Check out the following NASA opportunities for the education community. Full descriptions are listed below.
Heat Transfer: MESSENGER -- My Angle on Cooling Web Seminar
Audience: 5-8 and Informal Educators
Event Date: Nov 1, 2012, 6:30 - 8 p.m. EDT
NASA's Digital Learning Network Presents Space Shuttle Atlantis "Roll Over" Celebration
Audience: Grades 4-12
Event Date: Nov. 2, 2012, 1 - 2 p.m. EDT
NASA’s Glenn Research Center's High School Shadowing Project
Audience: Students in Grades 10-12
Session I Application Deadline: Nov. 2, 2012
Session II Application Deadline: Jan. 25, 2013
Sessions III and IV Application Deadline: Feb. 22, 2013
Free Smithsonian's Stars Lecture Series
Audience: All Educators and 9-Higher Education Students
Next Lecture Date: Nov. 3, 2012
NASA Hosts Social Media Event in D.C. With Astronaut Joe Acaba
Audience: Educators and Students Ages 18+
Registration Deadline: Nov. 5, 2012 at 5 p.m. EST
Free Education Webinar Series from the Aerospace Education Services Project
Audience: K-12 Educators
Event Dates: Various Dates During November 2012
Algebraic Equations: Calculator Controlled Robots Web Seminar
Audience: Algebra Teachers and Informal Educators
Event Date: Nov. 7, 2012
NASA University Research Centers Virtual Symposium
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Event Dates: Nov. 8, 2012
International Space Station EarthKAM Fall 2012 Mission
Audience: 5-8 Educators
Event Date: Nov. 13-16, 2012
DEADLINE EXTENDED: "The World's a Place of Living Things" Art Contest
Audience: Students in Grades 2-4
Entry Deadline: Nov. 16, 2012
2013 CanSat Competition
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Application Deadline: Nov. 30, 2012
2013 Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Audience: 9-12 Students
New Extended Deadline: Nov. 30, 2012
2013 NASA Unmanned Aerial Systems Challenge
Audience: Higher Education Students and Faculty
Notice of Intent Deadline: Jan. 15, 2013
2012-2013 Game Changing Engineering Design Challenge
Audience: Higher Education Students and Faculty
Notice of Intent Deadline: Jan. 15, 2013
2013 Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program
Audience: Higher Education Students
Application Deadline: Feb. 1, 2013
NASA Wavelength Online Science Resource Now Available
Audience: All Educators and Students
Find NASA Education Resources With the NASA Materials Finder
Audience: All Educators
What's New at NASA's Space Place Website
Audience: K-6 Educators
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Heat Transfer: MESSENGER -- My Angle on Cooling Web Seminar
As part of a series of electronic professional development experiences, the NASA Explorer Schools and the National Science Teachers Association are hosting a 90-minute Web seminar on Nov 1, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Learn how the MESSENGER mission to Mercury takes advantage of passive cooling methods to keep the spacecraft functioning in a high-temperature environment. You will also see how to use the mission’s Staying Cool activities to lead students through an examination of different solutions to the problem of how to deal with too much sunlight and energy.
This seminar will be repeated on Mar. 21, 2013.
For more information and to register online, visit
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar11.aspx.To learn more about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit
http://explorerschools.nasa.gov. Email any questions about this opportunity to NASA-Explorer-Schools@mail.nasa.gov.
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NASA's Digital Learning Network Presents Space Shuttle Atlantis "Roll Over" Celebration
NASA's Digital Learning Network, or DLN, is hosting a special event on Nov. 2, 2012, at 1 p.m. EDT to commemorate the departure of space shuttle Atlantis. Join DLN hosts Rachel Power and Joshua Santora live at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis is transferred from the Vehicle Assembly Building to its permanent home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The Space Shuttle Atlantis "Roll Over" Celebration will feature special guests including NASA Administrator and astronaut Charles Bolden, members of the space shuttle’s processing team and members from the team responsible for the design of the new home for Atlantis.
