1

Promoting Science, Technology, 

Engineering, and Mathematics for 

Educators, Students, and the Community 

NASA’s Independent 

Verification and Validation 

Program 

Educational Opportunities 
NASA IV&V Educator Resource Center 

Providing formal and informal 

educators the training and tools 

to promote Science, Technology, 

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 

Through a grant with Fairmont State 

University, the NASA IV&V Program’s 

Educator Resource Center (ERC) provides resources and training opportunities to inspire the next generation in 

STEM fields. Educators are encouraged to visit the ERC to explore the 

available NASA publications, attend 

high-quality trainings, and borrow valuable classroom kits. The ERC supports state and national STEM initiatives and is engaged with the WV 

Department of Education in designing new STEM standards. The ERC 

is the Global Learning and Observations (GLOBE) partner for WV and 

hosts teacher institutes every summer to support student centered climate research. 

Multi-Million Dollar Equipment Loan Program 

With partnerships, grants, and sponsorships, the ERC operates with over 50 

classroom kits which certified educators borrow for two weeks. They include telescopes, robots, rockets, GPS units, and more. The kits help rural West Virginia 

students overcome the digital divide and gain valuable hands-on experience with 

the latest and most engaging STEM tools.

Professional Development 

The ERC provides workshops using 

NASA materials to enhance current curriculum in areas such as Earth and space 

science, mathematics, engineering, and 

technology. The ERC conducts over 150 

workshops for 1,500+ formal and informal 

educators each year at the NASA IV&V 

Facility, at schools across West Virginia 

or via distance learning tools.
Student 

Workshops 

The ERC hosts on-site programs 

for groups of up to 18 public, private, or home-school students in 

grades 5-8. All programs include 

engaging, hands-on activities 

and interacting with a NASA scientist or engineer via video conferencing or a personal visit, and a field 

trip or tour in the technology park. 

Student STEM Competitions 

The ERC coordinates the FIRST® LEGO® League 

(FLL) tournament for West Virginia hosted at FSU 

each year, the ERC trains educators and students on the Team America 

Rocketry Challenge (TARC), and are the WV coordinators for the Real World Design Challenge 

(RWDC). With support from numerous partners 

the ERC has provided team-based summer 

camps for coaches and their students, sponsored 

new FLL teams, hosted sanctioned TARC rocket 

launches, and coordinates all aspects of the 

RWDC annual competition. 

To request a workshop in your area, register for a workshop, check on 

equipment availability, or inquire about student programs, contact the 

ERC: 

Program Manager: Todd.Ensign@ivv.nasa.gov 304-367-8438 

Education Specialist: Pam.Casto@ivv.nasa.gov 304-367-8436 

Office Manager: Josh.Revels@ivv.nasa.gov 304-367-8251 

Student Programs: Jaime.Ford@ivv.nasa.gov 304-367-8379 

Equipment Loan: Nicole.Culp@ivv.nasa.gov 

NASA IV&V ERC, 100 University Dr., Fairmont, WV 26554 
4
5
6

Suggested grade level:  K‐12

Kit contents:  

 Straw rocket launcher

 Water boƩle rocket launcher

 Stomp boƩle rocket launcher

 Bicycle pump

 Rocket Educator Guide

 October Sky DVD and Rocket Boys book

Number of kits available:  2

Basic Rocketry

Educator Workshop DescripƟon

Time: 3 hours

Educators will learn the history of rocketry, how

to build and launch 4 types of rockets, how rock‐

ets and rocket racer cars can be used to teach

Newton’s Laws, how to use the engineering de‐

sign process to improve rocket performance,

and how to meet many math and science stand‐

ards using the kit.

Studying “acƟon and reacƟon”

with rocket racers.

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon;

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Physical Science: PosiƟon and moƟon of objects; properƟes and changes of properƟes in

maƩer, moƟons and forces, transfer of energy

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves

Measurement and Data: represent and interpret data

StaƟsƟcs and Probability: summarize and describe distribuƟons
7

Model Rocketry

Educator Workshop DescripƟon

Time: 6 hours

Model rockets capable of achieving

heights up to 300 meters are de‐

signed and built by educators as

they learn the principles of rocketry

including Newton’ Laws of MoƟon,

center of gravity, center of pressure,

trajectory, use of alƟmeters, and

much more.  RockSim soŌware is

used to design and test rocket stability and performance.  Educators also receive

informaƟon on model rocketry compeƟƟons such as the Team America Rocketry

Suggested grade level:  5‐12

Kit contents:

 Custom 5 rocket launcher   

 Igniter with safety key

 Two alƟtude tracking staƟons

(clinometers, 50meter tape, calculators)

