NASA Education “Science WOW!” Message — Aug. 9, 2017

Check out the latest edition of NASA Education’s “Science WOW!” — your source for NASA opportunities in science education delivered “Weekly On Wednesday.”

Check out the latest edition of NASA Education’s “Science WOW!” — your source for NASA opportunities in science education delivered “Weekly On Wednesday.”

Science Always Starts With a Question …

This Week’s Question: What Will This Year’s Perseid Meteor Shower Be Like?

August 2017 is a big month for astronomy! In addition to the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, the Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on Aug. 11-13, 2017. Find out what to expect from this year’s event in this blog post from NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/Watch_the_Skies/2017/08/03/the-greatest-meteor-show-of-all-time/

And to learn more about the Perseid meteor shower and the solar eclipse, check out the newest episode of ScienceCast at https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/sciencecasts/big-month-for-astronomy.

Have You Seen This?

NASA is on the hunt for a new Planetary Protection Officer, and space fans of all ages are excited about the position. Nine-year-old Jack Davis “applied” for the job, and NASA’s science team was quick to respond.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/planetary-protection-excites-space-fans-of-all-ages

Solar Eclipse Countdown!

Less Than TWO WEEKS Until the Total Solar Eclipse!

Diagram of a total solar eclipseAs excitement for the total solar eclipse builds, be sure you know what to expect on the big day! Get the “Who? What? Where? When? and How?” before the eclipse on Aug. 21!

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-who-what-where-when-and-how

Science WOW! Thanks Subscribers on First Anniversary

On Aug. 10, 2016, the first Science WOW! message was sent to 953 subscribers.

Since that date, NASA’s science experts found distant worlds, shared views from space probes that zoomed near Saturn and Jupiter, and launched satellites that help us better understand our home planet. And the number of Science WOW! subscribers multiplied to near 7,000!

NASA’s STEM Science Activation team wants to thank YOU for being a part of our first year of Science WOW! We hope you have enjoyed learning answers to the “Question of the Week” and exploring the “Have You Seen” items featured each week. And we can’t wait to share more science and learning opportunities with you in the many years to follow.

How can we improve sharing the science? Please send your feedback to https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/contact-us.

Opportunities for Future Scientists of All Ages

Science Opportunities for Educators of Grades K-12

Science Opportunities for Higher Education and Informal Institutions

 

Opportunities for Future Scientists of All Ages

ESTEEM Virtual “Ask US” Event: Exploring the Eclipse Through a Native American Perspective
Audience: Members of Tribal and Indigenous Communities
Event Date: Aug. 10, 2017, 4 – 5:15 p.m. EDT

On Aug. 21, 2017, North America will be treated to a solar eclipse. Native Americans have been observing natural events such as eclipses for thousands of years.

Join the ESTEEM team on Aug. 10, 2017, at 4 p.m. EDT, as we preview materials, answer science questions, and allow for dialogue related to Native American knowledge about the eclipse. What is actually happening to the sun during an eclipse? What Tribal traditions take place in our region? Discover how to bring the eclipse to life through the lens of a Native American perspective.

For more information, visit https://www.nasa.gov/dln/live.

Please direct questions about this event to Bonnie Murray at bonnie.murray@nasa.gov.

**NEW** Safety First! Solar Eclipse Safety Tips From NASA
Audience: All Educators and Students
Eclipse Date: Monday, Aug. 21, 2017

Potentially, more than 300 million people in the United States could directly view the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse, and NASA wants everyone who witnesses the eclipse to do so safely. Looking at the sun with the naked eye is unsafe, but with special solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can safely look directly at the sun. Learn how to check the safety authenticity of viewing glasses or find out how to observe the eclipse with alternate methods.

For tips to safely view the solar eclipse, visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.

Please send questions about the solar eclipse to https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/contact-us.

**NEW** NASA’s Digital Learning Network Live Event — E-Day 2017: Total Solar Eclipse Webcast
Audience: All Educators and Students
Event Date: Aug. 21, 2017, 1:15 – 3:15 p.m. EDT

Join NASA’s Digital Learning Network for a two-hour solar eclipse extravaganza! Tune in to see the eclipse live from within the path of totality and learn about the science of the sun-Earth-moon system. Watch CricketCam and make predictions. Find out how to get involved in NASA opportunities.

Ask NASA experts your questions via Twitter @NASADLN using #askDLN or by email at DLiNfochannel@gmail.com.

For more information about this event, visit https://www.nasa.gov/dln/live.

Please direct questions about this event to DLiNfochannel@gmail.com.

**NEW** Be a Citizen Scientist During the Solar Eclipse With ‘GLOBE Observer’ App
Audience: All Educators and Students
Eclipse Date: Aug. 21, 2017

Earth is solar-powered. So what happens when the sun’s light is blocked, even temporarily? If you measure air temperature and cloud changes, how cool is the eclipse?

Download the “GLOBE Observer” app, available for Apple and Android phones, and contribute to a citizen science database used by scientists and students to study the effects of eclipses on the atmosphere. Observations are welcome from across North America, even if you are not in the path of totality.

