Tag: Science Activation

It Takes a Village: Meaningful Collaborations to Broaden Participation in STEM

NeRD

3 min read It Takes a Village: Meaningful Collaborations to Broaden Participation in STEM The NASA Science Activation Program’s Planetary Learning Advancing the Nexus of Engineering, Technology, and Science (PLANETS) project team, led by Northern Arizona University, Engineering is Elementary, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology, and WestEd, develops planetary science and engineering curricula for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs such as afterschool and summer camps. PLANETS is employing a co-design approach to optimize the curricula to broaden participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with a focus on multilingual…

Read More

Findings from the Field: Students and Professionals Connect at Research Symposium

NeRD

2 min read Findings from the Field: Students and Professionals Connect at Research Symposium On March 18, 2024, 65 middle and high school scientists gathered at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland, Maine to share their science research projects with one another and with professional scientists from GMRI, Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS), and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. GMRI is the anchor institution for the NASA Science Activation Program’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) project, which supports Findings from the Field, a journal of student scientific research. Annually, youth…

Read More

8 Must-Have NASA Resources for Science Teachers in 2024

NeRD

3 min read 8 Must-Have NASA Resources for Science Teachers in 2024 No one can bring the excitement of Earth and space science to the classroom like NASA!  Launch your lessons to the next level with these eight essential resources for K-12 teachers: Experience the Total Solar Eclipse  Whether you’re on or off the path of totality (find out here!), we’ve put together this guide to help you explore live and virtual opportunities from NASA’s Science Activation Program for safely enjoying the eclipse and even contributing as a volunteer to…

Read More

Earn Awards for Doing NASA Science with GLOBE Observer

NeRD

2 min read Earn Awards for Doing NASA Science with GLOBE Observer GLOBE Observer, the mobile app of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program , gives anyone who wants to (in 120+ GLOBE countries) the opportunity to do NASA science by making environmental observations that complement NASA satellite observations and help scientists study Earth and the global environment.  On March 6, 2024, the GLOBE Observer team released a new way to appreciate and celebrate volunteer contributions: My Achievements! This new section of the GLOBE Observer…

Read More

Introduction to STEM Learning Ecosystems: Video Series

NeRD

2 min read Introduction to STEM Learning Ecosystems: Video Series STEM learning ecosystems are intentionally designed, community-wide partnerships that enable people to actively participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) throughout their lifetimes. These partnerships draw on expertise and resources across a community to create equitable access for learners of all ages. To learn more about the concept and implementation of STEM learning ecosystems, educators, scientists, and other STEM engagement professionals are invited to view the new video series from the NASA Science Activation (SciAct) Program’s STEM Ecosystems project…

Read More

Maine Educators Re-Energized After Gathering

NeRD

2 min read Maine Educators Re-Energized After Gathering On February 28-29, 2024, 57 teachers, librarians, and out-of-school educators gathered for a two-day retreat organized and supported by members of the NASA Science Activation Program’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast project team. Based at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) supports regional peer communities of educators who are working to co-develop data-rich climate learning experiences that span learning contexts. This high-energy leap-day retreat was held on the campus of the University of Maine Orono (a project partner) and…

Read More

Eclipse Ambassadors off the Path: Reaching Underrepresented Audiences

NeRD

2 min read Eclipse Ambassadors off the Path: Reaching Underrepresented Audiences The NASA Science Activation Program’s “Eclipse Ambassadors Off the Path” project is a nationwide initiative that set out in September 2022 to prepare 500 communities on and off the central paths of the back-to-back solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024 to enjoy the science and wonder of this natural phenomenon. Led by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, this team partners with libraries, community centers, and more to match college undergraduate students and eclipse enthusiasts of all ages with…

Read More

Eclipse Resources for Learners and Educators: Connecting the Eclipse to Astrophysics

NeRD

1 min read Eclipse Resources for Learners and Educators: Connecting the Eclipse to Astrophysics In anticipation of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, NASA’s Universe of Learning has created a webpage of astrophysics-related eclipse resources for learners and educators. The webpage shares information about two topics that align with eclipse science: gravitational lensing and exoplanet transits. The collection of resources includes articles, images, and videos to understand and explain the science. Additional activities allow learners to explore gravitational lensing and exoplanet transit science for themselves. Explore Resources…

Read More

Enhancing Engagement: Strategies for STEM Professionals to Encourage Youth to Consider STEM Careers

NeRD

3 min read Enhancing Engagement: Strategies for STEM Professionals to Encourage Youth to Consider STEM Careers Check out the latest from the NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth (NIFTY) NASA Science Activation project team! Led by Twin Cities PBS in St. Paul, MN, NIFTY is committed to broadening youth participation in STEM studies by providing opportunities for youth to interact with and learn from NASA STEM professionals. Building on initiatives like the SciGirls television series, online resources, and hands-on activities, NIFTY aims to change how young minds perceive science, technology,…

Read More

Northern Maine Educators Prepare for Totality!

NeRD

2 min read Northern Maine Educators Prepare for Totality! More than 70 teachers, librarians, and informal educators from Aroostook County, Maine gathered to exchange ideas and make plans in preparation for celebrating the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Sponsored by the NASA Science Activation project Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) and organized/hosted by Francis Malcolm Science Center (FMSC) in Easton, ME, these Trek to Totality events held on January 30 and February 13, 2024 included activity demonstrations by LENE partners, Gulf of Maine Research Institute and University of…

Read More