Check out the following NASA opportunities for the education community.
Full descriptions are listed below.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Remote Sensing Ices on Mars Web Seminar
Audience: 8-10 and Informal Educators
Event Date: Feb. 21, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. EST
NASA to Host Google+ Hangout Live With International Space Station
Audience: All Educators and Students
Event Date: Feb. 22, 2013
NASA’s Glenn Research Center’s High School Shadowing Project
Audience: Students in Grades 10-12
Sessions III and IV Application Deadline: Feb. 22, 2013
2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
Audience: Higher Education Students
Application Deadline: Feb. 22, 2013
Free Smithsonian’s Stars Lecture Series
Audience: All Educators and 9-Higher Education Students
Next Lecture Date: Feb. 23, 2013
Free Education Webinar Series from the Aerospace Education Services Project
Audience: K-12 Educators
Event Dates: Various Dates During February 2013
5th Annual NASA STEM Educators Workshop Series
Audience: K-12 and Informal Educators
Registration Deadline: Feb. 25, 2013
Event Date: March 4-6, 2013
High Power Microscopes: The Virtual Lab Web Seminar
Audience: 9-12 and Informal Educators
Event Date: Feb. 26, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. EST
The Search for Life Beyond Earth: Mars Educator Conference
Audience: K-12 and Informal Educators
Registration Deadline: Feb. 26, 2013
Conference Date: March 2, 2013
Pythagorean Theorem: Exploring Space Through Math — Lunar Rover Web Seminar
Audience: 8-12 and Informal Educators
Event Date: Feb. 27, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. EST
Space Day Texas 2013
Audience: All Educators and Students
School Registration Deadline: Feb. 27, 2013
Event Date: March 19, 2013
NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to Host Interactive Student Presentations
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Presentation Dates: Feb. 28 – March 1, 2013
What If? Live Student Design Challenge
Audience: Students Age 14-18
Registration Deadline: Feb. 28, 2013
Titan and Europa Essay Contest
Audience: 5-12 Students
Entry Deadline: Feb. 28, 2013
Polar Science Weekend at the Pacific Science Center
Audience: All Educators and Students
Event Date: Feb. 28 – March 3, 2013
NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowships
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Next Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
Expeditions 37 and 38 In-flight Education Downlink Opportunities
Audience: All Educators
Proposal Deadline: March 1, 2013
Host a Real-Time Conversation With Crewmembers Aboard the International Space Station
Audience: All Educators
Proposal Deadline: March 1, 2013
Historical NASA Space Artifacts Available for Educational Use
Audience: Educational Institutions, Museums and Other Education Organizations
Deadline: March 4, 2013
Free Exploring Space Lecture Series — Attend in Person or View Online
Audience: All Educators and 9-Higher Education Students
Next Lecture Date: March 12, 2013
Celebrate Solar Week — Spring 2013
Audience: 5-8 Educators
Event Dates: March 18-22, 2013
Sun-Earth Days ‘SolarMAX Anime’ Contest
Audience: Students ages 13 and older
Entry Deadline: March 20, 2013
Heritage Family Day Events at Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum
Audience: All Educators and Students
Next Event Date: March 23, 2013
NASA Fellowship in the History of Space Technology
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Application Deadline: April 1, 2013
2013-14 History of Science Society Fellowship in the History of Space Science
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Application Deadline: April 1, 2013
Fellowship in Aerospace History
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Application Deadline: April 1, 2013
Amendment and Frequent Asked Questions — NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums, and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMP+) (Announcement Number: NNH13ZHA001N, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 43.008)
Audience: Informal Education Institutions
Proposal Due Date: April 9, 2013
RockOn 2013 University Rocket Science Workshop
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Registration Deadline: May 1, 2013
Workshop Dates: June 15-20, 2013
MORE BELOW
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Electromagnetic Spectrum: Remote Sensing Ices on Mars 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 Feb. 21, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. EST. Learn how to use authentic NASA mission data to investigate the composition and distribution of ices in the high-latitude regions of Mars through analysis of visible light, infrared light and gamma rays. The seminar includes information about a unique student extension activity, where students access a free computer simulation illustrating how gamma rays are used to determine the chemical composition of Mars.
This is the last time this Web seminar will be offered during the current school year.
