more and find resources for this month’s topic, visit http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/.

NASA EDGE: NE Live@Sun Earth Day 2011

NASA EDGE joins the Sun Earth Day Team and over a hundred of their twitter followers to celebrate this year’s SED theme “Ancient Mysteries and Future Discoveries.” Troy Cline and Peter Eidenbach talk about their experiences at multiple ancient solar sites, Dave Dooling discusses current solar observations and other experts talk about NASA’s unique interest in studying the Sun.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00040711_L08_SED11.html

Science@NASA ScienceCast

The Science@NASA team is pleased to announce a new product: the ScienceCast. Every week, a short video highlighting a topic in NASA science news is produced. A complete list of ScienceCast episodes may be found on Science@NASA’s Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ScienceAtNASA.

Inspiring Climate Education Excellence – Community Forum for Middle and High School Teachers

ICEE (Inspiring Climate Education Excellence), a NASA GCCE professional development program for middle and high school teachers, is teaming up with EARTH: The Operators’ Manual (or ETOM), a PBS television special on climate science and solutions. ICEE’s Community Forum (http://iceeonline.org/forum) is offering a special discussion thread so that teachers who use the ETOM website (http://earththeoperatorsmanual.com) in their classrooms can discuss the “teachable moment” of the program with other educators. The can also pose questions to Dr. Richard Alley, Penn State glaciologist and climate expert. Clips of the program and an annotated script are also linked to online learning resources that have been reviewed by the Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness Network (http://cleanet.org).

Zooniverse – Citizen Scientists Making Incredible Discoveries

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known, ” wrote Carl Sagan. And now you can be the one to find it, thanks to Zooniverse, a unique citizen science website. Zooniverse volunteers, who call themselves “Zooites,” are working on a project called Galaxy Zoo, classifying distant galaxies imaged by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/22apr_zooniverse/

“The Universe in the Classroom” – Newsletter

The latest issue of “The Universe in the Classroom” Newsletter on Teaching Astronomy celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Drake Equation – the formula proposed by Frank Drake that helps scientists estimate the likelihood of intelligent, communicative life in the universe. In addition to a historical summary of the equation and how it is used, the issue includes resources and classroom activities on this topic.
http://www.astrosociety.org/education/publications/tnl/77/77.html

“How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had it Coming” – Podcast

Prof. Michael Brown explains “How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had it Coming” in a free podcast in the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series from Jan. 19th, 2011. Dr. Brown explains exactly what happened and didn’t happen when astronomers reached the controversial new definition of a planet.
http://www.astrosociety.org/education/podcast/index.html

Sea Surface Temperature, Height, Chlorophyll Data Visualizer – Ocean Motion Web Site

The revised Sea Surface Temperature, Height, and Chlorophyll data visualizer gives access to global ocean surface temperature behaviors between 1981 and 2010, ocean surface height between 1992 and 2010, and ocean surface chlorophyll between 1997 and 2010.  The map displayed by the visualizer shows a 70° by 56° region of the ocean. The interactive visualizer allows users to select a region of the ocean and study changes happening in the region. Each map has colors which indicate the surface temperature, height and chlorophyll and anomalies. At the bottom of each map, there is a color scale that allows users to convert image colors to a numerical measure.
http://oceanmotion.org/html/resources/ssedv.htm

Space Math @ NASA: New Problems Relating to Japan 2011 Earthquake, Tsunami and Radiation Aftermath

New problems have been posted on the Space Math @ NASA site relating to the Japan 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and radiation aftermath. These problems include asking students to calculate the arrival time of a tsunami, an exploration of the principle by with the Earth’s rotation changed due to the earthquake, and many problems relating to measuring radiation.
http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov

Ocean Surface Winds Data Visualizer – Ocean Motion Web Site

The WINDS data visualizer gives access to global ocean surface wind behaviors between 1999 and 2009. The map displayed by the visualizer shows a 70° by 56° region of the ocean. The visualizer allows users to select a region of the ocean and study changes happening in the region. Each map has arrows showing the wind direction and the colors indicate the wind speed, direction, convergence or vorticity. At the bottom of each map, there is a color scale that allows users to convert image colors to a numerical measure.
http://www.oceanmotion.org/html/resources/winds.htm

