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Friday, February 13, 2009

Quote of the Day
"When nothing is sure, everything is possible."
Margaret Drabble

Topics in This Issue
01. Only Two Weeks Left Until the February 27 Preregistration Deadline
02. ITEA Offers Two New Online Networking Opportunities
03. Awards
04. Two ITEA Members Scheduled for STS-119 Mission
05. Free for the Month of February
06. ITEA Announces the Formation of Five New Task Forces
07. Competition for Teachers
08. ASQ Survey: Engineering Not on Radar for Kids or Parents
09. "Lunacy" Unveiled to 42,000 High School Students at FIRST Robotics Kickoff
10. Watch a Replay of Jason Dunion's Live Classroom Broadcast
11. Free Online Newsletter Subscription from AAAS/Project 2061
12. "Greenovation" Focuses Students on Sustainability and Science
13. National Academies Seek Your Input
14. Become a "New Leaders for New Schools" Principal – Transform Urban Public Education
15. Teaching Ambassador Fellowship at the U.S. Department of Education
16. NCATE Updates: New Web Seminars for Program Reviewers
17. New Jersey News
18. NASA News
19. New Education Materials Available at NASA.gov
20. Harry Roman's Teacher Resource Books
21. ITEA Letter to New Secretary of Education
22. Now There's Enough Space in Your Classroom and Your Budget for 3D Printing

Only Two Weeks Left Until the February 27 Preregistration Deadline

The preregistration deadline for the ITEA Annual Conference in Louisville is Friday, February 27th – that's just two weeks from now.

Exciting programs and events continue to be planned for next month's conference – go to http://www.iteea.org/Conference/conferenceguide.htm and see these new additions to the Louisville Conference:

• New "Tool Time" session added on Friday at 4pm.
• Check out our exciting Friday keynote speaker, Nate Ball, and see videos of his invention that will be demonstrated on the exhibit floor following his general session address. (For a preview of Nate's rapid ascender invention, which he will be demonstrating live, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L4TAOFBj4Q&feature=channel.)
• Dr. Todd Kelley as the EPT Breakfast keynote speaker.

Register now and take advantage of the preregistration discount savings. In addition to all the professional development, networking, and learning opportunities you will experience, just look at the "added value" that you will receive when you attend this year's conference:

• FREE Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards (AETL), document, designed as a companion to Standards for Technological Literacy – all in ONE document.
• FREE Internet in your hotel room for those staying in the official ITEA room blocks at the conference hotels – Marriott, Springhill Suites, and Fairfield Inn.
• Entry into a drawing to win a FREE room night and FREE dinner for two in the Marriott's Blu or Champions restaurants during your stay (if you make your reservations through the official housing block).
• FREE lunch in the exhibit hall on Friday, March 27th, compliments of PITSCO.
• FREE gifts and prize drawings if you attend "Tool Time" on Friday, March 27th at 4pm.
• Entry into a drawing to win a $100 VISA gift card if you register by the February 27th preregistration deadline.
• Entry into prize drawings in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday AND Friday afternoons.

That's in addition to the top-notch programming that you will experience for three days. Choose from ten EbD™ Learning Labs, eight Preconference Specialized Workshops, four Educational Tours (the Slugger Museum is already sold out), two General Sessions, an action-packed Exhibit Hall, multiple offerings of Action Labs, and over 100 Professional Development Learning Sessions. Not to mention numerous social events and networking opportunities.

Go to the Louisville Preliminary Program – http://www.iteea.org/Conference/precon.pdf – for complete conference information. And, be sure to register before the February 27, 2009 deadline (that's in two weeks!) for fantastic preregistration savings and a chance to win that $100 VISA gift card!

Make your Hotel Reservation at the ITEA conference hotels – http://www.iteea.org/Conference/housing.htm.

Make an investment in your professional development and your future – don't miss this year's conference. Register NOW – http://www.iteea.org/Conference/registration.htm!

For complete conference details, go to http://www.iteea.org/Conference/conferenceguide.htm.

Don't miss out. Don't wait. Don't forget. The deadline to SAVE $ is February 27th. See you in Louisville!

ITEA Offers Two New Online Networking Opportunities

Sign Up Now for ITEA's Newest Technology Interest Group – TSA!