For more information and to register online, visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar4.aspx.
To learn more about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.
Email any questions about this opportunity to the NES Help Desk at NA*******************@ma**.gov.
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NASA to Host Google+ Hangout Live With International Space Station
NASA will host its first Google+ Hangout live with the International Space Station from 11 a.m. to noon EST, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. This event will connect NASA’s social media followers with astronauts on the ground and those living and working aboard the laboratory orbiting 240 miles above Earth.
Google+ Hangouts allow as many as 10 people to chat face to face, while thousands more can tune in to watch the conversation live on Google+ or YouTube.
NASA’s social media followers submitted video questions before the hangout. During the event, several video questions will be answered by the station crew and astronauts on the ground. Additionally, NASA will take real-time questions submitted by fans. Use #askAstro to ask real-time questions on Google+, YouTube or Twitter during the hangout. On the morning of the event, NASA will open a thread on its Facebook page where questions may be posted.
The hangout may be viewed live on NASA’s Google+ page or on the NASA Television YouTube channel. To join the hangout, and for updates and opportunities to participate in upcoming hangouts, visit NASA’s Google+ page at http://www.google.com/+NASA.
Astronauts Kevin Ford and Tom Marshburn of NASA and Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency will answer questions and provide insight about life aboard the station. Crews conduct a variety of science experiments and perform station maintenance during their six-month stay on the outpost. Their life aboard the station in near-weightlessness requires different approaches to everyday activities such as eating, sleeping and exercising.
For information about the space station, research in low Earth orbit, NASA’s commercial space programs and the future of American spaceflight, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration.
To follow astronauts Marshburn and Hadfield on Twitter, visit http://www.twitter.com/AstroMarshburn and http://www.twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to HQ*******@ma**.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. Application periods are still open for three sessions scheduled for the 2012-2013 school year.
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 GR********@ma**.gov or by telephone to 216-433-6656.
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2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
Caltech’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, or SURF, project introduces undergraduate students to research under the guidance of seasoned mentors at Caltech or NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL. Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity and gain a more realistic view of the opportunities and demands of a professional research career.
SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process. Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project and to write research proposals. Caltech faculty or JPL staff review the proposals and recommend awards. Students work over a 10-week period in the summer, mid-June to late August. At the conclusion of the project, each student will submit a technical paper and give a SURF Seminar Day oral presentation.
All application materials must be received no later than Feb. 22, 2013. For more information, visit http://www.surf.caltech.edu/.
Please email any questions about this opportunity to the Caltech Student-Faculty Programs office at sf*@ca*****.edu.
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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.
Feb. 23, 2013 — A Universe of Data: How We Get Science Out of Space Telescopes
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.
March 2, 2013 — Robots and Humans Unite
The universe is far older and vaster than anyone imagined a century ago. To help scientists map the structure and evolution of the universe, a special instrument called a Hectospec was needed. A Hectospec uses the precision technology of optical fibers placed by delicate but very fast robots. Senior Physicist Dan Fabricant will discuss how the Hectospec was developed, how it works and how it is used by astronomers for scientific discovery.
For more information about the Smithsonian’s Stars Lecture Series, 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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Free Education Webinar Series from the Aerospace Education Services Project
The Aerospace Education Services Project is presenting a series of free webinars throughout February 2013. 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.
Quantifying Changes Over Time (Grades 4-10)
Feb. 25, 2013, at 4 – 5 p.m. EST and 6 – 7 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Rick Varner will discuss the Landsat missions, one of the longest running Earth observation missions. Participants will compare remote sensing images of Earth taken across periods of time to reflect changes to the observed areas that are both natural and influenced by humans.
Blue Marble Matches: Comparing Earth’s Features to the Other Planets (Grades 4-12)
Feb. 26, 2013, at 4 – 5 p.m. EST and 6 – 7 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Susan Kohler will present an activity designed to introduce students to the geologic processes on Earth. In the activity, students take on the roles of geologists and planetary scientists as they observe and interpret satellite photography and use data to explain the features on distant planets.
For more information about these webinars, and to see a full list of webinars taking place through March 2013, visit http://neon.psu.edu/webinars/.
Questions about this series of webinars should be directed to Chris Gamrat at ga****@ps*.edu.