To learn more, visit https://observer.globe.gov/eclipse2017.

Please direct questions about this opportunity to Holli Riebeek at Holli.riebeek@nasa.gov.

**NEW** Space Racers Solar Eclipse Content for Young Children
Audience: Pre-K and Kindergarten Educators and Students
Eclipse Date: Aug. 21, 2017

Find everything you need to know about viewing the upcoming solar eclipse with pre-K and Kindergarten students. Watch a short video that explains the science behind solar eclipses in language and graphics designed specifically for young learners. Young explorers can view a U.S. map that illustrates the path of totality, and do a hands-on eclipse activity.

To learn more, visit https://augusteclipse.com/.

All materials were developed in conjunction with The U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Please direct questions about these materials to info@spaceracers.org.

**NEW** Be a Mosquito Habitat Mapper With ‘GLOBE Observer’ App
Audience: All Educators and Students
Project Dates: Now Through Nov. 10, 2017

Mosquitos are more than just a summertime nuisance — they spread diseases. Now citizen scientists can use the “GLOBE Observer” app, available for Apple and Android phones, to help those who are working to understand and reduce mosquito-borne diseases. The Mosquito Habitat Mapper helps users identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. This local, ground-based information will help NASA by supporting satellite-based research of environmental conditions that indicate possible outbreaks of mosquitoes.

To learn more, visit https://www.globe.gov/news-events/globe-news/newsdetail/globe/nasa-citizen-science-app-tackles-mosquito-borne-disease.

Please direct questions about this opportunity to Holli Riebeek at Holli.riebeek@nasa.gov.

Science Opportunities for Educators of Grades K-12

Free Education Webinars From NASA Educator Professional Development
Audience: In-service, Pre-service, Home School and Informal Educators

The NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative at Texas State University is presenting a series of free webinars open to all educators. Join NASA education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources that bring NASA into your classroom. Registration is required to participate. To register, simply click on the link provided beneath the webinar description.

**NEW** Exploring Beyond the Planets: Searching for Habitable Worlds With Kepler
Audience: 4-10, Informal and Pre-service Educators
Event Date: Aug. 9, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. EDT
Explore planet Kepler-452b, the first near-Earth-size world to be found in the habitable zone of a star that is similar to our sun. While this location doesn’t mean that the planet is inhabited, it does mean that it has many of the same characteristics as our own Earth-sun system, and the odds of it hosting life are worth further exploration. Register online to participate. https://www.eiseverywhere.com/254531

**NEW** Exploring Beyond the Planets: Our Eyes on the Universe
Audience: 5-12, Informal and Pre-service Educators
Event Date: Aug. 10, 2017, at 6 p.m. EDT
Learn how space telescopes are our “eyes on the universe” that expand our view and understanding of the solar system and beyond. The Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope and the electromagnetic spectrum will be explored. NASA STEM lessons, online resources and teaching strategies will be integrated. Register online to participate. https://www.eiseverywhere.com/265075

**NEW** Exploring Beyond the Planets: Water Worlds
Audience: K-12, Informal and Pre-service Educators
Event Date: Aug. 15, 2017, at 8 p.m. EDT
Explore a number of activities related to the water worlds Enceladus and Europa. These moons, consisting of huge liquid-water oceans, represent an exciting opportunity to contextualize science, mathematics and art standards in the classroom. Register online to participate https://www.eiseverywhere.com/269397

For a full schedule of upcoming NASA Educator Professional Development webinars, visit http://www.txstate-epdc.net/events/.

Questions about this series of webinars should be directed to Steve Culivan at stephen.p.culivan@nasa.gov.

Get Ready for the 2017 Solar Eclipse With NASA Resources
Audience: K-12 Educators
Event Date: Aug. 21, 2017

On Aug. 21, 2017, the United States will experience a solar eclipse! This celestial event will provide a golden opportunity to engage and educate diverse audiences, and NASA has the resources to help.

Along a path 60 to 70 miles wide stretching from Oregon to South Carolina, observers will be able to see a total solar eclipse. Others across North America will see a partial eclipse. The event will happen around lunch time across the country. For an interactive map with timing information along the path of the eclipse, visit http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2017Aug21Tgoogle.html.

Visit the following websites to find additional information and resources, including:
— Tips for safely viewing the solar eclipse.
— Recorded interviews with NASA scientists, mission specialists and eclipse path communities.
— Topical online eclipse videos, featuring a variety of STEM and cultural topics.
— Social media community development and networking.
— Mobile educational eclipse applications.
— Public challenges and engagement activities.
— 2-D and 3-D printing exercises for K-16 students.
— Citizen science campaigns in partnership with NASA mission observations.
— Adjunct activities and educational resources.
— Live streaming of observations and programming.