TSA – This forum is dedicated to those interested in the topic of the Technology Student Association. As a member of this community you can post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content, and access many other special features. In this TIG, you can discuss with other ITEA members issues regarding leadership curriculum, competitive events, encouraging student leaders, current products, and anything else related to the Technology Student Association. Moderator – Doug Miller, TSA State Advisor, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jefferson City, MO.

https://www.iteea.org/Forms/tigsform.htm

__________________________________

ITEA is “LinkedIn”

ITEA has created a group for members of LinkedIn, an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world. Through LinkedIn, you can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals with whom you need to work to accomplish your goals.

When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments. You can then form enduring connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to a vast number of qualified professionals and experts. Through your network you can:

• Manage the information that’s publicly available about you as professional.
• Find and be introduced to colleagues, service providers, and subject experts who come recommended.
• Create and collaborate on projects, gather data, share files, and solve problems.
• Be found for business opportunities and find potential partners.
• Gain new insights from discussions with like-minded professionals in private group settings.
• Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs.
• Post and distribute job listings to find the best talent for your organization.

Once you’re a member of LinkedIn, "ITEA Educators" can be accessed at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1787786.

Awards
Hurry! Deadlines are February 15, 2009!

Council on Technology Teacher Education (CTTE) Technology Teacher Educator of the Year Award
ITEA’s Council on Technology Teacher Education is preparing to nominate and select its Technology Teacher Educator of the Year. Council members are encouraged to submit nominations. Please take the time to consider your colleagues who are deserving of this award. Nominations are open until February 15, 2009, and nominees’ names can be emailed to mdemira@engr.colostate.edu.

Win $$$$$ - Apply for one of the Warner Awards Today and You Could Win $500!
Epsilon Pi Tau has opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and professionals to win monetary awards through the Epsilon Pi Tau Warner Awards Program. Please see the EPT website at http://www.Epsilonpitau.org for further information (go to "Membership Info" on the left side of the home page and click on "EPT Awards Program"), or contact your Regional Director or the International Office if you have any questions. Submission deadline is February 15, 2009. Email: ept@bgsu.edu.

Mass High Tech Announces “Women to Watch” Award Winners
Ten women who excel in technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and community involvement are being honored as leaders in their field through the 6th Annual “Women to Watch” Awards, announced today by Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England Technology. The publication, working with an advisory panel drawn from some of the region’s leading academic and business institutions, selected the 2009 honorees, who exemplify the best and brightest among women at the highest level of technology businesses in New England. On the list of “The 10 Women to Watch in 2009” is ITEA member Yvonne Spicer, Vice President, National Center for Technological Literacy, Museum of Science Boston. (Read the full story at http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2009/01/19/daily47-Mass-High-Tech-announces-Women-to-Watch-award-winners.html.) Congratulations, Yvonne!

Two ITEA Members Scheduled for STS-119 Mission

When Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off for its STS-119 mission (as early as February 22) there will be two ITEA members aboard. Joining mission specialist Joseph Acaba (profiled in last month’s issue of Inside TIDE) will be Richard Arnold, Mission Specialist-3.

A classmate of Acaba’s, Richard Arnold also was selected in 2004 and is making his first spaceflight. Arnold also participated in a NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) where he lived and worked in an undersea laboratory for 10 days. He will conduct three spacewalks on this mission. Arnold’s education experience includes an assignment as a science teacher at John Hanson Middle School in Waldorf, MD. In 1993, he taught college preparatory biology and marine environmental science at the Casablanca American School in Casablanca, Morocco. In 1996, he was employed as a middle and high school science teacher and Science Department chair at the American International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2001, he taught middle school mathematics and science at the International School of Kuala Kencana in West Papua, Indonesia. In 2003, he accepted a similar teaching position at the American International School of Bucharest in Bucharest, Romania.

Discovery's STS-119 flight, planned for later this month (but depending on the outcome of a special review meeting by NASA’s Space Shuttle Program managers) will deliver the International Space Station's fourth and final set of solar array wings, completing the station’s truss, or backbone. The shuttle also will deliver the first Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s resident station crew member and bring back a U.S. astronaut after more than three months aboard the orbiting laboratory. Visit NASA’s website at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/ for the latest updates.

ITEA's complete Technological Literacy Product Guide is accessible at http://www.iteea.org/Publications/productguide.htm.

ITEA Announces the Formation of Five New Task Forces

ITEA has announced the formation of five new task forces created to address its Long-Range Plan, developed in the summer of 2008. The Task Forces are as follows:

1. Improve the Public Perception of TE
2. Develop Future Leaders
3. Build a Presence for TE in Every School
4. Develop a High Profile Event to Showcase TE
5. Foster Business/Industry Partnerships

Task Forces 1-4 have adequate participation, but Task Force Number 5 was recently added and could use more member participation. If you have an interest in Business/Industry Partnerships or proven experience in this area and wish to join the Task Force, please contact ITEA president Len Litowitz at len.litowitz@millersville.edu. 

