July 2012
A monthly broadcast including upcoming educational programs, events, opportunities, and the latest resources from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
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New in this Issue
- Year of the Solar System – Resources for Got Life?
- Center for Lunar Science and Exploration’s High School Lunar Research Projects (Apply by July 6)
- NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity Landing Educator Conference (Register by July 13)
- 2012 Music and Astronomy Under the Stars – Events for July
- Meteorite Outreach Event for the General Public (July 18)
- NASA DEVELOP Program Seeks High School-Postdoc Interns (Apply by July 23)
- Satellites and Education Conference XXV (Aug. 9-11)
- Earth Science Week 2012: Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences (Oct. 14-20)
- Center for Astronomy Education Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Workshops for Higher Education Educators (Jan. 5-6)
Previously Broadcast
- ESIP Teacher Workshop – Grades 6-12 (July 17-18)
- Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science – A Workshop for High School Teachers (July 19-23)
- The Unknown Moon Institute: A Workshop for High School Teachers (July 25-29)
- ASP Annual Meeting – Communicating Science: A National Conference on Education and Public Outreach (Aug. 4-8)
- 2012 Gregory G. Leptoukh Online Giovanni Workshop for Scientists, High School, and Undergraduate Educators (Sept. 2012)
- Mars for Earthlings – Faculty/Postdoc Workshop (Apply by Oct. 1)
- Planet Hunters – Help Find Planets Using Kepler Data
- IceHunters Invites the World to Find New Horizons Future KBO Destinations
- Lifelines for High School Climate Change Education
- Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Ambassador in the Classroom
- A Day At Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers – Grades 8-12
- Engineer a Satellite – Ages 10-Adult
- The Camilla Space Weather Project Forecast Lesson – Grades 5-12
- Comet Quest Now Available on Space Place Website
- My NASA Data Lesson 32: Is Portland, Oregon Experiencing Global Warming? – Grades 6-9
- Coming Soon – Educator Resources for Design Squad Nation
Programs & Events
New in this Issue
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 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
Previously Broadcast
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 are designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot. Slots fill up quickly, so register today!
Educational Resources
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
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
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
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
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).
Calendar
July 2012
July 6 – Applications Due – Center for Lunar Science and Exploration’s High School Lunar Research Projects http://bit.ly/QcobWf
July 9-13 – Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Workshop – Greenbelt, Md. http://bit.ly/xFXw59
July 13 – Registration Due – NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity Landing Educator Conference http://bit.ly/M0RvM2
July 14 – Music and Astronomy Under the Stars – East Islip, N.Y. http://bit.ly/NwU8Fg
July 17-18 – ESIP Teacher Workshop http://bit.ly/HpPqFT
July 18 – Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory Outreach Event http://bit.ly/M1ohhv
July 19-23 – Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science Workshop for High School Teachers http://bit.ly/H9Albf
July 23 – Applications Due – NASA DEVELOP Program http://bit.ly/Qcl2p6
July 24 – Music and Astronomy Under the Stars – West Hempstead, N.Y. http://bit.ly/NwU8Fg
July 25-29 – The Unknown Moon Institute Workshop for High School Teachers http://bit.ly/H9zxTI
July 28 – Music and Astronomy Under the Stars – Farmingdale, N.Y. http://bit.ly/NwU8Fg
July 30-Aug. 3 – Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Workshop – Fairbanks, Alaska http://bit.ly/xFXw59
July 31 – Music and Astronomy Under the Stars – Highland Park, Ill. http://bit.ly/NwU8Fg
August 2012
Aug. 4-8 – ASP Annual Meeting http://bit.ly/vSpJa6
Aug. 9-11 – Satellites and Education Conference XXV http://bit.ly/N4rzle
October 2012
Oct. 1 – Applications Due – Mars for Earthlings Faculty/Postdoc Workshop http://bit.ly/JUR5uG
Oct. 14-20 – Earth Science Week 2012: Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences http://bit.ly/MUeCcd
Acknowledgements
NASA Science Mission Directorate: Stephanie Stockman and Jim Lochner
Editors: Theresa Schwerin and Brandi Bernoskie, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
Writer: Morgan Woroner, IGES.
Contributions From: Lauren Feinberg, WGBH; Nancy Leon, NASA JPL; Shannon Roach, University of Arizona; Alex Ruzicka, Portland State University; and Andrew Shaner, LPI.
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