NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Did you know there is a place where...

• NASA has educator guides on a variety of subjects for grades K-12.
  
  
• You can attend educational workshops on NASA related subjects.
  
  
• You can learn about NASA educational programs available for students and educators across the country.

Image to right: The purpose of a NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) is to help teachers learn about and use NASA's educational resources. Credit: NASA

Most of these resources are free to educators, and NASA is there to assist with instructions on how to use them.
 

That's where the NASA Educator Resource Center Network comes in. The purpose of a NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) is to help teachers learn about and use NASA's educational resources. Personnel at ERCs located throughout the United States work with teachers to find out what they need and to share NASA's expertise. The ERCs provide educators with demonstrations of educational technologies such as NASA educational Web sites and NASA Television. ERCs provide inservice and preservice training utilizing NASA instructional products.

Image to left: NASA's Aerospace Professional Development Center at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is part of NASA's Educator Resource Center Network. Credit: OSU

NASA Educational Resources are aligned with National Education Standards

Through the Educator Resource Center Network, NASA provides the expertise and necessary facilities to help educators access and utilize science, mathematics, technology, and geography instructional products. All of these products are aligned with national standards and appropriate state frameworks and are based on NASA's unique mission and results. ERCs also partner with local, state, and regional educational organizations to become part of the systemic education reform initiatives in the state.

Helpful things to know about NASA Educator Resource Centers

• NASA Educator Resource Centers provide services to those in the education community including teachers, scout leaders, public and private schools, homeschoolers, museums, planetariums, colleges and universities, and other education-related groups.

• It helps to be precise about your interests and requests, so have a topic and grade level in mind when you call. ERCs have limited amounts of materials available.

• NASA educational resources fall under categories such as Earth Science, Space Science, Living and Working in Space, Aeronautics, Aerospace, and topics related to Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Geography. Materials are designed to supplement K-University curriculum. Complete curriculum guides are not available from NASA.

Image to right: (left to right) Terry Sue Fanning and Leesa Hubbard preview materials to use in their classrooms while visiting the ERC on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Credit: NASA

• ERCs do not have materials to distribute such as pencils, pens, caps, t-shirts, etc.

• It is recommended that you make an appointment before you go to a NASA ERC. Personnel may be conducting workshops or other activities and may not be immediately available to assist you.

• ERCs house a collection of NASA educational videotapes which may be copied for educational purposes. Be sure and ask about copying procedures when calling for an appointment.

• Hours of operation may vary. If you plan to visit an ERC make sure you check the hours it is open.

• Ask for driving directions before you leave home. See if there are specific instructions about entering the ERC, especially if it is located on government property or in a museum or educational facility. Inquire about special passes or parking spaces.

• Confirm your appointment the day before you are scheduled to arrive. Sometimes unforeseen things arise and events have to be rescheduled.

• Many ERCs have Web sites. Bookmark the site and check often for new products and services.

• Have fun. NASA is an exciting place with much to offer the educational community.

How to locate a NASA Educator Resource Center

It's easy. Just locate the ERC for your state or region and give them a call. A friendly voice will ask what grades or subjects you teach and how they can assist you. Be sure to ask about workshops and services that the ERC can provide for your grade level. Links are provided at the end of this article for contact information and locations of NASA ERCs.

Image to left: The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Educator Resource Center is located at the Village at Indian Hill Mall in Pomona, Calif. Credit: NASA

The ERCs are listed under two categories - NASA Field Center ERCs and ERCs by State.

The Field Center ERCs are located on or near NASA centers. These ERCs service educators from states within their geographical region. These ERCs have a close association with NASA specialists, scientists, and engineers who often act as resources for workshops and special events. The NASA Field Center ERCs, as well as information on the geographical region served by each Field Center, are available at the link listed below.

Educator Resource Centers by State are located in planetariums, museums, on college or university campuses, or other nonprofit organizations. These ERCs often have partnerships with their state's education department or regional educational organizations. They also may be part of a resource center that offers educational resources in addition to NASA related ones. Most states have one ERC, but a few have more than one. A list of NASA Educator Resource Centers by state are available at the link listed below.

Image to right: The NASA Educator Resource Center in Florida is located in the Center of Space Education building at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It is denoted by the yellow star. Credit: Provided by Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex

Real Comments from Real Teachers

"The ERC is excellent for teachers. It is great to know that all of this is available."

"My first experience at the ERC was exciting and informative. The information we carried home was outstanding."

"The one thing I valued the most was the workshop. I have tons of related materials that I can share with my students and my co-workers."

NASA Field Center Educator Resource Centers
+ View list

Educator Resource Centers by State
+ View list

Related NASA Educational Resources:
Many of the official NASA Educational Products available at the ERCs are also available online.
+ View site

NASA Educational Multimedia Materials used by the ERCs are available for a minimal fee from the Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE).