February 2009 Education Update

NASA Earth and Space Science Education E-News
February 2009

This monthly broadcast includes upcoming educational programs, events, opportunities and the latest resources from NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
(1) NASA GSFC Employees Featured During Black History Month
(2) CINDI on Earth and Sky Radio (week of Feb. 1)
(3) ISS EarthKAM Winter 2009 Mission: Middle School Educators (Feb. 3-6)
(4) Celebrate IYA with Spectacular Images from NASA’s Great Observatories (Feb 10-28)
(5) NASA’s Explore Ice! Worlds Offers Free Webcasts for Informal Educators (Feb-March)
(6) NASA Events at AAAS/Physics Teachers Conference (Feb. 12-16)
(7) Orbiting Carbon Observatory: Launch Conference for K-16 Educators (applications due: Feb. 13; event held Feb. 21-22) 
(8) The Sunday Experiment at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Feb. 15)
(9) Family Science Nights at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Feb. 19)
(10) Earth Science Webcast Series for Teachers, Grades 3-8 (Feb. 19)
(11) NASA Langley and the National Alliance of Black Educators Offer Online Earth Science Lecture Series for 2009 (Feb. 19)
(12) CINDI Conference Workshops, Middle-High School Teachers (Feb. 21)
(13) NASA’s Digital Learning Network Presents Space Science Videoconferences for Educators (Feb. 25)
(14) Help Choose Hubble’s Next Discovery (cast your vote by March 1)
(15) Public Lecture Series at Library of Congress: Farming, Food Security, and Climate (March 3)
(16) K-12 Teachers: Apply to be a NASA Endeavor Fellow (March 6)
(17) DAWN Mars Flyby Educator Workshop for K-12 and Informal (March 7)
(18) 2009 Sun Earth Day: Our Sun, Yours to Discover (March 20)
(19) No Boundaries National Competition for High School Students (Entries due May 25)
(20) Contribute to the Global Climate Campaign as a Cyberparticipant

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
(21) Proposal Opportunity: Science Education and Public Outreach Forums (Notice of Intent due Feb. 11; Proposals due April 9, 2009)
(22) Proposal Opportunity: Education Associates Program (Proposals due Feb. 6)

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

(23) New on the ‘Sea Level From Space’ Web Site
(24) Practical Uses of Math and Science (PUMAS) Web Site Upgrade
(25) Toolkit for Developing Interactive, Scientific, Web-based Learning Activities
(26) New Space Math Problems
(27) Earth Observatory Feature Article: Climate and Earth’s Energy Budget
(28) NASA Students on Facebook
(29) New NASA Education Materials Online, Grades 5-8
(30) Ocean Motion, NASA Web Site for Students, Grades 9-12
(31) Take AIM at Climate Change (Music Video)

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SCIENCE NEWS

(32) NASA Kepler Mission Launch Planned for March
(33) NASA Sees the Dark Side of the Sun
(34) NASA Radar Provides First Look Inside Moon’s Shadowed Craters
(35) Report Calls Aerosol Research Key to Improving Climate Predictions
(36) Discovery of Methane Reveals Mars is Not a Dead Planet
(37) Giant Rockets Could Revolutionize Astronomy
(38) New NASA Balloon Successfully Flight-Tested
(39) Sixteen Tons of Moondust
(40) NASA-Funded Study Reveals Hazards of Severe Weather

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CALENDAR
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS/EVENTS

(1) NASA GSFC EMPLOYEES FEATURED DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Join NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center during February, in celebrating Black History Month. Each week a different African-American employee from GSFC will be featured in short (2-3 minute) video clips, that will be available at http://www.nasa.gov/goddard.  Employees will talk about their careers, career paths and, in some cases, obstacles and challenges they have faced.

Week of Feb. 2 -- Dewayne Washington, Public Affairs Officer
Week of Feb. 2 -- Noble Jones, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Engineer
Week of Feb. 9 -- Denna Lambert, Disabilities Program Manager
Week of Feb. 16 -- Danielle Wood, M.I.T. Ph.D. Student/NASA Researcher
Week of Feb. 23 -- Jahi Wartts, Business Resource Analyst

(2) CINDI ON EARTH & SKY RADIO (Week of Feb 1)
Tune into Earth and Sky radio the week of Feb. 1 to hear Dr. Rod Heelis, University of Texas at Dallas, discussing results from the CINDI mission in a show titled, “Space Storms Disrupt GPS, Satellite Radio Signals.” The Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI) is a joint NASA/US Air Force effort, studying the ionosphere (upper atmosphere) using plasma sensors built by the Center for Space Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas.

