Jump to content

Co-creating authentic STEM learning experiences with Latino communities


NASA

Recommended Posts

  • Publishers

2 min read

Co-creating authentic STEM learning experiences with Latino communities

Led by Arizona State University, the NASA Science Activation Program’s “Engaging Hispanic Communities in Authentic NASA Science” project advances NASA’s vision for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by co-creating learning experiences with Latino communities in six locations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Partners at each site – including educational organizations, community groups, and subject matter experts – are collaborating to offer culturally sustaining learning experiences that reflect the people, priorities, and assets of each community.

In the San Francisco Bay area, the University of California Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science is working with Bay Area Community Resources to offer hands-on Earth and space activities at hundreds of out-of-school-time programs. In San Diego, the Fleet Science Center and the San Ysidro STEM Committee are planning an annual STEM festival. In the Phoenix/Mesa metro area, Arizona State University and RAIL Community Development Corporation are working with community members and local artists to create STEAM (STEM + art) experiences that will be embedded in Hispanic neighborhoods. In Albuquerque, Explora and Horizons Albuquerque are hosting a teen summit to co-create a new futures-oriented exhibition for the science center. The Brownsville Children’s Museum in Texas is working with a variety of partners to engage families in STEM learning at community events across the area. Finally, in Houston, the Children’s Museum of Houston and Community Family Centers are offering STEM summer camp experiences in underserved Hispanic neighborhoods.

These activities have spanned across Spring and Summer 2024 and engaged over 10,000 learners in authentic STEM learning experiences. Looking ahead to the future, team members will continue to deepen their relationships among organizations and broaden participation across their local communities. The six sites also convene regularly as a community of practice, sharing insights, strategies, and practices. Learnings from the project and professional resources will also be shared widely across the STEM engagement and education professionals.

The Engaging Hispanic Communities in Authentic NASA Science project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC22M0122 and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

Educators and a family do a hands-on activity together at a science center.
Family doing a hands-on activity at a science center.
NISE Network/Guillermo Delgado