For more information and to watch the webcast online, visit the DLN website at
http://dln.nasa.gov.Do you have a question you would like to see answered live during the webcast? Send questions to dlinfochannel@gmail.com.
Inquiries about this webcast should be directed to Joshua Santora at Joshua.Santora@nasa.gov.
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NASA’s Glenn Research Center's High School Shadowing Project
NASA's Glenn Research Center, or GRC, in Cleveland, Ohio, is accepting applications for its High School Shadowing Project sessions for the 2012-2013 school year. This opportunity provides students with a one- to five-day career exploration experience at Glenn Research Center.
The project provides high school students with an opportunity to explore career possibilities in a research and development environment while under the guidance of a NASA scientist, engineer, technician or administrative professional that serves as the student’s mentor. Students are provided information about various careers, career paths and Glenn Research Center educational resources and programs.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the application deadline. Four sessions are scheduled for the 2012-2013 school year.
Session I --
Application Deadline: Nov. 2, 2012
Session Date: Dec. 4, 2012
Session II --
Application Deadline: Jan. 25, 2013
Session Date: Feb. 27, 2013
Session III --
Application Deadline: Feb. 22, 2013
Session Date: March 26, 2013
Session IV --
Application Deadline: Feb. 22, 2013
Session Date: April 24, 2013
For more information about this opportunity, please visit
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/education/ShadowingProgram_GRC.html.Questions about the GRC High School Shadowing Project should be directed by email to GRC-Intern@mail.nasa.gov or by telephone to 216-433-6656.
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Free Smithsonian's Stars Lecture Series
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. Stay after the lecture to visit the observatory, weather permitting.
Nov. 3, 2012 -- Moon Rocks and How They Became Famous
In the late 1960s, Apollo astronauts collected rocks from the moon and brought them back to Earth. Scientists studied these rocks, curators put them on display in museums around the world and President Nixon gave them as gifts to foreign heads of state. Teasel Muir-Harmony will explore the wide-ranging roles that these rocks played.
Nov. 17, 2012 -- The Dynamic Sun
The sun is even more dynamic, mysterious and beautiful than you probably imagine. Astrophysicist Mark Weber will explore this incredible star with observations from some of the most advanced telescopes. Learn what scientists have discovered and what they are only beginning to understand.
Dec. 1, 2012 -- A Universe of Data
This century has seen stunning cosmic discoveries. The digital age has given everyone free access to space data; the trick is to turn that data into quantitative science and pictures that tell a story. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell will use images from the Chandra Space Telescope to help explain how astronomers study space in the computer age.
For more information about the Smithsonian's Stars Lecture Series and to see a full schedule of upcoming lectures, visit
http://airandspace.si.edu/events/lectures/stars/index.cfm.Questions about this lecture series should be directed to the visitor service line at 202-633-1000.
The Smithsonian's Stars Lecture Series is made possible by a grant from NASA.
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NASA Hosts Social Media Event in D.C. With Astronaut Joe Acaba
NASA invites its social media followers to a special event with astronaut Joe Acaba on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, in Washington, D.C. Registration for the event is open to NASA social media followers and their guests until 5 p.m. EST Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. NASA will select 150 participants by lottery from those who register online. Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
NASA Socials are in-person meetings with people who engage with the agency through Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other social networks. This NASA Social is an opportunity to meet and speak with Acaba, the people behind NASA's social media accounts and other space-exploration-minded participants.
Acaba launched to the International Space Station on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on May 15, 2012. He spent 123 days aboard the orbiting laboratory as a flight engineer of the Expedition 31 and 32 crews. He returned to Earth on Sept. 17 after four months off the planet.
Acaba participated in numerous scientific research experiments and performed regular maintenance and operational tasks aboard the orbiting complex. He also frequently tweeted on his Twitter account, @AstroAcaba, and participated in an #askStation TweetChat.