For showtimes, check for  local listings at http://www.earthsky.org/about/radio-affiliates. The show will also be available as a podcast at http://www.earthsky.org/radioshows/.

(3) ISS EARTHKAM WINTER 2009 MISSION: MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATORS
Feb. 3-6, 2009

Middle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Winter 2009 Mission on Feb. 3-6, 2009. The ISS EarthKAM education project provides stunning, high-quality photographs of Earth taken from the space shuttle and International Space Station. Since 1996, ISS EarthKAM students have taken thousands of photographs of Earth by using the Internet to direct a digital camera on select spaceflights and, currently, on the International Space Station.

For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the ISS EarthKAM Home Page: http://http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/

(4) Celebrate IYA with Spectacular Images from NASA’s Great Observatories (Feb 10-28)
In recognition of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first celestial observations, 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy. To celebrate, NASA’s Great Observatories – the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-Ray Observatory – are collaborating to produce spectacular multi-wavelength views of our universe.

February marks Galileo’s Birthday (Feb. 15, 1564). Over 100 U.S.-based science centers, museums, planetariums, nature centers and other informal education venues have been selected as sites for the national unveiling and display of a new multi-wavelength image in February 2009. These enthusiastic partners will hold an image unveiling event between February 10 and February 28, 2009 to help members of their local communities discover the universe for themselves, and will display the image prints for an extended period.

For more information, including a listing of the 100 informal education venues that are participating, go to: http://hubblesource.stsci.edu/events/iya.

(5) NASA’s Explore! Ice Worlds Offers Free WebCastS for INFORMAL Educators

“Explore! Ice Worlds” (http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities) is a suite of activities designed for children ages 8 to 13 in celebration of the International Polar Year.  Developed by the Lunar and Planetary Institute and funded by NASA, the activities are intended for the informal learning environments, including libraries, after-school programs, and museums. All activities are tied to National Science Education Standards and use inexpensive, easy-to-find materials.

Free Webcast training in using these activities will be available in either one 4-hour session or over three separate one-and-a-half hour sessions, spaced a week apart. A complete training session includes discussion with a NASA polar scientist and demonstrations of the activities. Participants completing the training receive a certificate for four professional development hours and are eligible for drawings for Earth and space resources. Register with Katy Buckaloo at buckaloo@lpi.usra.edu / 281-486-2106.

Upcoming training sessions are:

  • Tuesdays Feb. 10, 17, and 24, 2009 at 3:00 Eastern (1.5 hours each)
  • Thursday Feb. 12, 2009 at 1:00 Eastern (4 hours)
  • Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 1:00 Eastern (4 hours)

(6) NASA EVENTS AT AAAS/PHYSICS TEACHERS CONFERENCE
Feb. 12-16, Chicago

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Joint Conference will bring together an exceptional array of presentations, including the following NASA workshops:

Exploring Beyond the Solar System, Feb. 13, 1-5:00pm
Deepen your content knowledge of the universe beyond our solar system and practice strategies for teaching and learning about current scientific models and evidence for the origin and evolution of our universe of galaxies.  See: http://www.aapt.org/events/available.cfm.

Family Science Days, Feb. 14-15
Riverside Center Exhibit Hall at the Hyatt Regency Chicago
A community science showcase will feature hands-on demonstrations and other family and kid-friendly activities.  This is a free event for the general public. For more information contact Lindsay Bartolone at: lbartolone@adlerplanetarium.org.

Seeing the Invisible, Feb. 12, 9-12 noon
This workshop for middle and high school teachers will engage participants in hands-on activities, observing different wavelengths of light or electromagnetic energy and what can be used to "block" it. See: http://www.aapt.org/events/available.cfm.