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5th Annual NASA STEM Educators Workshop Series
Join NASA for the 5th Annual NASA STEM Educators Workshop Series taking place March 4-6, 2013, in Charlotte, N.C.
This workshop series will explore engineering design challenges, problem-based learning activities, distance learning modules, inquiry-based lessons and hands-on projects. Each workshop will be led by experienced educators and education public outreach specialists who will model pedagogical techniques and methods to foster problem-based learning, science as inquiry, technology integration and best practices. Workshops target inservice, informal and preservice teachers who serve the K-12 education community.
Registration is free. The deadline for registration is Feb. 25, 2013.
For more information and to register for the workshops, visit https://education.uncc.edu/cstem/nasa.
If you have any questions about the workshops, please contact Brandon Hargis at Br************@na**.gov.
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High Power Microscopes: The Virtual Lab 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 for educators on Feb. 26, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. EST. Learn to use a computer program simulating three high-power virtual microscopes: an atomic force microscope, a scanning electron microscope and a fluorescence light microscope. Viewing specimens include one-celled organisms, human tissue, computer chips, insects and fungi. You will get an overview of the software, watch videos of students exploring specimens and learn to use the Virtual Lab website and software.
This is the last time this Web seminar will be offered during the current school year.
For more information and to register online, visit URL http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar13.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 NA*******************@ma**.gov.
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The Search for Life Beyond Earth: Mars Educator Conference
Bring your classroom along to share NASA’s great quest for habitable environments beyond Earth, starting with Gale Crater on Mars. Using NASA’s newest rover, Curiosity, learn how to use NASA astrobiology and the exploration of Mars to enhance life science and physical science topics in your classroom. Engage your students to think critically about big questions, such as “What are the conditions for life?” and “Is there life beyond Earth?”
Special Mars and astrobiology guest presenters from NASA will share the latest news. NASA education specialists will show hands-on activities relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics to help educators extend their students’ learning and demonstrate how activities align to the Next Generation Science Standards. Conference participants will receive lesson plans, NASA materials and resources
The conference will take place on March 2, 2013, at the Arizona State University main campus in Tempe, Ariz.
The conference is free, but registration is required before Feb. 26, 2013.
For more information and to register for the conference, visit http://marsed.asu.edu/registerSP2013.
Questions about the workshop should be directed to ma**@as*.edu.
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Pythagorean Theorem: Exploring Space Through Math — Lunar Rover Web Seminar
NASA Explorer Schools and the National Science Teachers Association are hosting a 90-minute live professional development Web seminar for educators on Feb. 27, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. EST. Learn to use the distance formula and the Pythagorean theorem to determine the minimal path and minimal time for a lunar rover to perform tasks on the surface of the moon. Participants should have a basic knowledge of scale factor and application of the Pythagorean theorem. Having access to a calculator is helpful but not necessary for session.
Seminar participants will be given an overview of the lesson and a look at where it fits in the mathematics curriculum, including an alignment to the Common Core Standards for mathematics.
This is the last time this Web seminar will be offered during the current school year.
For more information and to register online, visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar9.aspx.
To learn more about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.
Email any questions about this opportunity to NA*******************@ma**.gov.
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Space Day Texas 2013
Space Day Texas 2013 is just around the corner! NASA will take over the Texas Capitol on March 19, 2013, for Space Day at the Capitol, a space exploration celebration. This year’s theme is “Human Exploration: the Journey Continues.” The day will include space exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities for students, legislative proclamations and an astronaut appearance. Visitors also have the chance to experience NASA’s mobile space exhibit, “Driven to Explore,” which includes a chance to touch an almost 4-billion-year-old moon rock.
Visitors can view exhibits in the Capitol rotunda and along Colorado Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An astronaut autograph session at the Capitol is scheduled for 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Registration for schools to attend closes Feb. 27, 2013. Register your students today! https://events.jsc.nasa.gov/registration/SpaceDay/Register.cfm
For more information on Space Week Texas 2013, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/events/sed.html.
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov/home/.
Follow us on Twitter @NASA_Johnson, # SpaceWeek, for more Space Week Texas activities.
Questions about this event should be directed to Linda Smith at li***********@na**.gov.