Acaba also flew aboard space shuttle Discovery in March 2009 during a space station assembly mission, during which he spent almost 13 hours performing two spacewalks.
To join and track the conversation online during the NASA Social, follow the hashtag #NASASocial. For more information on NASA Socials and to register, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/social.Acaba's Twitter account is
https://twitter.com/AstroAcaba. Acaba's biography is available at
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/acaba-jm.html.For information about connecting and collaborating with NASA, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/connect.__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Education Webinar Series from the Aerospace Education Services Project
The Aerospace Education Services Project is presenting a series of free webinars throughout November 2012. All webinars can be accessed online. Join aerospace education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources to bring NASA into your classroom.
Amusement Park Physics (Grades 6-12)
Nov. 5, 2012, 7 - 8 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist John Weis will provide participants with an introduction to the "Amusement Park Physics With a NASA Twist" educator guide and classroom activities. These activities cover multiple physics concepts including energy, describing motion, collisions and simple harmonic motion.
Sun, Earth and Moon Relationships: Anatomy of an Eclipse (Grades 2-8)
Nov. 7, 2012, 4 - 5 p.m. EST
For centuries people have been amazed by the spectacle created by lunar and solar eclipses. On Nov. 13, 2012, a total solar eclipse will occur in the South Pacific. Join aerospace education specialist Rick Varner for a free webcast to learn about eclipse-related NASA resources. Varner will also share a simple activity to simulate eclipses in the classroom.
Train Like an Astronaut (Grades 1-12)
Nov. 14, 2012, 2 - 3 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Lester Morales will discuss the "Train Like an Astronaut" education materials. These activities use a physical and inquiry-based approach to human health and fitness on Earth and in space. Activities are modeled after the real-life training that astronauts do to prepare for exploring space. This webinar is part of the Department of Education's Green Strides webinar series.
Here an Earth, There an Earth, Everywhere an Earth: The Kepler Telescope Search for Habitable Planets Beyond Our Solar System (Grades 5-12)
Nov. 15, 2012, 5 - 6 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Steve Culivan will discuss NASA's Kepler telescope and its search for Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. Participants will learn how to use Johannes Kepler's Third Law and actual Kepler telescope data to construct graphs to record and interpret data that determine if a planet orbiting a star in another solar system is a possible candidate to support life.
Robotics on a Budget (Grades 5-12)
Nov. 28, 2012, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Steve Culivan will explore how to use robotics to enhance your students' understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. Participants will also learn about NASA STEM robotics missions, curriculum and activities that are available.
For more information about these webinars, and to see a full list of webinars taking place through December 2012, visit
http://neon.psu.edu/webinars/.Questions about this series of webinars should be directed to Katie Hayden at Katie.S.Hayden@nasa.gov.
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Algebraic Equations: Calculator Controlled Robots Web Seminar
As part of a series of electronic professional development experiences, the NASA Explorer Schools project and the National Science Teachers Association are hosting a 90-minute Web seminar on Nov. 7, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. EST. Discover a unique way of integrating robotic technology into your algebra classes. Robotic missions engage students and provide a unique way of bringing to life the concepts you are teaching. Learn to use programmable Texas Instruments, or TI, calculators and Norland Research Robots to solve problems requiring substituting values for variables in formulas.
This seminar provides an overview of using robotics in algebra so you can make an informed decision about purchasing the robots and other equipment. You do not need to have a Norland Research Robot or programmable TI calculator to participate in this seminar, or know how to program the calculator.
For more information and to register online, visit
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar12.aspx.To learn more about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit
http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.Email any questions about this opportunity to the NASA Explorer Schools help desk at NASA-Explorer-Schools@mail.nasa.gov.
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NASA University Research Centers Virtual Symposium
NASA University Research Centers, or URC, is hosting a Virtual Symposium to highlight talented students within the NASA URC program and their recent experiences as interns or co-ops at NASA.
