Did you know that NASA has centers and visitor centers around the country? NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is the Midwest NASA Center and the closest one to me. Although I wasn't able to visit GRC on such short notice, I did find out about future opportunities to do so. I also really enjoyed exploring the Visitor Center. Click below to see which one is closest to you! Did you know that each NASA Center has a specific focus and it's not all about space? Don't let the name - National Aeronautics and Space Administration - fool you! NASA does a lot to research and improve life on Earth! GoddardGoddard Space Flight Center was established in 1959. The center was named after Dr. Robert H. Goddard, a physicist whose area of expertise was rocket propulsion. Instruments build at Goddard are not only used to study the Sun, our solar system and universe, but also Earth. Check out all of the education resources related to the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) missions - water cycle, weather & climate, technology and societal applications. A Clean Room - Notice the structures on top, they make sure that dust and other debris is pushed out of the room. You don't want something traveling to space and interfering with data collection. Before entering a clean room, individuals have to wear what is known as a bunny suit to prevent human contamination (hair, germs, cells, etc). This giant piece of equipment -takes up an entire room- that I refer to as the centrifuge, was built in the 1960s and is still operational. Spacecraft at this time were smaller and the entire thing could fit to be tested. Now, it just tests parts of the spacecraft. To use it, it requires a lot of power and a call to the utility company! GlennI would really encourage you to check out the Great Lakes Science Center. It is the home of NASA Glenn Visitor Center and has so many awesome, hands-on activities related to spaceflight! It is a great museum for all ages and interest levels on the water, right next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's not all about space, but that's what we explored. They do a great job of promoting science and their motto is stay curious! We loved the interactive nature of everything and the connection that was made between the activities and why it was important for space exploration. Some of our fun is pictured below, but there was a lot more for you to experience in person; a shuttle landing simulation, rocket launch by building up air pressure, determining which ISS systems could be powered when the solar panels weren't in sunlight, aerodynamic experiment with shapes. My husband, a middle social studies teacher, excitedly tried all of the activities! Check out this FREE upcoming educator workshop at NASA GRC Middle and High School Teachers Monday August 13th 9am-4:30pm > If you aren't able to make it, sign up for their mailing list to keep updated on future opportunities. > In the meantime, check out their awesome Engineering Design Challenges for your classroom! Goals
As you prepare for a new school year- whether it's updating or bigger changes; a new grade level, new school or new school district - think about your space goals! If you or a colleague are looking for resources, have questions about something I've done in my classroom, have an idea for a lesson or unit an unsure the best way to implement it, please reach out! I love collaborating!! Tomorrow I'm headed to Colorado Springs for the Space Foundation's Space Across the Curriculum Workshop!! After all, the ISS is a 20 year collaboration of 15 countries and 5 space agencies. Together is better!
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AuthorApollo 13 fan. Educator. Lifelong Learner. Third generation Boilermaker. Space Exploration Enthusiast. Collaborator. Click Subscribe to stay updated!Archives
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