NASA Interdisciplinary Climate Change Education Modules

Instructors in climate change are invited to use the National Council for Science and the Environment’s NASA-based curricular package of nine self-contained modules. Educators and students have access to web portals that allow interactions with other instructors and students. Online pre- and post-course assessments are available to determine student knowledge and attitudes about climate change.
http://www.eoearth.org/article/NCSE-NASA_Interdisciplinary_Climate_Change_Education

As the Seasons Change, Will the Plankton?

This feature article from the NASA Earth Observatory explores changes in phytoplankton populations, their importance in marine environments, and how they are affected by seasonal changes. Such studies could lead to a better understanding of how climate changes would affect phytoplankton populations.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/OceanProductivity/page1.php

Kepler Lab Out Loud Podcast

Lab Out Loud is an NSTA podcast and blog that discusses science news and education with leading scientists, researchers, science writers and other important figures in the field. “Episode 58 – Exploring New Worlds with Kepler” features Dr. Natalie Batalha, co-investigator of NASA’s Kepler team, discussing the Kepler mission and the discovery of planet Kepler 10b.
http://laboutloud.com/2011/02/episode-58-exploring-new-worlds-with-kepler/

Year of the Solar System: Small Bodies-Big Impact

February’s Year of the Solar System theme is Small Bodies-Big Impact. Some of the smallest bodies in our solar system have had the biggest impact on our understanding of how the solar system formed. Join NASA’s exploration of these curious members of our solar system and experience their impact. On this month’s page, you will find a number of resources and ways to become involved in YSS.
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2011&Month=2&Tab=Overview

Stardust-NExT Comet Tempel 1 Encounter: Resources

On Feb. 14, NASA’s Stardust-NExT mission will encounter Comet Tempel 1. A number of resources relating to the mission are available on the Stardust-NExT website. There are resources for all age groups. For more information, visit http://stardustnext.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.html.

Sam Finnigan’s Big Secret – Grades 3-6

Follow Sam Finnigan and his pals as they prepare to take off in his homemade rocket ship. Then finish the story by creating your own version of Sam’s cosmic adventure.
http://epoxi.umd.edu/5kids/stories.shtml

Comparing Comets – Grades 6-12

This exercise allows students to compare and contrast the nucleus of two comets and listen to audio files of NASA scientists and middle-school students conducting the activity. By comparing their responses to those of NASA scientists, students realize that while their vocabulary may be different, their process parallels that of the scientists and the task of doing science is well within their reach.
http://epoxi.umd.edu/4education/index.shtml

Build Your Own Spectroscope – Grades 4-12

Students build a working spectroscope to study the nature of light. A downloadable study guide details a collection of related curriculum activities An explanatory movie, “Colors of the Sun” explains the use of spectroscopy.
http://solar-center.stanford.edu/activities/cots.html

Space Weather Monitor (“SID”) Project – Grades 9-12

The Space Weather Monitor program is an educational project to build and distribute inexpensive ionospheric monitors to students around the world. The monitors detect solar flares and other ionospheric disturbances.
http://solar-center.stanford.edu/SID/

NASA Interdisciplinary Climate Change Education Modules

The National Council for Science and the Environment has developed a curricular package using NASA data and web materials for an undergraduate general education course on climate change. A series of eight self-contained modules is available on the Encyclopedia of Earth. Educators will have access to a parallel web portal to assist in course development. An additional web portal permits communication among students at participating institutions. Online pre- and post-course assessments are available to determine student knowledge and attitudes about climate change. There are also online post-module assessments for each unit. Instructors will obtain data from their institutions and aggregate summaries. Each unit has been tested at the author’s institution and we are now recruiting additional faculty members to utilize the materials in their classes. For more information, contact Andy Jorgensen (andy.jorgensen@utoledo.edu). http://www.eoearth.org/article/NCSE-NASA_Interdisciplinary_Climate_Change_Education

Videos From NASA’s Global Climate Change Website

“Earth: The Water Planet,” “Frozen Earth,” and, “Majestic Planet,” along with many others, are all available on the NASA Global Climate Change site: http://climate.nasa.gov/ClimateReel/. Each video explores a different aspect of climate change, and encourages the viewer to explore the topic further.