During a series of poster sessions held on Oct. 24-31, 2012, students presented virtual poster presentations of the research that was conducted during their internship or co-op. During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange information and ideas, and interact with students and other event participants via the Facebook social network. A panel of NASA subject matter experts reviewed and scored the poster presentations.
Top finalists will give oral presentations of their research during a virtual symposium on Nov. 8, 2012.
To learn more about the NASA URC Virtual Symposium, visit
http://www.earthzine.org/nasa-urc-fall-2012-vpss/.Questions about this event should be emailed to Daesha Roberts at daesha.d.roberts@nasa.gov.
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International Space Station EarthKAM Fall 2012 Mission
Middle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Fall 2012 Mission from Nov. 13-16, 2012. Find out more about this exciting opportunity that allows students to take pictures of Earth from a digital camera aboard the International Space Station.
International Space Station EarthKAM is a NASA-sponsored project that provides stunning, high-quality photographs of Earth taken from the space shuttle and the space station. Since 1996, EarthKAM students have taken hundreds of thousands of photographs of Earth by using the World Wide Web to direct a digital camera on select spaceflights and, currently, on the space station.
For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the EarthKAM home page
www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu. If you have questions about the EarthKAM project, please email ek-help@earthkam.ucsd.edu.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: "The World's a Place of Living Things" Art Contest
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, or IGES, invites young scientists and artists to explore biodiversity. There are many different types of life on Earth -- from bacteria to insects to plants and animals. Biodiversity is everywhere. Students in grades 2-4 are encouraged to learn more about the forms of life in a particular place -- what types of life can be seen? What types of life are hard to see? Do the different types of life interact with each other?
Students should investigate these questions, and create a piece of artwork (no larger than 16"x20") to show what they have learned. First-, second-, and third-place artists will receive a $100, $75, and $50 gift card, respectively, framed color certificates and their artwork will be showcased on the IGES website.
Entries are due Nov. 16, 2012. For full details on the contest, resources on biodiversity and to download an entry form, visit
http://www.strategies.org/artcontest.Questions about this opportunity should be directed to info@strategies.org.
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2013 CanSat Competition
Applications currently are being accepted for the 2013 CanSat Competition.
This annual competition is open to university and college students from the United States, Canada, Mexico and other countries. Teams of three to 10 students must design, build and launch a sensor payload called a CanSat. Each CanSat is slightly larger than a soda can and must be built according to the specifications released by the competition organizing committee.
All teams entering the CanSat competition are required to have a faculty adviser. The faculty adviser will oversee and be responsible for the conduct of the team at all times during the competition. The advisor is strongly encouraged to accompany the team to the competition.
Applications are due Nov. 30, 2012.
For more information about the competition and to download the application, visit
http://www.cansatcompetition.com/. Questions about this competition should be directed to questions@juno.nrl.navy.mil.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: 2013 Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars project is an interactive, online learning experience. It is highlighted by a six-day internship where selected students are encouraged to study mathematics, science, engineering or computer science by interacting with engineers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars project is open to high school juniors throughout Texas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have access to the Internet.
The application deadline has been extended to Nov. 30, 2012.
For additional information on the project and to apply online, visit
http://has.aerospacescholars.org/. Questions about this opportunity should be directed to jsc-aeroscho@mail.nasa.gov.
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2013 NASA Unmanned Aerial Systems Challenge
NASA invites college teams to take part in the 2013 NASA Aeronautics Mission Directorate's Unmanned Aerial Systems Challenge. Students are invited to propose an unmanned aerial firefighting system to battle a wildfire raging in a drought-stricken area. Design assessment will be based on projected effectiveness, cost, innovation, and ease of use and operation inside the National Air Space.
The contest is open to teams of full-time students enrolled in higher education institutions of the United States or its territories. This category includes universities, colleges, trade schools, community colleges, professional schools, etc. Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
A notice of intent is due Jan. 15, 2013. Final entries are due May 3, 2013.