Competition for Teachers
Engineering Education Service Center Curriculum Competition

Engineering Education Rocks! is the theme for the EESC's first curriculum competition. Submit your best engineering activities and win prizes!

Hands-on activities and project-based learning are fun and effective ways to help students learn and retain more math and science concepts. By choosing to teach engineering, educators can help students make the links between classroom learning, their everyday lives, and the wider world. Project-based learning can help students visualize abstract science and math concepts. Using hands-on activities, engineering design serves as the bridge to bring color to math and science concepts. This bridge makes our designed world more understandable, relevant, and fun. Contest ends on April 30, 2009.

Grand Prize: $500 Shopping Spree
Second Place: A Set of Classroom Posters
Third Place: Set of DVDs
Honorable mentions to be awarded at judges' discretion.

For more information, visit http://www.engineeringedu.com/contestcurr.html.

ASQ Survey: Engineering Not on Radar for Kids or Parents
http://www.cpst.org/hrdata/documents/pwm13s/C462D041.pdf

When it comes to kids' dream jobs, engineering has its own problem to solve. An overwhelming 85% of kids ages 8-17 say that they are not interested in a future engineering career for a variety of reasons, according to recent surveys of youth and adults conducted by Harris Interactive® on behalf of American Society for Quality (ASQ). The ASQ survey (among youth ages 8-17 as well as among parents) aimed to provide a better understanding about the perceptions of selecting an engineering career in light of a troubling shortage of U.S. engineers, which will reach 70,000 by 2010 based on an estimate by the National Science Foundation.

In an effort to raise awareness of engineering as a career choice, ASQ is developing a webinar for young people, parents, and educators. The webinar will be available on the ASQ website during National Engineers Week, February 15-21. Titled Real World of Engineering, it will feature ASQ members and engineers. The webinar is designed to provide middle/high school students and parents a clear view of what engineers do and the skills necessary to become an engineer, and provide them inside perspective from engineers working on interesting projects. More information on the webinar will be available at http://www.asq.org/education.

Source: Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology - 28 January 2009
http://www.cpst.org/

"LUNACY" Unveiled to 42,000 High School Students at FIRST Robotics Kickoff

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) launched its eighteenth FIRST Robotics Competition season recently with a kickoff of a new robotics game called "Lunacy." The FIRST Robotics Competition is an annual competition that helps students discover the rewards and excitement of science, engineering, and technology. In the "Lunacy" game, robots are designed to pick up 9" game balls and score them in trailers hitched to their opponents' robots for points during a 2 minute and 15 second match. "Lunacy" is played on a low-friction floor, which means teams must contend with the laws of physics.

Working with mentors, students have six weeks to design, build, program, and test their robots to meet the season's engineering challenge. Once these young inventors create a robot, their teams participate in competitions that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students. More details are at http://www.usfirst.org.

Source: Triangle Coalition Electronic Bulletin, January 15, 2009 - Volume 15, Number 2  Online Version (http://www.trianglecoalition.org/curtceb.htm)
Published by: Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education

Watch a Replay of Jason Dunion's Live Classroom Broadcast

You and your students can join NOAA hurricane researcher Jason Dunion in the JASON Mission Center (JMC – http://www.jason.org/Public/JASONMissionCenter/TheJasonMissionCenter.aspx) and watch a recording of the live event that was held on January 27th!
 
Jason is one of the lucky (and very brave) few who fly hurricane-hunter aircraft directly into the eye of the storm. A Host Researcher for Operation: Monster Storms, our award-winning weather curriculum, Jason appeared on streaming video and answered student questions live. Students submitted questions via video and text, asking Jason about his hurricane-hunting experiences, what keeps him interested in science, and much more. Students also responded to live polls during the event—and you can see how their answers compare to your classroom's!
 
To view the event, log into the JMC at http://www.jason.org/public/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fgated%2flive%2fLive.aspx%3feid%3d1&eid=1&bhcp=1 and click Live Events on the left navigation bar.

If you have any questions about this or future events, please email help@jason.org.

Free Online Newsletter Subscription from AAAS/Project 2061

AAAS/Project 2061 is discontinuing its print newsletter, Project 2061 Connections. If you do not already receive Connections, you are urged to sign up now for a FREE subscription. It’s the best way to keep up to date on Project 2061’s latest research, new tools, and professional development opportunities. Go to http://project2061.org/listpref to subscribe.

