STEM Activities Hosted By NASA
Students from kindergarten to 12th grade can take part in a series of STEM activities now through August hosted by the NASA Glenn Research Center.
The virtual activities include experiments, engineering projects, and an essay contest that is designed to foster curiosity about the world, according to a release. All are part of the 80th-anniversary celebration of NASA Glenn, which was established in 1942 as part of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
Glenn’s Office of STEM Engagement, or OSTEM, launched a new website featuring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) challenges with three themes: aeronautics, space, and research and engineering. Experiments include designing a lunar habitat, programming a rover, making a pinwheel galaxy, and making and flying straw planes, paper airplanes, and helicopters.
Students in grades four to 12 can participate in an essay contest that focuses on one of three topics: Glenn’s missions, people, or future. Students must research the topic, compose an essay and submit it by March 31. Winners receive an invitation to participate in a virtual recognition event, a virtual Q&A session with STEM professionals and virtual facility tours. Six winners’ essays will also be published on the OSTEM website.
Other virtual events include:
NASA STEM Kids Virtual Event: March 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Kindergarten to fourth-grade students can learn about the Artemis program, which looks to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by 2024.
High School Shadowing Day: April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
High school students can virtually explore career opportunities in STEM and business. The event features NASA scientists and engineers working in STEM fields, as well as activities and virtual facility tours.
Tech Day: May 13 or 14 from 10 a.m. to noon
Students in grades six to eight can learn about the different aspects of engineering, as well as take part in a virtual tour and live STEM activity.
Girls in STEM: July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Students in grades six to eight have an opportunity to see women excelling in STEM careers. The event includes a virtual tour, an online presentation from a female engineer, and participation in a live STEM activity.
Aviation Day: Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon
Students in grades six to 12 can learn about aviation exploration. The event features a virtual tour of a NASA laboratory, a presentation from a NASA scientist or engineer, and a live STEM activity.
Pictured: NASA Glenn Research Center (Photographer: NASA/GRC/Marvin Smith)