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NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to Host Interactive Student Presentations
On Feb. 28 – March 2, 2013, the National Council of NASA Space Grant Directors’ Spring Meeting will be held in Crystal City, Va. This meeting will include a NASA Digital Learning Network, or DLN, broadcast of presentations by undergraduate and graduate students who are supported by Space Grant consortia from across the country. Join us online for this exciting, interactive event. Viewers will have the opportunity to email questions to the presenters during the live presentations. The NASA Space Grant Program Office staff will also be in attendance.
The presentations will commence as follows:
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, 3 – 4:15 p.m. EST: Learn about students’ exciting work on space hardware, a supersonic wind tunnel, ionospheric dust collection and robotic aircraft during this webcast.
Friday, March 1, 2013, 2 – 2:45 p.m. EST: Learn about students’ exciting work on transformative Space Grant projects, bone loss in microgravity and helicopter testing during this webcast.
To access, please visit the NASA DLN website at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/dln/webcast/webcast.html.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Aleksandra Korobov at al******************@na**.gov.
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What If? Live Student Design Challenge
Candy, soda and other everyday items will be the tools of the trade for teenage rocket makers competing in the What If? Live Student Design Challenge. Registration is open through Feb. 28, 2013, for the worldwide contest, in which 14- to 18-year-old students will design experimental propulsion systems using materials that are inexpensive and easy to obtain.
The challenge is designed to excite students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The goal is to develop students’ creative and analytical abilities by learning about the growing need for green fuels and designing a vehicle propulsion system using commonly available materials, including sweet treats and carbonated beverages. Students may work alone or in groups of as many as four. Participants must create a research plan, write a research paper, develop and build the propulsion system, make a video showing the vehicle in action and submit the video to judges via YouTube.com.
A panel of scientists, astronauts and educators will judge the entries and select finalists. There will be one winning design in each age category. Winners will be announced in May and will receive special recognition from NASA and Ahoora.
To register, submit research and learn more about vehicle design, the official rules and other information about the What If? Live Student Design Challenge, including view a two-minute video of the propulsion system in action, visit http://www.whatifprize.org.
Questions about this contest should be emailed to in**@wh*********.org.
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Titan and Europa Essay Contest
NASA scientists want to know where students in grades 5-12 think NASA’s next big mission to the outer solar system should go: Saturn’s moon, Titan, or Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Both of these moons are fascinating places to explore. Learn why astrobiologists want to explore these worlds.
The Titan and Europa Essay Contest challenges students to learn more about astrobiology and the engineering challenges of exploring Titan and Europa. After watching short videos and learning about both moons and how missions to explore each would work, students should write an essay (no longer than 500 words) to explain why NASA should go to Titan or to Europa.
Essays must be submitted by a teacher by Feb. 28, 2013.
NASA will send certificates of participation to all students who enter the contest. Winning essays will be posted on a NASA website, and the winners and their classes will be invited to participate in a question-and-answer teleconference, videoconference or webchat with NASA scientists.
This contest is sponsored by the NASA Astrobiology Institute, with participation from the Titan Astrobiology team and the Astrobiology of Icy Worlds team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
For more information, visit http://icyworlds.jpl.nasa.gov/contest/.
If you have questions about this contest, please email ti*********@jp*.gov.
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Polar Science Weekend at the Pacific Science Center
Polar Science Weekend at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash., is taking place Feb. 28 – March 3, 2013. The event is four days of hands-on activities, live demonstrations and exhibits presented by scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth. Learn about ice sheets and sea ice, polar bears and penguins, scientific instruments and polar expeditions.
Polar Science Weekend highlights NASA-funded work in the polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate
For more information, visit http://psc.apl.washington.edu/wordpress/education/polar-science-weekend/.
Questions about this event should be directed to ps*@ap*.edu.
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NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowships
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) supports NASA’s goal to expand scientific understanding of the Earth and the universe in which we live.
Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that offer scientists and engineers unique opportunities to conduct research in fields of science relevant to NASA.
These opportunities advance NASA’s missions in Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and space operations, and astrobiology. Opportunities are available at NASA Centers and other NASA-approved sites.
As a result, NPP Fellows contribute to national priorities for scientific exploration, confirm NASA’s leadership in fundamental research, and complement the efforts of NASA’s partners in the national science community.
