General Resources

Engineering Challenges

  • "Powered and Pumped Up" Design and build a lightweight solar-powered pumping system that can move water as quickly as possible between two storage tanks.
     
  • "Let It Glide" Design and improve a glider made out of a shoebox that demonstrates the best glide properties when thrown.
     
  • "Gaining Traction on Mars" Design a set of wheels for a Martian rover that performs best on a simulated extraterrestrial soil bed.
     
  • Engineering in the Classroom: Learn examples of how the NGSS engineering standards are used at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory -- a leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Discover grade-appropriate, hands-on lessons that you can use to engage your students in engineering in the classroom. 

Citizen Science Programs

  • "Citizen Science Alliance" - The Citizen Science Alliance is a collaboration of scientists, software developers and educators who collectively develop, manage and utilize internet-based citizen science projects in order to further science itself, and the public understanding of both science and of the scientific process. These projects use the time, abilities and energies of a distributed community of citizen scientists who are our collaborators.
     
  • "Zooniverse: Space-Based Projects"- The Zooniverse is the world's largest and most popular platform for people-powered research. Select from current possible Space-based projects, such as: Solar Stormwatch, Exoplanet Explorers, Comet Hunters, and more.
     
  • "GLOBE Observer"- GLOBE Observer is an international citizen science initiative to understand our global environment. The public's observations help scientists track changes in clouds, water, plants, and other life in support of climate research. Scientists also use submitted data to verify NASA satellite data.
  • "Citizen Science at the California Academy of Sciences" - Join citizen scientists from all over the world learn about and protect the biodiversity of all regions of the globe. 
     
  • "Citizen Science Programs at the Alabama Museum of Natural History" - Your students can assist scientists from the Alabama Museum of Natural History by collecting valuable data about the biodiversity of the state. 

Space and STEM Resources

  • "Microgravity" - NASA's overview of microgravity, including images, videos, simulations, and lesson plans.
     
  • What is a Rocket? - When most people think of a rocket, they think of a tall round vehicle that flies into space. But the word “rocket” can mean two different things. The word can describe a type of engine. The word rocket also is used to talk about a vehicle that uses a rocket engine
     
  • What is NASA? - NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA is a U.S. government agency that is responsible for science and technology related to air and space. The Space Age started in 1957 with the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik.
     
  • "STEM on Station: Teach the ISS"- Welcome aboard STEM on Station - your connection to the International Space Station. Check out the website to find out how to bring space into your classroom with lesson plans, activities, opportunities, videos, images, and the latest news about the ISS.