(7) ORBITING CARBON OBSERVATORY EDUCATOR LAUNCH CONFERENCE: Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)
Feb. 21-23, 2009 – Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Registration Deadline:  Feb. 13, 2009

OCO will provide space-based observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide and will improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the distribution of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

This program is geared to K-16 educators and administrators and will provide a general introduction to the specific NASA mission and a variety of K-12 education workshops and specific science related to the satellite mission being launched. All K-12 educators will be provided learning opportunities as well as a teacher’s guide, a classroom poster and mission CD for classroom use. For more information and to register, visit http://endeavours.org/sec/.

(8) The Sunday Experiment at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
The Sunday Experiment is a two-hour open house – the 3rd Sunday of each month from 1-3 pm - for kids, families and teachers in the Washington, DC, area. During the event, families get to participate in a variety of hands-on activities, demos and explore the Goddard Space Flight Center Visitor Center.  For more information, visit: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/sunday.php.  

Upcoming events include:

  • Feb. 15: Hubble Servicing Mission-4 (SM4)
  • Mar. 15: Astrophysics

(9) Family Science Nights at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
This monthly two-hour program is open to the DC metro area middle school kids and their families. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. The Goddard Visitor Center, the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Astrophysics Science Division support this event.  For more information, visit: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/fsn.php.

Upcoming Family Science Nights include:

  • Feb. 19: Exploring the Moon
  • Mar. 19: Batteries Not Included
  • April 16: Now you see it … Now you don’t (eclipses)
  • May 21: Searching for Other Worlds (search for planets outside our solar system)
  • TBD in June or July: Family Science Night Overnight.

(10) EARTH SCIENCE Webcast Series for teachers (Grades 3-8)
NASA Langley Research Center - in co-operation with NOAA and the Virginia Department of Education Region 2 Math/Science Coalition - will offer a series of professional development programs for teachers of grades 3-8 . Each of the five monthly webcasts will address a different Earth system science topic. The webcasts may be accessed on the NASA Digital Learning Network at http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/.

Upcoming Webcasts:

  • Feb. 19: The Water Cycle: Earth vs. Mars (4:00-5:30pm EST)
  • Mar. 19: Solar Radiation and the Atmosphere (4:00-5:30pm EST)
  • Apr. 16: Tides (4:00-5:30pm EST)
  • June 18: The Story of Ocean Heat Storage (4:00-5:30pm EST)

(11) NASA Langley / National Alliance of Black School Educators Lecture Series for 2009
Join NASA's Langley Research Center and the National Alliance of Black School Educators for a series of free, interactive programs that allow you and your students to learn more about our home planet and the universe beyond. For more information about these webcasts and videoconferences, and to submit questions to be answered during the events, visit http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=1646.

Upcoming Webcasts:

  • Feb. 19: The Earth System, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT
  • March 19: Earth and Mars: A Tale of Two Planets, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT
  • April 9: Global Warming: Causes and Consequences, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

(12) CINDI CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS, MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS Feb. 21, Dallas/Fort Worth, Colleyville Heritage High School

The Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI) is a joint NASA/US Air Force project focusing on the ionosphere (upper atmosphere) using plasma sensors built by the Center for Space Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. The upcoming workshops will take place at the Dallas/Fort Worth Mini-Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching. For more information, visit: http://cindispace.utdallas.edu/education/.

Middle School CINDI Workshop: Meet Middle School TEKS and Explore Space Weather with a Texas-Built Space Mission
Learn how the layers of our atmosphere, scale in the Earth-Moon system, where space begins, and our dynamic sun are all connected to space weather with the joint NASA/Air Force/UT Dallas CINDI project. CDs with all resources, including our popular comic book in English and Spanish, will be provided!

High School CINDI Workshop: Space Weather in the Physics Classroom
See how NASA’s CINDI mission can bring cutting edge science into your classroom, make connections to real world exploration, and support development of basic physics concepts. Participants will receive CD-ROMs including our popular CINDI in Space comic book, and real CINDI data presented with Google EarthTM.

(13) NASA's Digital Learning Network presents SPACE SCIENCE videoconferences for Edudcators
To assist educators in staying current on NASA education resources and related products, NASA’s Digital Learning Network presents a series of videoconferences. During each event, product producers, authors and experts will demonstrate their materials designed to optimize awareness and understanding of science concepts. Instructional objectives, accessing the materials and primary contacts for the materials will also be discussed. During the videoconferences, participants will be able to submit questions to the presenter that will be addressed during the presentation.