MY NASA DATA: Scientist Tracking Network (Grades 8-9)

This series of lessons is designed to answer the question, “How can we use data from NASA satellites to pinpoint a geographic location?” Students participate in a problem-based unit to investigate the relationships among three data sets located on the MY NASA DATA website. They will create products that discuss the relationship of surface irradiance to season and surface temperature. They will also compare total column ozone levels recorded at different latitudes.
http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/unit_lessons.html

Year of the Solar System: What’s Up Podcast and Blog

Join NASA’s Jane Houston Jones as she guides you through the night sky each month. Jane’s videos and blog entries provide information on upcoming night sky events, so watch for the January edition to be released soon.
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss/display.cfm?Year=2010&Month=12&Tab=Events

Sotra Facula, Titan – Image from Cassini Spacecraft

Based on data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, this image shows an area of Saturn’s moon Titan, known as Sotra Facula. Scientists believe Sotra is the best case for a cryovolcano, or ice volcano. The flyover shows two peaks more than 1,000 meters tall and multiple craters as deep as 1,500 meters. The image also shows finger-like flows, which also indicate the presence cryovolcanism.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1824.html

NASA EDGE: 2010 Recap Vodcast

2010 featured significant highlights for NASA and NASA EDGE. In addition to covering many of NASA’s accomplishments and endeavors, NASA EDGE introduced live coverage via the Web of many NASA events.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00121710_27_2010Recap.html

Noted Astronomers and Latest Astronomical Discoveries in Two-Podcast Series

The nonprofit Astronomical Society of the Pacific, cosponsored by NASA’s Ames Research Center, the SETI Institute, and the Foothill College Astronomy Program, announces the availability of the 25^th full podcast in the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series, a talk by Dr. Gregory Laughlin (University of California – Santa Cruz) on the ultimate fate of the solar system. Other recent talks in the series include: Dr. David Morrison, NASA Ames, on “Doomsday 2012” mania; Dr. Helen Quinn, Stanford, on the mystery of antimatter; and Dr. Alex Filippenko, Berkeley, on black holes. The podcasts can be found here: http://www.astrosociety.org/education/podcast/

NASA Blasts Back to School

NASA offers educational resources for use with kindergarten through college, as well as resources for the informal education community. Many of NASA’s educational products are quick and easy to find on the NASA website.

Visit the NASA Blast Back to School page to find educational resources and NASA events taking place in your area. From the site, you can find information relating to the following topics, including NASA Explorer Schools, NASA Summer of Innovation, opportunities for students and educators, homework topics, NASA teaching materials, as well as other helpful resources.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/blast-back-to-school-2010.html

Notes From the Field Blog: The Western Siberia Expedition 2010

An international team of scientists working in Siberia report on their expedition to collect data related to the Earth’s carbon budget and to document the effects of climate change in the region.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/blogs/fromthefield/category/the-western-siberia-expedition-2010/

New Blog: Elegant Figures

The Earth Observatory’s lead visualizer, Robert Simmon, blogs about data visualization and information design done on the Earth Observatory.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/blogs/elegantfigures/

Gulf Of Mexico Oil Slick Images: Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ explains why oil is more obvious in some satellite images than others, and why the Earth Observatory doesn’t post new images of the oil slick every day.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/OilSlick/?src=ese_ed

NASA GRIP Hurricane Mission and Hurricane Research Website

The Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) is an science field experiment being conducted to better understand the formation and development of tropical storms into major hurricanes utilizing the Global Hawk aircraft. Deployment is scheduled from Aug. 15-Sept. 30, with information on findings posted on the mission’s website: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/missions/grip/main/index.html

In addition, the NASA Hurricane Research Website (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/missions/index.html) provides resources on hurricane development, including images, video, news, and other information on hurricane research. NASA Hurricane Research can also be followed on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NASAHurricane