For more information and a complete list of rules, visit
https://aero.larc.nasa.gov/competitions_univ.htm.Questions about the challenge should be directed to Elizabeth Ward at Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov.
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2012-2013 Game Changing Engineering Design Challenge
NASA invites college student teams to enter the 2013 Game Changing Engineering Design Challenge. Student teams are asked to design a thermal control system for a manned space station in low lunar orbit. Designs must accommodate a six-person crew, maintain acceptable temperatures for avionics components, and provide a healthy environment for the crew. Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
The contest is open to student teams from post-secondary institutions in the United States or its territories. This category includes universities, colleges, trade schools, community colleges, professional schools, etc.
Finalists will be invited to present their work to NASA engineers and tour a NASA center.
A notice of intent is due Jan. 15, 2013. Final entries are due on April 29, 2013.
For more information and a complete list of rules, visit
http://spacetech.larc.nasa.gov.Questions about the challenge should be directed to Elizabeth Ward at Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov.
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2013 Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program
The Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program, or PGGURP, pairs qualified undergraduate students with NASA-funded investigators at research locations across the U.S. for eight weeks during the summer. Students will spend the summer at the NASA scientists' home institutions. Selected students receive a cost-of-living stipend and compensation for housing and travel.
Undergraduate students interested in learning about research in planetary geoscience are eligible to apply. Students graduating in 2013 who have not started graduate school yet are also eligible. Preference is given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Applications are due Feb. 1, 2013.
For more information, visit http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~tgregg/pggurp.html.
If you have questions about this opportunity, please email Robyn Wagner, PGGURP administrator, at rlwagner@buffalo.edu.
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NASA Wavelength Online Science Resource Now Available
NASA has a new online science resource for teachers and students to help bring Earth, sun, the solar system, and the universe into their schools and homes.
Called NASA Wavelength, the site 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 locate science-related educational resources through information on educational standards, subjects and keywords and other relevant details, such as learning time required to carry out a lesson or an activity, cost of materials and more.
NASA's Science Mission Directorate, or SMD, funds a nationwide community of education and outreach professionals that develop and deliver resources for all levels of formal and informal education and public outreach activities using NASA content, expertise and facilities.
NASA Wavelength features peer-reviewed science resources developed by this community, including award-winning curriculum tools, activities that allow students and teachers to learn about and participate in NASA missions, exhibits and planetarium shows and more.
The site offers an innovative way to keep up with the latest developments in Earth and space science education. Users will be able to receive email updates on new content, and share the latest information through social media and email.
Through featured selections highlighted on the homepage, educators can identify science resources relevant to specific themes, such as Mars-related activities, and lessons for educators interested in teaching about climate, the electromagnetic spectrum or magnetism.
The Space Sciences Laboratory and Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, and the Adler Planetarium worked with educators across the country to define, test and launch NASA Wavelength. Scientists and educators who comprise SMD's education and public outreach community coordinate the continued development and upkeep of the site.
NASA's Science Mission Directorate seeks new knowledge and understanding of Earth, the sun, solar system and the universe from the vantage point of space. The directorate also constantly looks for inventive ways to reach out to the public using museums, classrooms, science centers and home schools.
For access to NASA Wavelength, visit
http://nasawavelength.org.For information on NASA's Science Mission Directorate, visit
http://science.nasa.gov/.For information about NASA education programs, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/education.__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Find NASA Education Resources With the NASA Materials Finder
Are you looking for NASA educational resources to use in your classroom? Use the NASA Education Materials Finder search tool to find materials that fit your needs.
Search hundreds of NASA educational materials by grade level, type of material and subject area. The ability to search by keyword is also available. Plus, the subject areas include dozens of sub-category selections to allow you to better fine-tune your search.
In addition, all of these search criteria can be combined into one search, which allows you to restrict the results to exactly what you are looking for.