Upcoming events:

  • Feb. 25: Chemistry: What Is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements?, 4-5 p.m. EST
  • March 25: Kepler Mission, 4-5 p.m. EST
  • April 29: Meteorology: An Educators Resource Guide for Inquiry-Based Learning, 4-5 p.m. EST
  • May 27: NASA Explores Virtual Worlds, 4-5 p.m. EST

For more information about these videoconferences and to sign up online, visit http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/.

(14) Help Choose Hubble’s Next Discovery (cast your vote by March 1)
NASA is inviting the public to vote for one of six candidate astronomical objects for Hubble to observe in honor of the International Year of Astronomy. The options, which Hubble has not previously photographed, range from far-flung galaxies to dying stars. Hubble's camera will make a high resolution image revealing new details about the object that receives the most votes. The image will be released during the International Year of Astronomy's "100 Hours of Astronomy" from April 2 to 5. Space enthusiasts can cast their vote at: http://YouDecide.Hubblesite.org

(15) PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES AT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: FARMING, FOOD SECURITY, AND CLIMATE
March 3, 2009, Washington, D.C.

Molly Brown, Senior Research Scientist, Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), will speak on Farming, Food Security, and Climate at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, Washington, D. C.  The presentation is made possible through a partnership between the Library's Science, Technology, and Business Division and NASA GSFC.  The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required. 

Upcoming programs in the series include:

  • April 22, Edward F. Guinan: Our Sun: Its Influence on Life and Climate
  • June 2, Daniel Glavin: Astrobiology: Life in Space
  • Sept. 16, Tracking Severe Storms
  • Oct. 13, Richard Mushotzky: Dark Matter
  • Nov. 17, Update on Polar Ice

Webcasts of these presentations will be available at: http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html - cybercasts (note: the Webcasts are typically not available for at least a couple of months after the event). For more information, go to: http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html.

(16) K-12 TEACHERS: APPLY TO BE A NASA ENDEAVOR FELLOW
Applications for the September 2009 cohort are due March 6, 2009 (open to in-service, alternative-route and pre-service teachers).

As part of NASA’s commitment to the effective preparation of K-12 science teachers, formal educators are invited to apply to become a NASA Endeavor Fellow. Each Fellow will be fully funded to complete a unique Online Certificate in Applied Science Education with Teachers College, Columbia University. The goal of the project is to ensure that teachers across the country can use NASA science discoveries to inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers and astronauts.  For more information and to apply, visit http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Endeavor_Science_Teaching_Certificate_Project.html.

(17) DAWN MARS FLYBY EDUCATOR WORKSHOP – MARCH 7
On March 7, 2009, from 9:00–2:00 p.m., join Dawn scientists and engineers along with K-12 and informal educators from around the country in a set of unique, convergent workshops.

Four locations:

  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA
  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Portland, OR
  • Career Education Center (CEC), Denver Public Schools (DPS), Denver, CO
  • NASA IV and V Facility Educator Resource Center, Fairmont, WV- Jet

Dawn flies by Mars in February 2009. As the spacecraft executes special maneuvers to shift its direction into the correct orbital plane for encountering the object of its first intended destination, the asteroid Vesta, science and engineering teams will be sharing key updates and information with conference participants.  Participants will explore interactive curricular materials and enjoy special, site-specific opportunities (touring JPL, for example) as part of this distinctive workshop.

For more information and registration, go to: http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/getInvolved/mga_ed_conf.asp.

(18) 2009 Sun Earth Day: Our Sun, Yours to Discover (March 20)
NASA’s Sun Earth Day Team is working to create yet another special event for “Sun Earth Day, Our Sun, Yours to Discover.”   Sun-Earth Day is officially March 20, but plans are for a series of events leading up to that date and resources that can be used year-round.  These include:

  • New, monthly vodcasts for NASA’s Hinode mission,
  • A new and improved Space Weather Action Center, which launches in early February, and
  • A March 20 webcast (1:00 EST) with a panel of scientists and students monitoring the Sun and featuring exciting images and visualizations of the Sun.

Stay tuned to http://sunearthday.nasa.gov for the latest information on these and other upcoming events and resources for formal and informal science education.

(19) NO BOUNDARIES NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Entry Deadline: May 15, 2009

The "No Boundaries" project collaboration between NASA and USA TODAY Education. This project will introduce students to the limitless opportunities at NASA and hopefully, encourage them to work toward the STEM careers that are vital to the growth and economic security of the country.

For this project, teachers assign student groups of four one of the STEM fields. (Individuals or groups who want to take part in the competition outside the classroom are welcome to do so.) Each group will then use graphic organizers and links on the No Boundaries website to research one NASA career in their assigned field. Next, individual groups will develop and present a project (podcast, website, newspaper, song, artwork, etc.) that markets their career to teens. After presenting their work to peers, groups are encouraged to enter their project in the No Boundaries National Competition.

Details of the competition and more information can be found at: http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com/

(20) CONTRIBUTE TO THE Global Climate Change CAMPAIGN as a Cyberparticipant
In January, approximately 35 climate scientists, educators, administrators, and students met at the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva to discuss climate science research. Today, the GLOBE Climate Change Campaign invites you to join in helping to identify a core set of climate science research topics that can be successfully investigated by secondary school students and teachers working in collaboration with each other and with scientists from around the world. If you are interested in becoming a cyberparticipant in ongoing discussions about how to bring climate research to widespread schools and communities, please email ClimateChangeCampaign@globe.gov.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

(21) Proposal Opportunity: Science Education and Public Outreach Forums
Notices of Intent (NOIs) due Feb. 11, 2009
Proposals due April 9, 2009

On Jan.2, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is releasing a Cooperative Agreement Notice (NNH09ZDA004C) soliciting proposals for Science Education and Public Outreach Forums to collaborate with SMD in execution of its Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) program. The objective of the effort is to increase the overall coherence of the SMD E/PO program leading to more effective, sustainable, and efficient utilization of SMD science discoveries and learning experiences.

It is anticipated that there will be a total of four awards with one Science Education and Public Outreach Forum (SEPOF) being individually affiliated with each of the four SMD Science Divisions: Astrophysics, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Science. The areas to be addressed by this Cooperative Agreement include, but are not limited to, the following areas of collaboration:

  • E/PO Community Engagement and Development;
  • Division E/PO Product and Project Activity Analysis; and
  • SEPOF Coordination Committee Service.

Proposals should clearly articulate an approach to the overall objective and to these areas of activity that extends the value of SMD investments in E/PO and contributes to NASA's education and outreach efforts. NASA anticipates making $3.5 M per year available for this selection. Awards will be for 5 years duration.

Participation is open to all categories of domestic organizations, including industry, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other Government agencies.  The Cooperative Agreement Notice is available electronically from http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select "Solicitations" then select "Open Solicitations" then select " NNH09ZDA004C").

(22) PROPOSAL OPPORUNITY: EDUCATION ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
Proposals due February 6, 2009

NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., has released a Cooperative Agreement Notice to solicit proposals to administer the Education Associates Program. The EAP is a unique self-sustaining program dedicated to workforce development education. The program allows NASA scientists and managers to tap higher education institutions for students and faculty in a quick turn-around process. It provides participants hands-on experience with NASA scientists, engineers and program managers on a range of NASA projects and missions. Students receive academic credit for the experience. Through this program, NASA demonstrates its commitment to attract students into NASA’s education pipeline and provides competency-building research and education opportunities for faculty, with a special emphasis on those from underrepresented and underserved groups. The EAP will provide opportunities to students majoring in fields related to NASA’s science and technology interests and to faculty in STEM disciplines.

All eligible, responsible sources may submit an offer that shall be considered by the agency. Institutions eligible to respond to this CAN are limited to higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of organizations and institutions serving higher education students. Partnerships within these institutions and/or organizations are encouraged to apply.

Proposals must be submitted electronically via the NASA proposal data system NSPIRES. For more information about this opportunity, visit http://procurement.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=133330.

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

(23) NEW ON THE ‘SEA LEVEL FROM SPACE' WEB SITE
NASA’s ‘Ocean Surface Topography from Space’ Web site has added new features, including theSea Level Viewer, a new interactive tool illustrating sea level, and a discussion on the terms “Global Warming” versus “Climate Change.” http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov.

