NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Educators who are authorized to borrow samples must reserve your samples online by clicking here.

Becoming an Authorized Borrower for Lunar Samples

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center periodically conducts National Lunar/Meteorite Certification Workshops. Workshops are open to all K-12 educators, college instructors, museums and planetariums for educational purposes only.

Museums and Planetariums that schedule educational programs may also request the disk for use.

For more information:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Lunar/Meteorite Sample Program - Code 130.3
Greenbelt, MD 20771
(301) 286-8570 -Phone
(301) 286-1781 - Fax
Lunar Program Manager E-mail: Jeanette Hilty

Scheduling a Lunar or Meteorite Sample

Indicate the dates you wish to schedule the loan (one to two weeks) plus two alternative dates. The letter MUST be on school/institutional stationery including the telephone number where you can be reached during the day. Please mail or fax (301-286-1781) a COPY of your Certification Form. If you are not certified, you need to complete a Lunar/Meteorite Workshop (see above). Loans must be scheduled 6 months in advance.

You will receive a Storage and Disk Agreements. Be sure to fill out ALL parts of the agreements and return it promptly to the above address.

Once your Storage and Disk Agreements are approved, you will be sent an Approval Letter that states when your sample(s) will be mailed to you and on what date the sample should be mailed back. The lunar sample kit will be mailed to your school on the designated date. YOUmust personally sign for the delivery at which time the sample(s) will come under your immediate and direct supervision.

What's Included in the Kits

Included in the materials will be:

• Two forms: Handling Procedures and Mailing Instructions
• A numbered lunar or meteorite sample disk
• A lunar sample notebook which includes an Educator's Guide Exploring the Moon and the slide set The Moon: Geologic History and Future Exploration
• A meteorite sample notebook which includes the Educator's Guide Exploring Meteorite Mysteries and the slide set Exploring Meteorite Mysteries
• Videos (for lunar samples): Samples From the Moon, On the Shoulder's of Giants, Phases and Craters of the Moon
• Video (for meteorite samples): Cool Comets & Awesome Asteroids
• Please follow directions on the instruction sheet and call when sample(s) arrive.

Mailing and Handling Instructions

When the Lunar/Meteorite Sample Package ARRIVES…

• Sign the return receipt. This MUST be done by you.
• Open the package, including the case, to verify that everything is there.
• Call to (301) 286-8570 to verify receipt of the sample(s) and contents.
• Remind your school officials about the use of the vault or safe.

While the Lunar/Meteorite Sample Disk is in your POSSESSION…

• Never leave the lunar/meteorite sample unattended.
• Use the lunar/meteorite sample(s) ONLY at the locations that you indicated on your security agreement.
• Handle the lunar/meteorite sample CAREFULLY. The soft shell is easily scratched.
• When not in use, the lunar/meteorite sample(s) should be SECURED in the vault or safe.

When the Lunar/Meteorite Sample package is ready for RETURN…

• Pack the materials in the box the same way they arrived. Pack the sample in the following order:
  1. Lay the bubble wrap in the base and along the sides of the box.
  2. Place the silver container in the bottom of the box.
  3. Put the 3-Ring Binder(s) on top of the silver case.
  4. Place the videotape(s) on the top of the binder(s).
  5. Use gummed paper tape ONLY to seal the box.
  6. Enjoy using the sample with your participants!
• Complete the Data/Feedback Form (see below)
• Insure the package for $100 to cover the materials.
• Send via REGISTER MAIL to: (Return receipt requested is highly recommended):
  

  Lunar/Meteorite Project
  Code 130.3
  NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
  Greenbelt, MD 20771
  

  Obtain a receipt from the Post Office. Enjoy this experience. Share the experience with as many of your students and faculty as possible.

Providing Feedback on the Program

1. Click here to open the Feedback form
2. Under ERCN site select NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
3. Type GSFC in the box NASA Center
4. Complete form
5. Select 'Submit(after completing form)'

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