“Greenovation” Focuses Students on Sustainability and Science

Lutron® Electronics Company's project combines energy-efficient lighting with an online integrated curriculum to inspire students to action

Lutron Electronics Company is helping schools take steps toward sustainability and driving energy conservation initiatives in communities while teaching students with real-world data through its Greenovation program (http://www.greenovationnation.com). Greenovation features an energy-efficient upgrade to classroom, hallway, or gymnasium lighting integrated with supplemental online science and math lessons, a social networking site for project-based learning, and community outreach programs. Used together, the program helps students learn science while inspiring them to action.

Using Greenovation, students will learn about their carbon footprint and sustainability as they cover such topics as energy, conserving energy, sunlight, light and color, electricity, creating light, lighting systems, and waveforms. Each lesson includes a flash-based, narrated online presentation that introduces the topic, a downloadable, customizable PowerPoint presentation, lesson plans, out-of-classroom activities for students, and more.

The other components of Greenovation include a secure, online social network that allows teachers and students to collaborate on green efforts and to create comparative projects with other Greenovation classrooms. The Community Outreach area will offer project ideas and tools to build community awareness for sustainability and energy efficiency. Visit http://www.lutron.com for additional information.

National Academies Seek Your Input

What topics in science, engineering, and medicine matter most to you? The National Academies are interested in developing useful and engaging print and web-based educational materials on the topics that you'd like to learn more about. They invite you to participate in a brief survey. In the two-minute survey you'll be presented with a list of topics and asked to select the five that matter most to you. At the end, you can see how your answers compare with the results so far. And you can enter a drawing to receive a National Academies tote bag! Let the National Academies know what topics you think they should focus on so they can be sure to provide you with materials that are informative and useful. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Click here.

Source: NSTA Express, Week of January 12, 2009

Become a “New Leaders for New Schools” Principal – Transform Urban Public Education
Deadline: February 17, 2009

New Leaders for New Schools is currently accepting final deadline applications for its next cohort. New Leaders for New Schools drives academic excellence in urban public schools by training and supporting exceptional educators to lead schools across the country. Participants are equipped with a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge and skills to successfully lead and manage an urban public school. New Leaders provides:
•   Rigorous principal training.
•   A year-long, paid residency in a public, district, or charter school.
•   Ongoing leadership coaching and school support from successful veteran principals.
•   Membership in a nationwide community of driven and results-oriented colleagues.
•   Administrative certification (New Leaders may enter the program with certification).
The complete application can be found at http://www.nlns.org/Admissions.jsp, or contact Jaynelle St. Jean at jstjean@nlns.org or 646-792-1070 x343.

Teaching Ambassador Fellowship at the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education has announced the opening of applications for the Teaching Ambassador Fellowship at the U.S. Department of Education for the 2009-2010 school year. Currently practicing, state-certified Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade public school teachers and instructional specialists/coaches with at least three years of teaching experience are eligible to apply by March 16, 2009. For the 2008-2009 pilot year of the Fellowship program, 20 part-time Classroom Fellows and 5 full-time Washington Fellows are serving as Teaching Ambassador Fellows, learning about and contributing to the national dialogue on education policy. For more information about the 2009-2010 Fellowship application and other opportunities to learn about federal education policy and public resources supporting classroom teaching and learning, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html.

Source: Triangle Coalition Electronic Bulletin, January 29, 2009 - Volume 15, Number 4  Online Version (http://www.trianglecoalition.org/curtceb.htm)
Published by: Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education

NCATE UPDATES: New Web Seminars for Program Reviewers

NCATE is offering web seminars for program reviewers during the first week of March, focusing on updates to the program review process and reviewer decision-making. Please join us for any of these live sessions. Recorded sessions will also be available on the NCATE website about a week following the presentation. There is no charge for the seminars, but registration is on a first-come-first-served basis and the number of participants is limited.

• “Lead Reviewer Overview” March 3, 2-3pm Eastern Standard Time
  Register at http://tinyurl.com/7uy7e5
•  “Program Reviewer Update” March 4, 2-3pm Eastern Standard Time
  Register at http://tinyurl.com/86wfr8
•  “Update for First-time Program Reviewers” March 5, 2-3pm Eastern Standard Time
  This session is for people who have attended a training session and will be reviewing programs for the first time. It will include an introduction to the online Program Review System (PRS).
  Register at http://tinyurl.com/8feyag

New Jersey News

Innovative Technology Educator Deadline
This year, NJTEA will honor six members with the Innovative Technology Educator Award. This award carries a $10,000.00 unrestricted cash award for each honoree. Information on the application process can be found at http://www.NJTEA.org. The deadline for submission is February 28, 2009.