(24) Practical Uses of Math And Science (PUMAS) Web Site
Since its inception, PUMAS has collected more than 70 peer-reviewed examples aimed at helping K-12 teachers enrich their presentation of math and science topics.  The examples are primarily written by scientists, engineers and other content experts A peer-review process stresses quality: originality, accuracy, presentation clarity, and connection to national math and science curriculum guidelines.  PUMAS examples can be activities, anecdotes, descriptions of “neat ideas,” formal exercises, puzzles, or demonstrations. The newly upgraded PUMAS Web site incorporates improved navigation, updated texts and search capabilities.

Teachers at all grade levels, scientists, engineers, and other content experts are encouraged to volunteer for the pool of PUMAS Reviewers.  And they are always looking for good examples of Practical Uses of Math And Science. Visit the PUMAS Web Site at: http://pumas.nasa.gov.

(25) Toolkit for developing interactive, scientific, web-based learning activities
The NASA-funded Satellite Observations in Science Education (SOSE) web site promotes the teaching and learning of the Earth system through quality educational resources that make use of satellite observations. SOSE has made available a library of Reusable Content Objects (RCOs) - a free toolkit that allows educators to quickly develop their own scientific e-learning activities.
http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/sose/.

(26) NEW SPACE MATH PROBLEMS
The Space Math Web site has 25 new math problems for the winter quarter on a broad range of space science topics (e.g., Angular Size and Velocity; The Big Bang - Cosmic Expansion; Modeling a Planetary Nebula; and Stellar Temperature, Size and Power). To support the International Year of Astronomy, an 'International' math page has also been added to the Web site and math problems have been translated into Italian, Russian, German, Spanish, Finnish and Swedish.
http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/

(27) EARTH OBSERVATORY FEATURE ARTICLE: CLIMATE AND EARTH’S ENERGY BUDGET
Earth’s temperature depends on how much sunlight the land, oceans, and atmosphere absorb, and how much heat the planet radiates back to space. This fact sheet describes the net flow of energy through different parts of the Earth system, and explains how the planetary energy budget stays in balance.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/EnergyBalance/

(28) NASA STUDENTS 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” at www.nasa.gov. Or visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=34760681199.

(29) New NASA Education Materials online, Grades 5-9

Meteorology: An Educator’s Resource for Inquiry-Based Learning -- Grades 5-9
Supplement your existing curricula with this guide. Many of the activities build upon each other, enhancing the understanding of meteorology by beginning with basic and essential parameters of weather and then moving through mind-engaging interactions with complex meteorological systems. Students will build and use weather instruments; then they will build a weather station. Students will collect weather information and combine it with existing information about cloud systems. They can then apply their knowledge to predict weather systems.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Meteorology_Guide.html

Ceres and Pluto: Dwarf Planets as a New Way of Thinking about an Old Solar System Teacher Guide -- Grades 5-8
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union defined the terms “planet” and “dwarf planet.” The IAU's decision created an opportunity for students to understand the solar system better by considering the definitions of planet, dwarf planet and asteroid. New discoveries in the solar system require a change in the language used to discuss it. This activity uses direct vocabulary instruction to help students learn these new definitions
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Ceres_and_Pluto_Dwarf_Planets.html

(30) Ocean Motion, NASA WEB SITE FOR STUDENTS, GRADES 9-12
What explains the hundreds of sneakers that washed ashore along the Pacific Northwest during the winter of 1990-1991? Or the bath toys that have periodically appeared on Alaskan beaches since 1992? The answer is ocean surface currents, which are the focus of Ocean Motion, a NASA Web site for students at grade levels 9-12.
http://www.oceanmotion.org/

(31) Take AIM at Climate Change (Music Video)
This new music video by POLAR-PALOOZA invites viewers to "Take AIM at Climate Change" - with "AIM" standing for Adapt, Innovate, Mitigate. The lyrics are based on the latest science of Earth's changing climate, with the music a mix of rap and pop. Four verses connect changes in the Arctic and Antarctic to conditions around the planet, with choruses encouraging long-term thinking, and individual and community action. You can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_yO7QyCKbU or download the video or audio versions at http://takeaimatclimatechange.org to iPods or iPhones, and share with friends.

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SCIENCE NEWS

(32) NASA KEPLER MISSION SET FOR LAUNCH
The Kepler Mission is scheduled for a March 5, 2009 launch. Watch the countdown clock at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/main/index.html or visit http://kepler.nasa.gov to access the latest news and resources.

(33) NASA SEES THE DARK SIDE OF THE SUN
Jan. 23 – NASA's twin STEREO spacecraft are giving astronomers an over-the-horizon look at the 'dark side' of the Sun. This new perspective could lead to important advances in space weather forecasting and solar physics research.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/23jan_darkside.htm?list1110881

(34) NASA RADAR PROVIDES FIRST LOOK INSIDE MOON’S SHADOWED CRATERS
Jan. 16 – Using NASA radar flying aboard India's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, scientists are getting their first look inside the moon's coldest, darkest craters. These first images and other information about NASA's Mini-SAR, also known as Mini-RF, can be found at: http://www.nasa.gov/mini-rf.

(35) REPORT CALLS AEROSOL RESEARCH KEY TO IMPROVING CLIMATE PREDICTIONS
Jan. 16 – Scientists need a more detailed understanding of how human-produced atmospheric particles, called aerosols, affect climate in order to produce better predictions of Earth's future climate, according to a NASA-led report issued by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. The complete report is available at: http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap2-3/default.php

(36) DISCOVERY OF METHANE REVEALS MARS IS NOT A DEAD PLANET
Jan. 15 – A team of NASA and university scientists has achieved the first definitive detection of methane in the atmosphere of Mars. This discovery indicates the planet is either biologically or geologically active. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/15jan_marsmethane.htm?list1110881

(37) GIANT ROCKETS COULD REVOLUTIONIZE ASTRONOMY
NASA's next great Moon rocket promises to do more than land astronauts on the Moon. In its spare time, it could revolutionize the science of astronomy.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/14jan_rocketastronomy.htm?list1110881

(38) NEW NASA BALLOON SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT-TESTED
Jan. 8 – NASA and the National Science Foundation have successfully launched and demonstrated a newly designed super pressure balloon prototype that may enable a new era of high-altitude scientific research. The super-pressure balloon ultimately will carry large scientific experiments to the brink of space for 100 days or more. This seven-million-cubic-foot super-pressure balloon is the largest single-cell, super-pressure, fully-sealed balloon ever flown. For information about the NASA balloon program visit: http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code820

(39) SIXTEEN TONS OF MOONDUST
Jan. 7 – Sledgehammer-toting scientists are "bustin' rocks" to make the finest possible simulated lunar regolith (a.k.a. fake moondust) in support of NASA's return to the Moon.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/07jan_sixteentons.htm?list1110881

(40) NASA-FUNDED STUDY REVEALS HAZARDS OF SEVERE SPACE WEATHER
Jan. 5 – A NASA-funded study describes how extreme solar eruptions could have severe consequences for communications, power grids and other technology on Earth. The report by the National Academy of Sciences in Washington provides some of the first clear economic data that effectively quantifies today's risk of extreme conditions in space driven by magnetic activity on the sun and disturbances in the near-Earth environment. To view the complete report, visit: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12507.html.

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CALENDAR

Feb. 3-6
ISS EarthKAM Winter 2009 Mission, http://www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu

Feb. 3-4
Educator Launch Conference: NOAA-N, http://endeavours.org/sec/

Feb. 4
NASA launches NOAA-N, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/main/index.html.

Feb. 5-7
Space Exploration K-12 Educators Conference, http://spacecenter.org/TeachersSEEC.html.

Feb. 6
Proposals due for Education Associates Program, http://procurement.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=133330

Feb. 10
Explore! Ice Worlds Training Webcast,http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities

Feb. 11
Notices of Intent due for SMD Science Education and Public Outreach Forum Proposals, http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

Feb. 12
Explore! Ice Worlds Training Webcast,http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities

Feb. 13
Applications due for OCO Educator Launch Conference, http://endeavours.org/sec/.