U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent degree before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. Applicants who earned the Ph.D. more than five years before the deadline date are categorized as Senior Fellows; all applicants, no matter their category, must apply and become eligible for an NPP award via the same process.
Interested applicants may apply by one of three annual application deadlines: March 1, July 1, and November 1.
For more information and application procedures, go to http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to na*********@or**.org.
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Expeditions 37 and 38 In-flight Education Downlink Opportunities
NASA is seeking formal and informal educational organizations, individually or working together, to host live, in-flight education downlinks during Expeditions 37 and 38 (approximately from September 2013 to March 2014). To maximize these downlink opportunities, NASA is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the downlinks into well-developed education plans.
The deadline to submit a proposal is March 1, 2013.
During Expeditions 37 and 38, crew members aboard the International Space Station will participate in downlinks. Downlinks last approximately 20 minutes and allow students and educators to interact with astronauts through a question-and-answer session. Downlinks afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space. Downlinks are broadcast live on NASA TV and are streamed on the NASA website. Because of the nature of human spaceflight, organizations must demonstrate the flexibility to accommodate changes in downlink dates and times.
Interested organizations should visit http://www.nasa.gov/education/tfs/downlinks to learn more or contact Teaching From Space at JS*********************@ma**.gov.
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Host a Real-Time Conversation With Crewmembers Aboard the International Space Station
NASA is now accepting proposals from U.S. schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations to host an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, or ARISS, contact between Nov. 1, 2013, and May 1, 2014. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, NASA is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. Proposals are due March 1, 2013.
Using amateur radio, students can ask astronauts questions about life in space and other space-related topics. Students fully engage in the ARISS contact by helping set up an amateur radio ground station at the school and then using that station to talk directly with a crew member on the International Space Station for approximately 10 minutes. The technology is easier to acquire than ever before. ARISS has a network of mentors to help organizations obtain the technology required to host this once in a lifetime opportunity for students.
Interested parties should visit www.nasa.gov/education/tfs/ariss to obtain complete information including how the technology works, what is expected of the host organization and how to submit the proposal form.
Questions about this opportunity should be emailed to JS***********@ma**.gov.
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Historical NASA Space Artifacts Available for Educational Use
NASA is inviting eligible educational institutions, museums and other organizations to screen and request historical space artifacts.
The artifacts represent significant human spaceflight technologies and processes and the accomplishments of NASA’s many programs. NASA and the General Services Administration worked together to ensure broad access to space artifacts and to provide a Web-based electronic artifacts viewing capability. The Web-based artifacts module is located at http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.
Eligible participants may view the artifacts and request specific items at the website through March 4, 2013. Only schools and museums are eligible to receive artifacts. They must register online using an assigned Department of Education number, or through the state agency for surplus property in their state.
The artifacts are free of charge. Eligible organizations must cover shipping costs and any special handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively inexpensive, while larger items may involve extensive disassembly, preparation, shipping and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with eligible organizations, on a case-by-case basis, to address any unique special handling costs.
Special items, such as space shuttle thermal protective tiles and packages of three packets of astronaut food, also are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions for requesting artifacts and special items are linked on the website home page.
To date, more than 7,500 artifacts from programs, including the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, space shuttle and the Hubble Space Telescope, have been given to eligible museums, schools, universities, libraries and planetariums in all 50 U.S. states.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to GS**********@gs*.gov.
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Free Exploring Space Lecture Series — Attend in Person or View Online
The 2013 Exploring Space Lectures will feature world-class scholars discussing the incredibly diverse worlds that make up our solar system. The lectures will be held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and are free to attend. Tickets are required. The lectures will be webcast live for free viewing. Lecture videos will be archived.
Curiosity’s Mission of Exploration at Gale Crater, Mars
In August 2012, the Curiosity rover arrived on Mars in a daring feat of engineering. John Grotzinger, chief scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, will share the latest images and scientific results from the Curiosity mission. Grotzinger will also discuss Gale Crater, the area where Curiosity is exploring.
The lecture will take place on March 12, 2013, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4977.
The Voyager Journey to the Edge of Interstellar Space
Launched in 1977 on a journey to explore Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, the two Voyager spacecraft are now over nine billion miles from Earth. Professor Edward Stone of the California Institute of Technology will discuss the epic journey taken by the Voyager spacecraft as they approach interstellar space.