NASA Mission Suggests Sun and Planets Constructed Differently (June 23)

(June 23) Analysis of samples returned by NASA’s Genesis mission indicates our sun and its inner planets may have formed differently than scientists previously thought.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-199_Genesis.html

NASA Probe Nears Position for Year-Long Stay at Giant Asteroid (June 23)

(June 23) NASA’s Dawn spacecraft is on track to begin the first extended visit to a large asteroid. The mission expects to go into orbit around Vesta on July 16 and begin gathering science data in early August. Vesta resides in the main asteroid belt and is thought to be the source of a large number of meteorites that fall to earth.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-197_Dawn_Nears_Vesta.html

NASA Flights Seek to Improve View of Air Pollution From Space (June 23)

(June 23) Two NASA research airplanes will fly over the Baltimore-Washington region and northeast Maryland this summer as part of a mission to enhance the capability of satellites to measure ground-level air quality from space.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-200_Discovery-AQ.html

NASA Cassini Spacecraft Captures Ocean-Like Spray at Saturn Moon (June 22)

(June 22) NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has discovered the best evidence yet for a large-scale saltwater reservoir beneath the icy crust of Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The data came from the spacecraft’s direct analysis of salt-rich ice grains close to the jets ejected from the moon.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/whycassini/cassini20110622.html

Getting Ready for the Next Big Solar Storm (June 21)

(June 21) In Sept. 1859, on the eve of a below-average solar cycle, the sun unleashed one of the most powerful storms in centuries. The blast peppered Earth with the most energetic protons in half-a-millennium, induced electrical currents that set telegraph offices on fire, and sparked Northern Lights over Cuba and Hawaii. Officials have gathered to ask a simple question: What if it happens again?
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/22jun_swef2011/

NASA Details Achievements of Lunar Spacecraft (June 21)

(June 21) NASA has declared full mission success for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). LRO changed our view of the entire moon and brought it into sharper focus with unprecedented detail.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-192_LRO_Success.html

NASA Sets Sail on Second Leg of Arctic Ocean Research Voyage (June 21)

(June 21) Scientists embark this week from Alaska on the second and final campaign of a NASA field campaign to study how changing conditions in the Arctic affect the ocean’s chemistry and ecosystems.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-195_Arctic_Voyage.html

NASA Spacecraft Confirms Theories, Sees Surprises at Mercury (June 16)

(June 16) NASA scientists are making new discoveries about the planet Mercury. Data from MESSENGER, the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury, is giving scientists important clues to the origin of the planet and its geological history, and helping them better understand its dynamic interior and exterior processes.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-186_MESSENGER_Update.html

NASA’s Chandra Finds Massive Black Holes Common in Early Universe (June 15)

(June 15) Using the deepest X-ray image ever taken, astronomers found the first direct evidence that massive black holes were common in the early universe. This discovery from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory shows that very young black holes grew more aggressively than previously thought, in tandem with the growth of their host galaxies.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/news/H-11-183.html

New Insights on How Solar Minimums Affect Earth (June 14)

(June 14) sine 1611, humans have recorded the comings and goings of black spots on the sun. The number of these sunspots wax and wane over approximately an 11-year cycle – more sunspots generally mean more activity and eruptions on the sun and vice versa. The number of sunspots can change from cycle to cycle, and 2008 saw the longest and weakest solar minimum since scientists have been monitoring the sun with space-based instruments.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/solar-minima.html

NASA Spacecraft Captures Video of Asteroid Approach (June 13)

(June 13) Scientists working with NASA’s Dawn spacecraft have created a new video showing the giant asteroid Vesta as the spacecraft approaches this unexplored world in the main asteroid belt.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-182_Dawn_Video.html

NASA’s “Age of Aquarius” Dawns With Launch From California (June 10)

(June 10) NASA’s ‘Age of Aquarius’ dawned Friday with the launch of an international satellite carrying the agency-built Aquarius instrument that will measure the saltiness of Earth’s oceans to advance our understanding of the global water cycle and improve climate forecasts.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-181_Aquarius.html