Click the link below to begin your search for NASA educational materials.
http://www.nasa.gov/education/materials__________________________________________________________________________________________________
What's New at NASA's Space Place Website
Earth is a water world. Even if we live far from the ocean, we feel its effects. We feel it in the weather and climate. We breathe in the oxygen produced by its plant life. We are cooler due to the ocean’s ability to absorb some of the excess greenhouse gases we add to the atmosphere. The ocean influences every aspect of our planet that make it habitable. The Space Place website is about space out there and Earth down here as studied from space out there. This month we pay tribute to the ocean and the technologies that help us understand it better.
What's New on Space Place
When Earth first formed, it was very hot. Any liquid water would have boiled away into space. So where did the ocean come from? Scientists think comets may have provided an important water delivery service. But how can they know?
A new “Explore” article on the Space Place explains how even water has fingerprints of sorts that can be used to trace its origin. Visit
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/comet-ocean.Space Place en Español
Satellite images show the swirling, organized rotational cloud systems of tropical storms and hurricanes. We can watch them in fascination -- or fear, if they are headed our way. What is actually going on in the belly of these monsters? How do they begin and grow? What determines their severity and their paths? In both English and Spanish, the basics are explained. Check out ¿Cómo se forman los huracanes? And see Space Place entirely in Spanish at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/sp, with toggles to the English on every page.
Spotlight on …
“Missions to Planet Earth” is an online card game. It started out as a real card game, but we wanted everyone to be able to enjoy playing it and learn about what it takes to build a space mission. The player competes with the computer, but can tell the computer how "smart" to play. So beginners can succeed, too. The object is to gather all the necessary components to complete the maximum number of missions -- before the computer opponent does. This is a great game for the classroom when students have a few minutes to spare. Go to
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/earth-card-game.For the Classroom
Voyage on the High Seas: A Jason 1 Ocean Adventure is a real board game. Go to
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/posters/#high_seas to download a full-size game board (42.5 x 33 inches). You can have it printed -- and perhaps laminated -- at an office supply store. There are also game cards to print on standard paper and cut apart, as well as a spinner and tiny game markers (research vessels). The game is a fun way for students to learn some geography, oceanography and meteorology. The back side of the poster (printable on standard paper) has other related activities and articles as well.
For out-of-School (Cookie) Time
We leave the ocean theme for a moment to tell you of our new Oreo® cookies moon phases activity. It reduces the oft-confusing topic of moon phases to its simplest -- and sweetest -- form. To make a new Moon, eat all the crème filling. To make a 1st or 3rd quarter Moon, scrape off half the filling. For a full Moon, alas, you must resist. Printable activity sheets make it easy for the activity director. Go to
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/oreo-moon.Special Days
Nov. 9, 1934: Carl Sagan was born.
Dr. Sagan helped pick the sounds and images for the Voyager spacecrafts’ “Golden Record.” See and hear samples at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/voyager-to-stars.Nov. 13, 1946: Vincent Joseph Schaefer made the first artificially induced snowstorm.
It's easy to predict a snowstorm it you make it yourself. If nature makes it …not so much. Check out a little booklet that explains in the simplest possible terms how to make a weather-prediction satellite. It’s at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/story-weather-satellite. The booklet is also in Spanish and Italian.
Nov. 29, 1803: Birthday of Christian Doppler
He described the Doppler effect, a good analogy for the expansion of space and understanding why the sky is dark at night. Check it out at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/classroom-activities#bluesky. Dec. 14: Geminids Meteor Shower
Get tips on the best meteor viewing techniques at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/meteor-shower.Dec. 25, 1642: Birthday of Isaac Newton
He understood how orbits work, and so can you by firing a cannon into space. With enough gunpowder, you, too, can achieve orbit! Go to
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/how-orbits-work.Dec. 31, 1705: First recorded sighting of Halley's comet
Play "Comet Quest" and learn about comets at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/comet-quest. Don't Forget…
You can find dozens of other ideas and rich resources for the classroom and out-of-school time at our Parents & Educators page,
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/parents-and-educators.