The lecture will take place on April 16, 2013, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4978.
Vesta in the Light of Dawn
Before starting its journey to the dwarf planet Ceres, the Dawn spacecraft spent a year exploring the asteroid Vesta. Principal Scientist Carol Raymond will lead attendees on a tour of the ancient world of Vesta and what it can teach us about the early days of the solar system.
The lecture will take place on May 7, 2013, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer session.
For more information, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4979.
50 Years of Solar System Exploration: New Worlds, New Discoveries
Through the decades of planetary explorations, a wide variety of spacecraft (orbiters, landers, rovers and more) have revealed an amazing diversity of worlds, each with its own story to tell. Join James L. Green, director of planetary science at NASA Headquarters, as he guides attendees through the 50-year voyage of discovery.
The lecture will take place on June 13, 2013, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4980.
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Celebrate Solar Week — Spring 2013
Solar Week provides a weeklong series of Web-based educational classroom activities and games with a focus on the sun-Earth connection geared for grades 5-8. Students learn about solar eclipses, sunspots, solar flares and solar storms through a series of activities, games and lessons. In addition, there’s a message board where classrooms can submit a question to leading solar scientists.
Solar Week is ideal for students studying the solar system, the stars or astronomy in general, and now Solar Week features a day focused on solar energy. Solar Week is also for kids pondering possible career choices and wondering what it’s like to be a scientist. Participation makes for a fun computer lab activity as well. After doing the activities, students can interact on the bulletin board with leading scientists at the forefront of sun-Earth research. It’s a great place for any student interested in our nearest star, the sun.
Solar Week takes place March 18-22, 2013.
To learn more and to register to participate, visit http://www.solarweek.org.
Questions about Solar Week may be emailed to so*******@so*******.org.
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Sun-Earth Days ‘SolarMAX Anime’ Contest
NASA’s Sun-Earth Days program wants to see your best anime artwork. SolarMAX is the official superhero mascot for Sun-Earth Days. But keeping an eye on space weather is a big job for just one superhero. The Sun-Earth Days team is looking for students ages 13 and older to create and submit a new and original anime-style character to help SolarMAX. The character must have a visible space weather related super power.
The Sun-Earth Days team will select five characters to be added to the Sun-Earth Days superhero team! The first two winning characters will be selected and announced on the live Sun-Earth Days webcast on March 22, 2013. Winner characters also will appear as part of a new Sun-Earth Days desktop wallpaper!
Entries must be submitted online by March 20, 2013.
For more information, including instructions for submitting a character design, visit http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2013/solarmax/contest.php.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to su*********@gm***.com.
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Heritage Family Day Events at Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum
The 2013 Heritage Family Day event series celebrates the diverse ethnic and cultural communities that have contributed to aviation and space exploration. Events will commemorate historic and current contributions through presentations and activities for the entire family. The events will take place at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., and at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. The events are free and open to the public.
Women in Aviation and Space
March 23, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT
Celebrate the incredible contributions of women in aviation, science and aerospace. Enjoy hands-on activities, guest speakers, a theatrical presentation, book signings and Flights of Fancy story time for our youngest visitors.
http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4833
Explore the Universe Day: Everyone Looks Up!
June 1, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT
Everyone looks up! People around the world have always looked to the sky, but they don’t always see the same things. Experience how different people study the sky and hear their stories.
http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4835
A Century of Women in Aerospace
Sept. 14, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT
For over 100 years, women have contributed to technological advances in aviation and space. Hear about the historic women who have inspired today’s role models.
http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4836
Hispanic Heritage Month: Innovators in Air and Space
Sept. 24, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT
Oct. 5, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT
Celebrate Latin America’s historical contributions to aviation and space exploration. Meet current Hispanic scientists and engineers through the Smithsonian Latinos in STEM initiative. Listen to bilingual stories and participate in hands-on activities. The events are free and open to the public.
http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=4837
Questions about this series of events should be directed to the Visitor Service line at 202-633-1000.