Share

Details

Last Updated
Aug 30, 2024
Editor
NASA Science Editorial Team

View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • By NASA
      5 min read
      Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
      Texas High School Aerospace Scholars get a virtual view of an extravehicular activity (EVA) suit in testing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Photo credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas Explore the universe this fall without leaving your classroom through live virtual engagements with NASA space and aviation experts. NASA is offering a new lineup of stellar virtual experiences to spark STEM excitement and connect students with the agency’s missions, science, careers, and more.
      The virtual engagements, managed by NASA’s Next Gen STEM project, are free to join and open to both formal and informal education groups. These options are sure to launch your students’ love of STEM:
      NASA Back-to-School Career Day (Grades K-12)
      On Sept. 26, NASA is hosting a Back-to-School Career Day showcasing a variety of NASA careers with virtual tours of agency facilities, live Q&A with experts, and more.
      Open to K-12 formal and informal education organizations, the registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 5. In addition to the live event, the interactive platform will be available from Monday, Sept. 23, through Friday, Sept. 27.
      Europa Clipper Launch Virtual Watch Party (All Grade Levels)
      NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 10 on a mission to investigate whether Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, could contain the building blocks needed to support life. The launch window opens on Oct. 10 during the school day at 12:32 p.m. EDT, and your classroom can be part of this pioneering mission. Sign up to watch the launch online, visit Europa Clipper’s Participation Hub for more opportunities, and find additional resources on Europa Clipper’s Kids Resources Hub.
      NQuest Virtual Workshops (Grades 6-8)
      NQuest offers 45-minute virtual workshops every Monday and Thursday. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, these free workshops include a live presentation, captivating NASA videos, and a hands-on activity to bring STEM concepts to life. All you need is a laptop, projector, and basic classroom supplies. Workshops can be scheduled to fit your school’s bell schedule between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. EDT. Register your class by Oct. 11.
      “Astro-Not-Yets” Virtual Classroom Connections (Grades K-4)
      Introduce your students to the Astro-Not-Yets, a series of short stories that teach students about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. In each of these monthly virtual events, a NASA expert whose job relates to the story will read the book to students, then answer their questions.
      Wednesday, Oct. 23: The Astro-Not-Yets! Explore Sound. Students will learn how sound travels and experiment with transmitting sound through a string-cup phone. Registration deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 9. Wednesday, Nov. 20: Astro-Not-Yets! Explore Energy. Students will learn how spacecraft safely bring astronauts home from space, then design and test their own system to safely land an egg on the ground. Registration deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 6. Wednesday, Dec. 11: Astro-Not-Yets! Explore Microgravity. Students will learn all about gravity, microgravity, and the International Space Station. Registration deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 27. “First Women” Virtual Classroom Connections (Grades 5-12)
      This series introduces some of the women at NASA who have made significant achievements in STEM. Students get to hear their stories first-hand and ask them questions in a live Q&A.
      Wednesday, Oct. 16: Meet NASA’s first female launch director, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. She led the launch team during the uncrewed Artemis I mission around the Moon in 2022. Now, she and her team are preparing for the first crewed Artemis mission, Artemis II. Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 30. Wednesday, Nov. 6: Meet Laurie A. Grindle and learn about NASA’s first X-43A Guinness world record. Today, Grindle is deputy center director at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, but in 2004, the X-43A aircraft she and her team developed set the Guinness World Record for “the fastest air-breathing aircraft” twice in one year. Registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 21. Wednesday, Dec. 4: Meet Dr. Ruth Jones, NASA’s 2024 Wings of Excellence Awardee. Jones will share her experience as a woman in STEM and tell students what it was like to become the first woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Registration deadline: Monday, Nov. 18. Surprisingly STEM Career Explorations Virtual Events (Grades 5-12)
      The Surprisingly STEM video series highlights some of NASA’s many unexpected careers. In these events, experts from the videos discuss their unusual and exciting jobs and share their journeys that led them to NASA.
      Thursday, Oct. 24: Soft robotics engineer Jim Neilan explains the importance of soft robotics in human spaceflight and some of the role’s critical skills. Registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 18. Thursday, Nov. 14: Exploration geologist Angela Garcia takes students behind the scenes of her job training NASA astronauts to explore for the “crater” good of humanity. Registration deadline: Thursday, Nov. 7. Thursday, Dec. 12: Memory metal engineer Othmane Benafan explains how he “trains” metal to bend, stretch, and twist when prompted, and how this technology benefits NASA missions. Registration deadline: Thursday, Dec. 5. Bring NASA Experts Into the Classroom (All Grades)
      NASA recently launched NASA Engages, a new, database-driven platform designed to connect a wide range of audiences with experts from across the space agency – both virtually and in person. Available to classrooms from preschool to college, informal education organizations such as libraries and science centers, and other eligible groups, NASA Engages enables educators and group leaders to find inspirational guest speakers, knowledgeable science fair judges, and more.
      There’s More to Explore
      Find student challenges, hands-on activities, and more opportunities on the Learning Resources website managed by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. Visit How Do I Navigate NASA Learning Resources and Opportunities? to explore additional platforms and offerings to enhance your STEM curriculum. Subscribe to the weekly NASA EXPRESS e-newsletter to discover the latest events, resources, and other opportunities to bring NASA into your classroom. Explore More