NASA Probes Suggest Magnetic Bubbless Reside at Solar System Edge (June 9)

(June 9) Observations from NASA’s Voyager spacecraft, humanity’s farthest deep space sentinels, suggest the edge of our solar system may not be smooth, but filled with a turbulent sea of magnetic bubbles.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-174_Voyager_Update.html

NASA’s Solar Dynamic Observatory Catches “Surfer” Waves on the Sun (June 7)

(June 7) Scientists have spotted the iconic surfer’s wave rolling through the atmosphere of the sun. This makes for more than just a nice photo-op: the waves hold clues as to how energy moves through that atmosphere, known as the corona.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/sun-surfing.html

Jupiter’s Youthful Travels Redifined Solar System (June 6)

(June 6) Over the eons, the giant planet roamed toward the center of the solar system and back out again, at one point moving in about as close as Mars is now. The planet’s travels profoundly influenced the solar system, changing the nature of the asteroid belt and making Mars smaller than it should have been.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/young-jupiter.html

A Salute to Spirit (June 3)

(June 3) NASA hasn’t heard from Spirit in more than a year, and on May 25th, 2011, the agency sent a final transmission in its series of attempts to regain contact.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/03jun_spirit/

A Rare Eclipse of the Midnight Sun (May 31)

(May 31) “It might sound like a contradiction to have a solar eclipse in the middle of the night, but this is what we will see in northern Norway, Sweeden and Finland on June 1st,” says Knut Joergen Roed Oedegaard, an astrophysicist at the Norweigan Centre for Science Education in Oslo.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/31may_midnightsun/

New NASA Map Reveals Patterns of Tropical Forest Carbon Storage (May 31)

(May 31) A NASA-led research team has used a variety of NASA satellite data to create the most precise map ever produced depicting the amount and location of carbon stored in Earth’s tropical forests. The data are expected to provide a baseline for ongoing carbon monitoring and research, and serve as a useful resource for managing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-172_Carbon_Map.html

NASA to Launch New Science Mission to Asteroid in 2016 (May 25)

(May 25) NASA will launch a spacecraft to an asteroid in 2016 and use a robotic arm to pluck samples that could better explain our solar system’s formation and how life began. The mission, called Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, will be the first U.S. mission to carry samples from an asteroid back to Earth.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/osiris-rex.html

NASA’s Hubble Finds Rare ‘Blue Straggler’ Stars in Milky Way’s Hub (May 24)

(May 24) NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has found a rare class of oddball stars called blue stragglers in the hub of our Milky Way, the first detected within our galaxy’s bulge.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-162_Blue_Stars.html

Radio Telescopes Capture Best-Ever Snapshot of Black Hole Jets (May 20)

(May 20) An international team, including NASA-funded researchers, using radio telescopes located throughout the Southern Hemisphere has produced the most detailed image of particle jets erupting from a supermassive black hole in a nearby galaxy.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-158_Black_Hole_Jets.html

Cassini Spacecraft and Ground Telescope See Violet Saturn Storm (May 19)

(May 19) NASA’s Cassini spacecraft  and a European Southern Observatory ground-based telescope tracked the growth of a giant early-spring storm in Saturn’s northern hemisphere so powerful it stretches around the entire planet. The rare storm has been wreaking havoc for months and shot plumes of gas high into the planet’s atmosphere.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-151_Cassini_Saturn.html

NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer Finds Dark Energy Repulsive (May 19)

(May 19) A five-year survey of 200,000 galaxies, stretching back seven billion years in cosmic time, has led to one of the best independent confirmations that dark energy is driving our universe apart at accelerating speeds.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-155_Dark_Energy.html

Free-Floating Planets May Be More Common Than Stars (May 18)

(May 18) Astronomers, including a NASA-funded team member, have discovered a new class of Jupiter-sized planets floating alone in the dark of space, away from the light of a star. The team believes these lone worlds probably were ejected from developing planetary systems.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-148_Free_Planets.html

Searching for Aliens on Kepler’s Planets (May 17)