Alternative Energy Workshop Rescheduled
The Alternative Energy Workshop sponsored by the Edison Innovation Foundation was canceled due to poor weather conditions. The new date is March 11, 2009. This workshop is FREE for NJTEA members and will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark. Content will include speakers and activities on solar power, geo-thermal, and wind energies. If you missed the first round of registration, please email Edison@njtea.org and request more information. Those registered for the old date must RSVP via email for the new workshop.

Spring PLCs on Manufacturing
This spring, NJTEA is proud to continue our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) with a new topic:  “Manufacturing – From hand tools to rapid prototyping in your classroom.” Events will take place in the north, central, and southern areas of New Jersey and rely on the involvement of our members. If manufacturing is a part of your class, please consider bringing an activity or method of delivering this content to one of these events. If you would like to do more with manufacturing in your class, please consider attending. 

• North Area (NJIT) – March 3rd – Contact Purvik Patel at patelp@northernhighlands.org
• Central Area (Hillsborough HS) – March 10 – Contact Trish Drevelus at tdrevelus@ucvts.tec.nj.us
• South Area (Denton Vacuum) – March 17th – Contact Chris Better at cbetter@gatewayhs.com

Apply for the Environmental Community Service Award
We hope your school will participate in the Fourth Annual Environmental Community Service Award presented by NBC 10, Wawa, and the environmental law firm of Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP. Our goal is to encourage schools to create meaningful environmental programs that connect students to their community. See the MGKF website at http://www.mgkflaw.com/MGKFinTheNews2008/mgkfNews-20081114.html for submission details and deadlines.

A winning middle school and high school will be announced around Earth Day in April, 2009, and each will receive $5,000 toward furthering environmental education. If you have any questions, please contact Allison Cradic at allison@sf-pr.com or 215-627-0801, ext. 102.

Source: NJTEA Update #17

NASA News

INSPIRE
The INSPIRE Project, Inc. is pleased to offer the following 2008-09 opportunities for high school and college students and educators in all the fields of physical sciences. These programs are made possible by the generous continuing support of our sponsors and donors. 

2009 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center INSPIRE Paid Internships
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Internship Awards: $5,000 per recipient, plus $400 travel stipend
http://theinspireproject.org/index.php?page=internship-program

Space Academy for Educators Scholarship Program
JULY 2009 NASA Marshall Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Application Deadline: March 16, 2009. 
http://theinspireproject.org/index.php?page=nasa-space-camp

Robotics Weekend Workshop Scholarship Program
JULY 2009 NASA Marshall Flight Center, Huntsville AL
Application Deadline: March 16, 2009
http://theinspireproject.org/index.php?page=robotics-weekend-workshop-for-educators

 INSPIRE Journal – January 2009 Issue
 http://theinspireproject.org/uploads/Inspire_Journal/Recent/INSPIREJournal09Jan.pdf
 
For more information on The INSPIRE Project, Inc. visit our new website: http://www.TheINSPIREProject.org or contact Kathleen Franzen, President, at president@TheINSPIREProject.org or 202-547-1364.

2009 Thacher Scholars Awards for K-12 Students
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies is currently accepting entries for the 2009 Thacher Scholars Awards. The awards will be given to students in Grades 9-12 who demonstrate the best use of geospatial technologies or data to study Earth. Eligible geospatial tools and data include satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information systems, and Global Positioning System. The main focus of the project must be on the application of the geospatial tool(s) or data to study a problem related to the Earth's environment.
 
Entries must be postmarked by April 6, 2009. Entries may also be submitted electronically. For more information, visit http://www.strategies.org/ThacherScholars. Please email any questions about this opportunity to ThacherScholars@strategies.org.

NASA Students Now on Facebook
NASA has a Facebook page designed for students in Grades 9-12 and higher education. The page is updated daily, excluding weekends and holidays. It features information for students regarding competitions, feature articles, podcasts, videos, and more. Information is also posted to update students on opportunities that have an upcoming deadline, when the space shuttle is preparing for a launch or a landing, and other significant NASA events.
 
Facebook members can join. Just search for NASA Students @ www.nasa.gov. Or visit
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=34760681199.