      7 min read NASA Project in Puerto Rico Trains Students in Marine Biology
      Article 20 hours ago 3 min read Eclipse Soundscapes AudioMoth Donations Will Study Nature at Night
      During the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, approximately 770 AudioMoth recording devices were used…
      Article 22 hours ago 10 min read 40 Years Ago: President Reagan Announces Teacher in Space Project
      Article 2 days ago View the full article
    • By NASA
      Credit: NASA NASA has awarded $6 million to 20 teams from emerging research institutions across the United States supporting projects that offer career development opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.
      This is the third round of seed funding awarded through the agency’s MOSAICS (Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success) program, formerly the Science Mission Directorate Bridge Program. The program seeks to expand access to NASA research opportunities in the science and engineering disciplines, as well as to NASA’s workforce.
      “The STEM workforce continues to grow, and today’s students, studying at a variety of higher-education institutions — community colleges, primarily undergraduate institutions, and minority-serving institutions — are the STEM workforce of tomorrow, who will work to solve some of our biggest challenges at home while answering some of our biggest questions about our universe,” said Padi Boyd, director of MOSAICS at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Exposing today’s students to the incredibly inspiring and cutting-edge discoveries made through NASA’s space science people and resources ensures that these students get the training they need to persist in STEM careers, while fostering enduring collaborations between NASA researchers and faculty at a wide range of institutions.”
      NASA’s Science Mission Directorate MOSAICS program funds research projects building relationships between college faculty and researchers at the agency while providing mentorship and training for students in STEM disciplines. The projects support teams at academic institutions that historically have not been part of the agency’s research enterprise — including Hispanic-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and primarily undergraduate institutions.
      The program previously awarded seed funding to 11 teams in February and 13 teams in April. This third cohort brings the total number of projects funded to 44 teams at 36 academic institutions in 21 U.S. states and territories, including Washington and Puerto Rico, in collaboration with seven NASA centers. A new opportunity to apply for seed funding is now open until March 28, 2025.
      The following projects were selected as the third cohort to receive seed funding:
      “Bridging Fundamental Ice Chemistry Studies and Ocean World Explorations”
      Principal investigator: Chris Arumainayagam, Wellesley College, Massachusetts
      NASA center: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Southern California
      “Planetary Analog Field Science Experiences for Undergraduates: Advancing Fundamental Research and Testing Field Instrument Operations”
      Principal investigator: Alice Baldridge, Saint Mary’s College of California
      NASA center: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
      “Building an FSU-JPL Partnership to Advance Science Productivity Through Applications of Deep Learning”
      Principal investigator: Sambit Bhattacharya, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina
      NASA center: NASA JPL
      “CSTAT: Establishing Center for Safe and Trustworthy Autonomous Technologies”
      Principal investigator: Moitrayee Chatterjee, New Jersey City University
      NASA center: NASA Goddard
      “Development of Biomechanics Simulation Tool for Muscle Mechanics in Reduced Gravity to Enhance Astronaut Mission Readiness”
      Principal investigator: Ji Chen, University of the District of Columbia
      NASA center: NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston
      “NASA Next Level”
      Principal investigator: Teresa Ciardi, Santa Clarita Community College District, California
      NASA center: NASA JPL
      “Controlled Assembly of Amphiphilic Janus Particles in Polymer Matrix for Novel 3D Printing Applications in Space”
      Principal investigator: Ubaldo Cordova-Figueroa, Recinto Universitario Mayaguez
      NASA center: NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
      “Development of a Non-Invasive Sweat Biosensor for Traumatic Brain Injury Compatible With In-Space Manufacturing to Monitor the Health of Astronauts”
      Principal investigator: Lisandro Cunci, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras
      NASA center: NASA’s Ames Research Center, Silicon Valley, California
      “Examining Climate Impacts of Cirrus Clouds Through Past, Present, and Future NASA Airborne Campaigns”
      Principal investigator: Minghui Diao, San Jose State University Research Foundation, California
      NASA center: NASA Ames
      “CSUN-JPL Collaboration to Study Ocean Fronts Using Big Data and Open Science Structures in Coastal North America”
      Principal investigator: Mario Giraldo, California State University, Northridge
      NASA center: NASA JPL
      “Accelerating Electric Propulsion Development for Planetary Science Missions With Optical Plasma Diagnostics”
      Principal investigator: Nathaniel Hicks, University of Alaska, Anchorage
      NASA center: NASA JPL
      “Advancing Students Through Research Opportunities in Los Angeles (ASTRO-LA)”
      Principal investigator: Margaret Lazzarini, California State University, Los Angeles
      NASA center: NASA JPL
      “Bridging Toward a More Inclusive Learning Environment Through Gamma-ray Burst Studies With Machine Learning and Citizen Science”
      Principal investigator: Amy Lien, University of Tampa, Florida
      NASA center: NASA Goddard
      “Hampton University STEM Experience With NASA Langley Research Center: Polarimetry for Aerosol Characterization”
      Principal investigator: Robert Loughman, Hampton University, Virginia
      NASA center: NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
      “Aerocapture Analysis and Development for Uranus and Neptune Planetary Missions”
      Principal investigator: Ping Lu, San Diego State University
      NASA center: NASA Langley
      “Pathways from Undergraduate Research to the Habitable Worlds Observatory”