Feb. 14-15
IBEX Family Days at AAAS/AAPT Conference, lbartolone@adlerplanetarium.org

Feb. 15
The Sunday Experiment at GSFC, Hubble Servicing Mission (SM4), http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/sunday.php.  

Feb. 16
NASA launches Kepler, http://kepler.nasa.gov.

Feb. 17
Explore! Ice Worlds Training Webcast,http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities

Feb. 19
Family Science Night at GSFC, Exploring the Moon, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/fsn.php.

Feb. 19
Professional Development Webcast: The Water Cycle, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/

Feb. 19
Educator Lecture: The Earth System, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=1646

Feb. 21
CINDI Conference Workshops (Middle-High School Teachers), http://cindispace.utdallas.edu/education/

Feb. 21-23
OCO Educator Launch Conference, http://endeavours.org/sec/.

Feb. 24
Explore! Ice Worlds Training Webcast,http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities

Feb. 25:
Videoconference -- Chemistry: What Is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements?, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/

Mar. 3
NASA Public Lecture: Farming, Food Security and Climate,  http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html

Mar. 4
Explore! Ice Worlds Training Webcast,http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities

Mar. 6
Deadline to Apply to be NASA Endeavor Fellow – Cohort 2
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Endeavor_Science_Teaching_Certificate_Project.html

Mar. 7
DAWN Mars Flyby Educator Workshop, http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/getInvolved/mga_ed_conf.asp.

Mar. 15
The Sunday Experiment at GSFC, Astrophysics, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/sunday.php.  

Mar. 19
Family Science Night at GSFC, Batteries Not Included, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/fsn.php.

Mar. 19
Professional Development Webcast: Solar Radiation and the Atmosphere, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/

Mar. 19
Educator Lecture: Earth and Mars, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=1646

Mar. 25:
Videoconference – Kepler Mission, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/

April 6
Thacher Scholar Entries Due – contest for grades 9-12, for student projects using geospatial technologies to study Earth. http://www.strategies.org/education/index.aspx?sub=education&sub2=scholars&sub3=scholars2009.

April 9
Proposals due for SMD Science Education and Public Outreach Forum Proposals, http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

April 9
Educator Lecture: Global Warming, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/catalog/details/?cid=1646

April 16
Family Science Night at GSFC, Now You See it…Now You Don’t, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/fsn.php.

April 19
Professional Development Webcast: Tides, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/

April 19
The Sunday Experiment at GSFC, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/sunday.php.  

April 22
NASA Public Lecture: Our Sun: It’s Influence on Life and Climate,  http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html

April 29
Videoconference – Meteorology: An Educator’s Resource Guide for Inquiry-Based Learning, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/

May 17
The Sunday Experiment at GSFC, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/sunday.php.  

May 21
Family Science Night at GSFC, Searching for Other Worlds, http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/families/fsn.php.

May 25
Entries due for NASA’s No Boundaries Competition, http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com/

May 27
Videoconference – NASA Explores Virtual Worlds, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/

June 1-12
2009 Summer Institute on Climate Information for Public Health, http://iri.columbia.edu/education/summerinstitute09.

June 2
NASA Public Lecture: Astrobiology: Life in Space,  http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html

June 18
Professional Development Webcast: The Story of Ocean Heat Storage, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/

Sept. 16
NASA Public Lecture: Tracking Severe Storms,  http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html

Oct. 13
NASA Public Lecture: Dark Matter,  http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html

Nov. 17
NASA Public Lecture: Update on Polar Ice,  http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

NASA Science Mission Directorate: Larry Cooper, Stephanie Stockman and Ming-Ying Wei.

Editor: Theresa Schwerin, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), theresa_schwerin@strategies.org.
Writer: Catherine Fahey, IGES, catherine_fahey@strategies.org.

Contributions from: Edmund Burke, Space Information Labs; Lindsay Bartalone, Adler Planetarium; Whitney Cobb, Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL); Trena Ferrell, NASA GSFC; Alan Gould, University of California; Karin Hauck, NASA's Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum (SECEF); Jan Heiderer, GLOBE; Tommy Jasmin, University of Wisconsin; Ralph Kahn, NASA GSFC; Elaine Lewis, NASA GSFC; Susan Moore, NASA LaRC; Sten Odenwald; NASA GSFC; Dan Stillman, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

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