2009 NASA Postdoctoral Program Accepting Applications
The NASA Postdoctoral Program provides talented postdoctoral scientists and engineers with valuable opportunities to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. The Postdoctoral Program serves as a source of talent to ensure the continued quality of the NASA research workforce. These one- to three-year fellowship appointments are competitive and are designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
 
Applications for this opportunity are due on March 1, 2009. For further information about this opportunity and to apply online, visit http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm. Questions regarding this opportunity may be submitted by email to nasapostdoc@orau.org.
 
2009 NASA Planetary Biology Internship
The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program provides opportunities each year for nine or ten interns to undertake research at NASA research centers, NASA-sponsored laboratories, and academic institutions. The pursuit of such studies is expected to broaden the base of this new science by encouraging people in many different fields to take part.
 
Graduate students accepted in the PBI program will be expected to carry out research with a NASA-sponsored investigator for eight weeks, usually during the summer months. Typical programs in which interns may become involved include: global ecology and remote sensing; microbial ecology and bio-mineralization; advanced life support; and origin and early evolution of life.
 
Applications are due March 2, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/other_programs/pbi.html. Please email questions about this opportunity to Michael Dolan at pbi@geo.umass.edu.
 
NASA Undergraduate Student Research Project Fall 2009 Session
NASA’s Undergraduate Student Research Project is currently accepting applications for 15-week fall 2009 internships. These internships offer students the opportunity to work alongside NASA scientists and engineers at NASA's field centers, laboratories, and test facilities.
 
Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a 3.0 GPA. They must have an academic major or course work concentration in engineering, math, computer science, or physical or life sciences. Participants work on practical problems that will be applied in aerospace or on future NASA missions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
 
The application deadline for the fall 2009 session is March 6, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Undergraduate_Student_Research_Project.html.

New Education Materials Available at NASA.gov

The Educational Materials section of NASA's website offers classroom activities, educator guides, posters, and other types of resources that are available for use in the classroom. Materials are listed by type, grade level, and subject. The following items are now available for downloading.
 
2008 NASA Education Highlights
NASA is taking a leading role in the effort to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through its unique mission, workforce, facilities, research, and innovations. NASA continues to pursue three major education goals: strengthening NASA’s and the nation’s future workforce, attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines, and engaging Americans in NASA’s mission. Read the highlights of NASA's education strategy in pursuance of these goals. From collaborations with Disney to more than one million students’ participation in the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber, 2008 was a year to commemorate NASA's 50th anniversary of exploration and a year of innovation. 
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/2008_NASA_Education_Highlights.html
 
Rockets Educators Guide – Grades K-12
Few classroom topics generate as much excitement as rockets. The scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical foundations of rocketry provide exciting classroom opportunities for authentic hands-on, minds-on experimentation. The activities and lesson plans contained in this educator guide emphasize hands-on science, prediction, data collection and interpretation, teamwork, and problem solving. The guide also contains background information about the history of rockets and basic rocket science. The rocket activities in this guide support national curriculum standards for science, mathematics, and technology. The Rockets Educator Guide is available as a complete guide or can be downloaded in easy-to-use individual lesson plans.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Rockets.html
 
Spacesuits Bookmark – All Grades
Mark your place and learn about spacesuits. This downloadable bookmark has the Web address for the educational spacesuit site.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Spacesuits_Bookmark.html
 
Space Faring: The Radiation Challenge Unit – Grades 6-12
Space radiation can be an obstacle to exploration. In this teaching unit, students learn about the types of radiation, the types of damage to DNA caused by radiation, and how to prevent exposure. The lesson plans in these units of study are hands-on investigations that encourage the use of science, mathematics, engineering, technology, problem solving, and inquiry skills. The activities provide a general framework that can be modified based on student needs and classroom resources.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Space_Faring_Radiation.html

Harry Roman’s Teacher Resource Booklets

TTT contributor, Harry Roman, has done it again! Here are three of his newest books, available from Nasco. All of these provide creative activities designed for teachers by a teacher on a “hot” topic: solar energy. These are great projects that will excite your classroom.

Experimenting with Solar Thermal Systems
16 pages. Grades 5-9.

Solar Energy Experiments for Your Classroom
15 pages. Grades 5-9.

Heat from the Sun Book
40 pages. Grades 5-9.

For complete information right from the author, email Harry Roman at harry661@verizon.net.

Submissions to Inside TIDE

To submit news or calendar items to Inside TIDE, email: kcluff@iteea.org.

End of Inside TIDE, Friday, February 13, 2009