      Principal investigator: Ben Ovryn, New York Institute of Technology
      NASA center: NASA Goddard
      “Point-Diffraction Interferometer for Digital Holography”
      Principal investigator: James Scire, New York Institute of Technology
      NASA center: NASA Goddard
      “From Sunbeams to Career Dreams: Illuminating Pathways for NMSU Students in Solar-Terrestrial Physics in Partnership With NASA GSFC”
      Principal investigator: Juie Shetye, New Mexico State University
      NASA center: NASA Goddard
      “CONNECT-SBG: Collaborative Nexus for Networking, Education, and Career Training in Surface Biology and Geology”
      Principal investigator: Gabriela Shirkey, Chapman University, California
      NASA center: NASA JPL
      “Multiplexed Phytohormone and Nitrate Sensors for Real-Time Analysis of Plant Responses to Pathogenic Stress in Spaceflight-Like Conditions”
      Principal investigator: Shawana Tabassum, University of Texas, Tyler
      NASA center: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida
      Learn more about the MOSAICS program at:
      https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/smd-bridge-program
      -end-
      Alise Fisher
      Headquarters, Washington
      202-358-2546
      alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
      Share
      Details
      Last Updated Aug 14, 2024 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms
      MOSAICS Science Mission Directorate View the full article
    • By NASA
      4 Min Read NASA, EPA Tackle NO2 Air Pollution in Overburdened Communities
      This map shows average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide for 2022 over the U.S., as detected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument on NASA’s Aura satellite. Higher concentrations are in red and purple. Lower concentrations are in blue. Credits:
      NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio Earth (ESD) Earth Home Explore Climate Change Science in Action Multimedia Data For Researchers For the first time, NASA data about nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful air pollutant, is available in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) widely used Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJScreen). This update marks a crucial step in addressing air quality disparities in overburdened communities across the United States.
      “Having access to this accurate and localized NO2 data allows organizations like ours to understand the air quality challenges we encounter, and to advocate more effectively for the health and well-being of community residents,” said Samuel Jordan, president of the Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition.
      Previously, EJScreen included data on ozone, fine particulate matter, and various other environmental hazards. But it lacked information on NO2, which has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma, especially in children.
      “Incorporating NO2 data into EJScreen is a testament to how NASA’s Earth science capabilities can be applied to address crucial societal challenges,” said John Haynes, NASA’s program manager for Health and Air Quality. “This collaboration with the EPA underscores our commitment to using space-based observations to benefit public health and environmental justice.”
      NO2 is emitted by burning fossil fuels and contributes to the formation of surface ozone. Communities of color and lower-income populations often live closer to highways, factories, transportation hubs, and other NO2 sources than their wealthier counterparts. As a result, residents are exposed to higher levels of this air pollutant and others, exacerbating health inequalities.
      For example, a new NASA-funded study used satellite data and other information to show that nearly 150,000 warehouses in the U.S. increase local NO2 levels and are predominantly located in marginalized communities. The findings reveal a 20% increase, on average, in near-warehouse NO2, linked to truck traffic and warehouse density.
      “NO2 is very short-lived in the air, and so its levels are high in the area where it is emitted,” said Gaige Kerr, study coauthor and an air pollution researcher at George Washington University in Washington, who was involved in incorporating NASA’s NO2 data into EJScreen. “This tool democratizes access to high-quality NO2 data, allowing individuals without a background in data analysis or data visualization to access and understand the information easily.”
      EJScreen uses data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite and computer models to provide average annual NO2estimates at the census block level, revealing the amount of chronic surface-level NO2 that people may be exposed to in their neighborhoods.
      “Satellite data has the potential to transform the measurement of certain environmental and climate factors,” said Tai Lung, an environmental protection specialist with EPA and EJScreen lead. “The consistency of NASA’s NO2 data for every corner of the U.S. makes it tremendously valuable for screening and mapping of disproportionate impacts in communities.”
      The dataset was developed with contributions from George Washington University, the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and Oregon State University in Corvallis. The data integration was made possible through a NASA grant to the Satellite Data for Environmental Justice Tiger Team (part of NASA’s Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team), which worked closely with the EPA to ensure the data’s accuracy and relevance.
      NASA uses a variety of instruments on satellites, aircraft, and ground stations to continually gather data on key air pollutants. Scientists supported by NASA and other researchers monitor the origins, levels, and atmospheric movement of these pollutants. Their research offers crucial Earth-observation data that can guide air quality standards, shape public policies, and inform government regulations, ultimately aiming to enhance economic and human welfare.
      The Aura satellite recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. In the future, Kerr said, the team could explore using NO2 data from NASA’s new TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) instrument on the Intelsat commercial satellite.
      TEMPO launched in 2023 and offers hourly daytime measurements, rather than OMI’s once-daily measurements. This capability could further enhance the EPA tool, providing insight on pollution levels throughout the day and supporting proactive air pollution management.
      By Emily DeMarco
      NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
      Share