Total Eclipse 2017 — Through the Eyes of NASA
http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov

Eclipses and Transits
http://www.nasa.gov/eclipse

Free Eclipse Digital Experience Available from NASA and Infiniscope
Audience: Grades 5-12 and Informal Educators
Eclipse Date: Aug. 21, 2017

Introduce your students and informal audiences to an entirely new type of learning experience with “Eclipse 2017” from NASA and Infiniscope. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, the experience presents NASA’s “Eyes on the Solar System” visualization embedded within the immersive digital learning environment of Infiniscope. Learners will explore the Earth-moon-sun system; learn about shadows at the astronomical level; and predict the eclipse’s path of totality.

For more information, visit https://infiniscope.education/lesson/eclipse-2017/.

Please direct questions about this resource to Jessica Swann at jlswann@asu.edu.

Opportunities for Higher Education and Informal Institutions

**NEW** Register to Host: NASA’s Digital Learning Network Live Event — E-Day 2017: Total Solar Eclipse Webcast
Audience: Museums and Educational Institutions
Registration Deadline: Aug. 10, 2017
Event Date: Aug. 21, 2017, 1:15 – 3:15 p.m. EDT

NASA’s Digital Learning Network is looking for museums and other educational institutions to host a live virtual event in conjunction with the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. Host venues will connect with NASA for a two-hour solar eclipse extravaganza. A limited number of sites will be selected to participate in the LIVE event, and participants will ask questions of our experts directly. All sites must register and complete a technical test no later than Aug. 10, 2017.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/DLN_E-Day. Please direct questions about this opportunity to DLiNfochannel@gmail.com.

New 2017 Solar Eclipse Resources Available for Public Libraries
Audience: Librarians and Informal Educators

The total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, is quickly approaching! To help you prepare for the big event, STAR_Net has developed educational resources to assist libraries in creating promotional and program materials for events surrounding the eclipse.

Funded by the NASA@ My Library program, these materials include images, videos, posters, activities, webinars and more! Here are just a few highlights of what is available:

2017 Solar Eclipse Guide: This eclipse information booklet may be downloaded free by anyone at http://www.starnetlibraries.org/EclipseGuide/. The 24-page booklet includes background information on eclipses, times when the eclipse is visible over different parts of the country, safe viewing techniques, suggestions for good outreach partners for libraries, and more.

Online Course About the Sun and the 2017 Solar Eclipse: This course is perfect for librarians who want more extensive background information on how and why astronomers study the sun. It is a five-meeting course, and the last “class” is all about eclipse day. Check it out at http://www.starnetlibraries.org/2017eclipse/eclipse-resource-center/educational-resources/online-course/.

Eclipse-related STEM Clearinghouse Activities: Find fun, hands-on activities to bring the science behind the eclipse to life! Activities are available for a wide range of ages and interest areas. Learn more at http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_category=124&controller=category.

Eclipse Resources Forum: Share ideas and brainstorm with other librarians about eclipse programming and events. Join the discussion at http://www.starnetlibraries.org/forums/forum/eclipse-resources-forum/.

Please direct questions about these resources to Anne Holland at aholland@spacescience.com.

For more information about STAR_Net, visit http://www.starnetlibraries.org/.

Looking for more information about the 2017 solar eclipse? Visit NASA’s eclipse website at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/.

NASA Accepting Applications for NASA Spring Internships
Audience: High School, Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Application Deadline: Oct. 17, 2017

Now is your chance to apply for exciting hands-on spring internship opportunities available at all NASA centers. High school, undergraduate and graduate students are needed to help NASA scientists and engineers with ongoing scientific and engineering research, technology development and spaceflight operations activities. Internship opportunities also exist in nontechnical areas such as communications, budget, procurement, education and human resources. NASA internships are stipend-paid and offer students mentor-directed, degree-related, NASA-relevant tasks. If you think you have what it takes to be a NASA intern, please visit https://intern.nasa.gov today to apply or to learn more about the numerous opportunities available.

The deadline for spring applications is Oct. 17, 2017!

Please submit inquiries about the NASA Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarships One Stop Shopping Initiative, or NIFS OSSI, via https://intern.nasa.gov/oic/.

Check out the ‘Explore NASA Science’ website!
Science starts with questions, leading to discoveries. Explore the redesigned NASA Science site and send us feedback. Visit https://science.nasa.gov. To view the site in Spanish, visit http://ciencia.nasa.gov.

Don’t miss out on upcoming NASA education opportunities.
For a full list of events, opportunities and more, visit the Educators and Students Current Opportunity pages on NASA’s website:
— Educators http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/current-opps-index.html
— Students http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/current-opps-index.html

Are you looking for NASA educational materials to support your STEM curriculum?
Search hundreds of resources by subject, grade level, type and keyword at http://www.nasa.gov/education/resources/.

Find NASA science resources for your classroom.
NASA Wavelength is a digital collection of Earth and space science resources for educators of all levels — from elementary to college, to out-of-school programs. http://nasawavelength.org/

Visit NASA Education on the web:
NASA Office of Education: http://www.nasa.gov/education
For Educators: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/index.html
For Students: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/index.html
NASA Kids’ Club: http://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub

Did you miss last week’s NASA Education Science WOW! newsletter?
Visit the Science WOW! blog for an archive of previous messages.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/educationsciencewow/