Teacher Workshops: From Earth's Climate Change to the Moon and Mars
Several teacher workshops are being offered this spring and summer at the NASA/JPL Educator Resource Center in Pomona, Calif. The workshops are free, but interested educators must contact the resource center in advance at 909-397-4420.
Here is a list of the workshops:
Chemistry and Climate Change
Apr. 20, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Recommended for teachers, grades 3 - 8
In this workshop, teachers will get an overview of what NASA scientists know about climate change and how they know it. There will be a quick introduction to the periodic table of elements, some simple chemistry and a chance for teachers to brainstorm on some “green inventions.” This is a great standards-based way to teach and inspire students to think about human impact on the environment.
Lunar and Meteorite Sample Certification
May 11 and Aug. 24, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Recommended for teachers, grades K - 12
NASA makes real moon rocks and meteorites available for teachers to borrow. The samples are from NASA's historic Apollo missions. This certification workshop is required in order to bring the excitement of real lunar rock and meteorite samples to your students.
Robotics and the Marsbound Challenge
July 13, 1 - 3 p.m.
Recommended for teachers, grades 5 - 12
Learn how to use the Marsbound Challenge board activity to teach students how to plan a mission to Mars, practice basic math skills and work in collaborative groups just like real engineers. In the activity, students begin with a $250 million budget and see what they can achieve! On Blooms Taxonomy, this activity is at the evaluation level.
For more information and directions to the NASA/JPL Educator Resource Center, go to http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=115