      Details
      Last Updated Aug 05, 2024 Editor Rob Garner Contact Emily DeMarco emily.p.demarco@nasa.gov Location Goddard Space Flight Center Related Terms
      Applied Sciences Program Earth Earth Science Division Earth’s Atmosphere Goddard Space Flight Center Human Dimensions Explore More
      2 min read NASA-Led Mission to Map Air Pollution Over Both U.S. Coasts
      This summer between June 17 and July 2, NASA will fly aircraft over Baltimore, Philadelphia,…


      Article


      2 months ago
      4 min read NASA Scientists Take to the Seas to Study Air Quality
      Satellites continuously peer down from orbit to take measurements of Earth, and this week a…


      Article


      2 months ago
      10 min read A Tale of Three Pollutants
      Freight, smoke, and ozone impact the health of both Chicago residents and communities downwind. A…


      Article


      10 months ago
      Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
      Earth


      Your home. Our Mission. And the one planet that NASA studies more than any other.


      Air Quality


      Air pollution is a significant threat to human health and our environment. Instruments on NASA satellites, along with airborne and…


      TEMPO


      TEMPO, or Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution, is the first space-based instrument to continuously measure air quality above North America…


      Explore Earth Science


      View the full article
    • By NASA
      The summer months are usually a time for teachers to take a break from the classroom and enjoy some well-earned rest. But at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, two experienced educators dedicated their summer vacations to learning how to enrich their students’ science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and inspire them to achieve their dreams.

      Johnson’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) welcomed Jerry “Denise” Dunn and Shawnda Folsom as full-time interns for the summer. Both women came to Johnson through the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium, which not only supports students pursuing STEM careers but also provides curriculum enhancement and professional development opportunities for educators. Dunn and Folsom were invited to become interns after completing STELLAR, the consortium’s yearlong mentorship program that immerses educators in hands-on STEM-based activities for classroom application.