(May 17) Now that NASA’s Kepler space telescope has identified 1,235 possible planets around stars in our galaxy, astronomers at the University of California, Berkeley, are aiming a radio telescope at the most Earth-like of these worlds to see if they can detect signals from an advanced civilization.
http://www.astrobio.net/pressrelease/3974/searching-for-aliens-on-keplers-planets

NASA Mission Will Observe Earth’s Salty Seas For Climate Clues (May 17)

(May 17) Final preparations are under way for the June 9 launch of the international Aquarius/SAC-D observatory. The mission’s primary instrument, Aquarius, will study interactions between ocean circulation, the water cycle and climate by measuring ocean surface salinity.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-150_Aquarius.html

Unique Space Image of Alabama Tornado Tracks (May 16)

(May 16) NASA has released a unique satellite image tracing the damage of a monster EF-4 tornado that tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 27th. It combines visible and infrared data to reveal damage unseen in conventional photographs. “This is the first time we’ve used the ASTER instrument to track the wake of a super-outbreak of tornadoes,” says NASA meteorologist Gary Jedlovec of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/16may_groundtracks/

Moon’s Rough ‘Wrinkles’ Reveal Clues To Its Past (May 13)

(May 13) Written on the moon’s weary face are the damages it has endured for the past 4 1/2 billion years. From impact craters to the dark plains of maria left behind by volcanic eruptions, the scars are all that remain to tell the tale of what happened to the moon. But they only hint at the processes that once acted – and act today – to shape the surface.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/news/moon-wrinkles.html

NASA Spacecraft’s Data Reveal Magma Ocean Under Jupiter Moon (May 12)

(May 12) New data analysis from NASA’s Galileo spacecraft reveals a subsurface ocean of molten or partially molten magma beneath the surface of Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-144_Galileo_Moon.html

NASA’s Fermi Spots ‘Superflares’ in the Crab Nebula (May 11)

(May 11) The famous Crab Nebula supernova remnant has erupted in an enormous flare five times more powerful than any flare previously seen from the object. On April 12, NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope first detected the outburst, which lasted six days.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-146_Crab_Nebula_Flare.html

NASA Dawn Spacecraft Captures First Image of Nearing Asteroid (May 11)

(May 11) NASA’s Dawn spacecraft has obtained its first image of the giant asteroid Vesta, which will help fine-tune navigation during its approach. Dawn expects to achieve orbit around Vesta on July 16, when the asteroid is about 117 million miles from Earth.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-139_Dawn_Image.html

A Story from the Tornado Zone (May 6)

(May 6) On Wednesday, April 27th, Science@NASA writer Dauna Coulter found herself near ground zero as a super-outbreak of tornadoes ripped through north Alabama. This is the story about the event she wrote and submitted from within the disaster zone.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/06may_tornado/

NASA Announces Results of Epic Space-Time Experiment (May 4)

(May 4) Einstein was right again. There is a space-time vortex around Earth, and its shape precisely matches the predictions of Einstein’s theory of gravity. Researchers confirmed these points at a press conference at NASA headquarters, where they announced the long-awaited results of Gravity Probe B (GP-B).
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/04may_epic/

Two NASA Sites Win Webby Awards (May 3)

(May 3) Two NASA websites have been recognized in the 15th Annual Webby Awards – the leading international honor for the world’s best Internet sites. NASA’s main website, www.NASA.gov, received its third consecutive People’s Voice Award for best government site. NASA’s Global Climate Change site, which won last year’s People’s Voice Award for science, won the 2011 judges’ award for best science site.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-136_Webby_Awards.html.