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NASA Fellowship in the History of Space Technology
The NASA Fellowship in the History of Space Technology, offered by the Society for the History of Technology and supported by the NASA History Division, seeks applications for a yearlong predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowship related to the history of space technology. The fellowship may support advanced research related to all aspects of space history, leading to publications on the history of space technology broadly considered, including cultural and intellectual history, institutional history, economic history, history of law and public policy, and history of engineering and management.
The fellowship carries a stipend of $17,000, paid quarterly. Funds may not be used to support tuition or fees. The NASA Fellow will also receive complimentary membership in the Society for the History of Technology for the year of fellowship.
Applicants must possess a doctorate in history of technology or in a closely related field, or be enrolled as a student in a doctoral degree program and have completed all requirements for the Ph.D., except the dissertation, in history of technology or a related field. Eligibility is not limited to U.S. citizens or residents.
Applications are due April 1, 2013.
For detailed information on the fellowship and the application process, visit http://www.historyoftechnology.org/awards/nasa.html.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to sh**@vi******.edu.
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2013-14 History of Science Society Fellowship in the History of Space Science
The Fellowship in the History of Space Science, offered by the History of Science Society and supported by the NASA History Division, seeks applications for a nine-month predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowship related to the history of science. The fellowship may support advanced research related to all aspects of the history of space science, from the earliest human interest in space to the present.
The fellowship carries a stipend of $21,250. Funds may not be used to support tuition or fees.
Applicants must possess a doctorate in history of science or in a closely related field, or be enrolled as a student in a doctoral degree program and have completed all requirements for the degree, except the dissertation, in history of science or a related field. Eligibility is not limited to U.S. citizens or residents.
Applications are due April 1, 2013.
For detailed information on the fellowship and the application process, visit http://www.hssonline.org/about/society_NASAFellowship.html.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to in**@hs*******.org.
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Fellowship in Aerospace History
The Fellowship in Aerospace History, offered by the American Historical Association and supported by NASA, seeks applications for a predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowship related to the history of aerospace. The selected Fellow will have the opportunity to engage in significant and sustained advanced research in all aspects of the history of aerospace from the earliest human interest in flight to the present, including cultural and intellectual history, economic history, history of law and public policy, and the history of science, engineering and management.
The fellowship carries a stipend of $20,000 for a six- to nine-month fellowship and is adjustable for longer fellowships of up to a year. Funds may not be used to support tuition or fees.
The fellowship is open to applicants who hold a doctoral degree in history or in a closely related field, or who are enrolled in and have completed all coursework for a doctoral degree-granting program.
Applications are due April 1, 2013.
For detailed information on the fellowship and the application process, visit http://www.historians.org/prizes/NASA.htm.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to ah*@hi********.org.
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Amendment and Frequent Asked Questions — NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums, and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMP+) (Announcement Number: NNH13ZHA001N, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 43.008)
One amendment and 44 Frequently Asked Questions were posted on the CP4SMP+ portal page on NSPIRES on Feb. 20, 2013. The FAQs include the categories of Peer Review/Proposal Content Development/Format; Institutional/Principal Investigator Eligibility; Allowable Costs, Budgets, Indirect Costs, and NASA Grant Policies; and Partnerships with NASA/Other Entities and Other Third Party Issues.
Visit: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7B37764C2A-F415-01DF-1B30-F1971BE7F8BE%7D&path=open
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RockOn 2013 University Rocket Science Workshop
U.S. university and community college faculty and students are invited to a weeklong workshop to learn how to build and launch a scientific experiment into space. NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia is hosting the RockOn 2013 workshop June 15-20, 2013, in partnership with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant Consortia. Workshop participants must be U.S. citizens. The registration deadline for the workshop is May 1, 2013.
The hands-on workshop teaches participants to build experiments that fly on sounding rockets. During the week, participants will work together in teams of three to construct and integrate a sounding rocket payload from a kit. On the fifth day of the workshop, the experiments will fly on a sounding rocket expected to reach an altitude of more than 70 miles.
Each experiment will provide valuable scientific data, analyzed as part of the student-led science and engineering research. The program engages faculty and students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills critical to NASA’s future engineering, scientific and technical missions.
For more information about RockOn and to register online, visit http://spacegrant.colorado.edu/national-programs/rockon-2013-home.
Questions about the workshop or the registration process should be directed to Chris Koehler by email at ko*****@co******.edu or by telephone at 303-492-3141.