      Denise Dunn (left) and Shawnda Folsom. For Dunn, a middle school special education teacher in the small town of Checotah, Oklahoma, participating in STELLAR opened several doors that ultimately led to her internship. Dunn works primarily with students who have severe and profound disabilities and is fiercely passionate about increasing their access to STEM education and opportunities.

      “If you look at the research, there’s been a big push for STEM for everyone except kids with disabilities. The number of people with disabilities in STEM-related fields hasn’t changed in a decade,” she said. “We need to promote that more.”

      Dunn suggested that she and her STELLAR colleagues support Challenge Air, a program that teaches children with disabilities about aviation and lets them co-pilot a plane. The STELLAR group set up activity tables at a Challenge Air event where kids could build rockets or make Moon craters and learn about space exploration. That experience inspired the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium to create an annual STEM engagement event specifically for kids with disabilities and their families.

      Denise Dunn (left) helps a family build a foam rocket at a Challenge Air event.Image courtesy of Denise Dunn Dunn subsequently attended the Space Exploration Educators Conference where she connected with Tracy Minish, a former Johnson employee with more than 30 years of experience in the Space Shuttle Program and Mission Control Center who is also legally blind. Minish met virtually with Dunn’s students to encourage them to pursue their dreams, then invited her to Johnson to learn about the accommodations and support NASA provides to employees with disabilities. Dunn used what she learned to create a teacher workshop that shared practical strategies for STEM special education. These efforts and the connections she made at Johnson paved the way for her internship.

      “I want to know more about what NASA does to support its employees with disabilities. I also want to know more about those employees and their stories so that I can share that with my students,” she said. Dunn also appreciated connecting with Johnson’s No Boundaries Employee Resource Group because they have the power to provide representation for kids with disabilities.

      “Kids with disabilities are just natural problem solvers and they have unique perspectives, and they need to see their value,” she said. “And NASA – what a great place for them to see that.”

      For Folsom, an elementary-level science and social studies teacher for Velma-Alma Public Schools, the internship offer came at a time of personal and professional change. In addition to planning her upcoming wedding and a move, juggling her kids’ schedules, and pursuing a master’s degree in education, Folsom was also preparing to take on a new, school district-wide role. “I am ecstatic to take on a new challenge – building, implementing, and teaching a comprehensive STEM program for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade,” she said. She saw the internship as a chance to immerse herself in NASA’s work and bring new opportunities for STEM learning and engagement back to her students. “I was not aware of all of the student design challenges that NASA has, so I am super excited to share these and have future classes participate in them,” she said.
      Shawnda Folsom leads an Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) activity for youth during Bring Youth to Work Day at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Image courtesy of Shawnda Folsom Folsom is also determined to see more NASA interns from her school district, which is extremely rural and qualifies for Title I support. “My goal is to shake the right hands and make the connections that will allow me to set my students up for their future, which hopefully will include an internship for many of them,” she said. “I want my ‘small town’ mindset students to realize how much talent and potential they each have. I want them to know they can do anything.” She noted that her own story – which involves a nontraditional career path and now, at 41, an internship – could help inspire her students.

      Together with their OSTEM mentors and teammates, Dunn and Folsom spent their summer creating hands-on activities for children who attended events like Johnson’s Bring Youth to Work Day and the Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo dedication. They prepared an aerodynamics lesson plan and STEM activity for the MLB Players STEM League Global Championship in July, supported and participated in NASA-led professional development programs for teachers, and worked on a new camp experience resource to complement OSTEM’s ‘First Woman’ camp experience.
      Denise Dunn and Shawnda Folsom present a remote sensing activity for local scouts who attended the Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo event at Johnson Space Center on July 19, 2024. NASA/Robert Markowitz Both women look forward to returning to their schools later this month and to sharing what they learned with their students.

      “I want to expose my students to higher-level thinking and new STEM challenges,” said Folsom. “I want them to have those ‘a ha’ moments that will possibly launch their lives down a path they never fathomed could happen.”