NASA’s Swift and Hubble Probe Asteroid Collision Debris (April 28)

(April 28) Late last year, astronomers noticed an asteroid named Scheila had unexpectedly brightened, and it was sporting short-lived plumes. Data from NASA’s Swift satellite and Hubble Space Telescope showed these changes likely occurred after Scheila was struck by a much smaller asteroid.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-128_Asteroid_Collision.html

Voyager Set to Enter Interstellar Space (April 28)

(April 28) More than 30 years after they left Earth, NASA’s twin Voyager probes are now at the edge of the solar system. Not only that, they’re still working. And with each passing day they are beaming back a message that, to scientists, is both unsettling and thrilling.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/28apr_voyager/

Meteors From Halley’s Comet (April 27)

(April 27) On May 6th, Earth will pass through a stream of debris from Halley’s comet, producing a mild but beautiful meteor shower known as the “eta Aquarids.”
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/27apr_eta/

NASA and Partners Fund New Climate Impact Studies on Species and Ecosystems (April 22)

(April 22) NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Smithsonian Institution will provide $18 million for 15 new research projects during the next four years. Organizations across the United States in academia, government and the private sector will study the response of different species and ecosystems to climate changes and develop tools to better manage wildlife and natural resources.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-121_Climate_Projects.html

NASA Spacecraft Reveals Dramatic Changes in Mars’ Atmosphere (April 21)

(April 21) NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has discovered the total amount of atmosphere on Mars changes dramatically as the tilt of the planet’s axis varies. This process can affect the stability of liquid water if it exists on the Martian surface and increase the frequency and severity of Martian dust storms.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-118_Mars_Atmosphere.html

Cassini Probe Sees Electric Link with Saturn and One of Its Moons (April 20)

(April 20) NASA is releasing the first images and sounds of an electrical connection between Saturn and one of its moons. The data collected by the agency’s Cassini spacecraft enable scientists to improve their understanding of the complex web of interaction between the planet and its numerous moons. The results of the data analysis are published in the journals Nature and Geophysical Research Letters.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-115_Cassini_On_Saturn.html

NASA’s Hubble Celebrates 21st Anniversary With “Rose” of Galaxies (April 20)

(April 20) To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope’s deployment into space, astronomers at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore pointed Hubble’s eye at an especially photogenic pair of interacting galaxies called Arp 273.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/science/hubble-rose.html

WISE Delivers Millions of Galaxies, Stars, Asteroids (April 14)

(April 14) Astronomers across the globe can now sift through hundreds of millions of galaxies, stars and asteroids collected in the first bundle of data from NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011-117#1

Solar Activity Heats Up (April 14)

(April 14) Back in 2008, the solar cycle plunged into the deepest minimum in nearly a century. Sunspots all but vanished, solar flares subsided, and the sun was eerily quiet. “Ever since, we’ve been waiting for solar activity to pick up,” says Richard Fisher, head of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. “It’s been three long years.”
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/14apr_thewatchedpot/

Titan Shaped by Storms, Not Volcanoes (April 12)

(April 12) Have the surface and belly of Saturn’s smog-shrouded moon, Titan, recently simmered like a chilly, bubbling cauldron with ice volcanoes, or has this distant moon gone cold? In a newly published analysis, a pair of NASA scientists analyzing data collected by the Cassini spacecraft suggest Titan may be much less geologically active than some scientists have though.
http://www.astrobio.net/pressrelease/3904/titan-shaped-by-storms-not-volcanoes

NASA Telescopes Help Discover Surprisingly Young Galaxy (April 12)

(April 12) Astronomers have uncovered one of the youngest galaxies in the distant universe, with stars that formed 13.5 billion years ago, a mere 200 million years after the big bang. The finding addresses questions about when the first galaxies arose, and how the early universe evolved.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_M11-109_Young_Galaxy.html

Breakthrough Study Confirms Cause of Short Gamma-Ray Bursts (April 7)

(April 7) A new supercomputer simulation shows the collision of two neutron stars can naturally produce the magnetic structures thought to power the high-speed particle jets associated with short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The study provides the most detailed glimpse of the forces driving some of the universe’s most energetic explosions.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-103_Gamma_Rays.html

SOFIA Completes First Flight of German Science Instrument (April 7)

(April 7) The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, completed its first science flight April 6, using the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT) scientific instrument. GREAT is a high-resolution far-infrared spectrometer that finely divides and sorts lights into component colors for detailed analysis.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/apr/HQ_11-104_SOFIA_Update.html