      “This internship has made me more aware of opportunities, not only to continue to advocate for my students, but for myself,” Dunn said. “Keep going. Keep dreaming.”
      View the full article
    • By NASA
      4 Min Read How Do I Navigate NASA Learning Resources and Opportunities?
      NASA offers a variety of platforms and resources to support kindergarten through college educators in bringing the excitement of exploration and discovery to students in the classroom and beyond. From in-depth lesson plans to supplemental videos and activities, the resources below can help educators develop an out-of-this world curriculum and create unforgettable experiences for their students.
      Where Can I Find NASA STEM Learning Resources for My Classroom?
      NASA’s website has a dedicated section for the agency’s learning resources: nasa.gov/learning-resources. Using the navigation bar, educators can click through to find dedicated pages with STEM resources for K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 grade bands.
      Looking for something in particular for your curriculum? Try the NASA STEM Resource Search tool to explore hands-on activities, interactive features, videos, lesson plans, educator guides, and more. Browse the nearly 2,000 resources or search by grade level, subject, or keywords.
      NASA also offers a range of resources and community-based projects that invite learners of all ages to participate in authentic science across the U.S. and the world through the Science Activation (SciAct) program. In addition to traditional classroom resources, NASA has a webpage dedicated to citizen science opportunities around the globe, which can be fun to participate in as a class.
      How Do I Connect My Classroom With a NASA Expert?
      NASA has several pathways for getting a NASA expert involved with your classroom. 
      Students can get questions answered by astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station through In-Flight Education Downlinks. These twenty-minute live Q&A sessions are available to U.S.-based education organizations. Applications are accepted during several proposal periods each year. 
      Educators can also request classroom engagements with NASA engineers, scientists, and other professionals through the NASA Engages program. The program connects NASA experts with U.S. students ranging from preschool to college, through formal or informal education groups such as libraries, museums, professional and technical organizations, afterschool programs, and other non-profit organizations. Requests can be made in the NASA STEM Gateway platform after creating an account.
      NASA STEM Gateway is also the portal where educators and students can sign up for other NASA opportunities, such as internships, student challenges, and more.
      How Can I Obtain an Authentic Space Program Artifact for Use in My Classroom?
      U.S. K-12 schools, universities, and other organizations may be eligible to request an authentic NASA artifact to help bring STEM lessons to life in the classroom. NASA considers an “artifact” to be an object representing historically significant or innovative achievements in spaceflight, aviation, technology, or science. Through NASA’s Artifact Module, browse through the agency’s trove of objects and request an item that will spark inspiration or understanding among students in the Artemis Generation.
      How Can I Find Out About New NASA STEM Resources and Opportunities?
      To learn about the latest NASA STEM resources and opportunities, follow NASA STEM on X, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. NASA also publishes a weekly e-newsletter for teachers, parents, caregivers, and students. Sign up for the NASA EXPRESS newsletter to get the latest NASA STEM opportunities delivered to your inbox every Thursday. It’s an easy way to stay up to date on internships, challenges, professional development, and more.
      NASA also has an online community of practice for formal and informal educators called CONNECTS (Connecting Our NASA Network of Educators for Collaborating Together in STEM). On the CONNECTS platform, new and experienced professionals in STEM education can join discussions, share best practices, learn about the latest events and opportunities at NASA, participate in professional development opportunities, and download free STEM products available by topic or grade level. Registered community members can chat with other members who are interested in similar fields and can find nearby members with whom they can collaborate.
      More About STEM Learning Resources and Opportunities at NASA

      About NASA STEM Engagement NASA Kids’ Club NASA Citizen Science NASA Science Activation (SciAct) program NASA Artifacts Keep Exploring Discover More STEM Topics at NASA
      Learning Resources
      For Educators
      Outside the Classroom
      Get Involved
      View the full article
  • Check out these Videos

×
×
  • Create New...