 Model Rocketry Educator Guide

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon; evidence,

models, and explanaƟon; form and funcƟon

Physical Science: properƟes and changes of properƟes in maƩer, moƟons and forc‐

es, transfer of energy

Science and Technology:  abiliƟes of technological design

Measurement and Data: represent and interpret data

StaƟsƟcs and Probability: summarize and describe distribuƟons
8

RoboƟc ExploraƟons/LEGO WeDo’s

Educator Workshop

Time: 4 hours

This kit and workshop has two components.  The first component is composed of

ten acƟviƟes that explore what a robot is and isn’t, what robots do on earth and

in space, and much more.  The second component is the LEGO  EducaƟon WeDo

RoboƟcs ConstrucƟon Set.  Educators use the WeDo’s to introduce young stu‐

dents to STEM, literacy, and social studies through roboƟcs.  Key Learning targets

are:

 Working with simple machines

 Designing and creaƟng a working model

 CreaƟve problem solving

 WriƟng stories

 Teamwork

Suggested grade level:  K‐6

Kit contents:

 RoboƟc ExploraƟons with 2 tubs of 10 acƟviƟes

 10 LEGO EducaƟon WeDo RoboƟcs sets

 10 laptops

 Teacher Guide with suggested

quesƟons, acƟviƟes and extensions   

    Number of Kits available:   1

  

Students explore a hydraulic roboƟc

arm aŌer using a mechanical arm.

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon: evidence, models, and

explanaƟon.

Physical Science: moƟons and forces, transfer of energy

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design; science and technology in local  

Challenges

Measurement and Data: represent and interpret data

StaƟsƟcs and Probability: summarize and describe distribuƟons
9

nd

Robots And RaƟos

Educator Workshop

Time: 6 hours

Educators learn to program LEGO robots using MINDSTORMS NXT‐G soŌware.  

ProporƟonal mathemaƟcs involving  raƟos and fracƟons  is an important math

component of this workshop.  A variety of sensors such as sound, light, and

touch are used to create programs that allow the robot to move autonomously

through a parƟcular environment.

Within the classroom, aŌerschool program, or club program such as ScouƟng

and  4‐H, students work as teams to enable their robot to solve tasks and chal‐

lenges.  The ERC RoboƟcs Kits use hands‐on acƟviƟes to keep students acƟvely

engaged as they learn math, science and  21st Century skills. Workshop parƟci‐

pants will be provided with addiƟonal resources and informaƟon such as how

to start a roboƟcs team and how to enter compeƟƟons.

Suggested grade level:  5‐12

   Kit contents:

 9 robots with sensors

 9 laptops with soŌware

and video training

 Extra parts case

   

    Number of Kits available:   3

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with Robots and RaƟos

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon

FracƟons: apply understandings of mulƟplicaƟon and division to mulƟply and divide

fracƟons

Measurement and Data: convert like measurement units within a given measure‐

ment system

Geometry: solve real‐world and mathemaƟcal problems involving angle measure

and area
10

    STARLAB

Educator Workshop

Time: 4 hours

The STARLAB portable planetarium is a mulƟ‐

disciplinary educaƟonal tool designed to moƟ‐

vate students to learn about Astronomy, Earth

Science and Life Science.  During the workshop

educators will be presented with ideas to turn the students into the teachers

when inside the dome, pre and post dome acƟviƟes, as well as how to setup, op‐

erate and take down the dome.

Suggested grade level:  K‐12

   Kit contents:

 Inflatable dome

 Fan with extension cord

 Projector  

 17 different cylinders which can be checked out 6 at a Ɵme:

African Mythology Biological Cell Earth

EgypƟan Mythology Ocean Currents Starfield

Greek Mythology Lewis and Clark Urban Starfield

Maya Skies    Weather    Moon

Plate Tectonics ConstellaƟons   Radio Sky

Solar Systems and Galaxies NaƟve American Mythology

 Teacher manual with acƟviƟes and operaƟonal guide

   

    Number of Kits available:   2

Science and Math Content Standards UƟlized with This Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: evidence, models, and explanaƟon  

Life Science:  the cell;  structure and funcƟon in living systems

Earth and Space Science:  objects in the sky; changes in earth and sky; Earth in the Solar

System; origin and evoluƟon of the universe; structure of the earth system, Earth’s history
11

Viewing the Universe with Telescopes

Workshop

Time: 4 hours

Educators will learn to locate and view objects in the night sky by using a starfinder

chart (planisphere), a Sky Scout, and both manual and computerized telescopes.  

Also included are acƟviƟes for using the telescopes in the classroom in the dayƟme

so that students are familiar with operaƟonal features before going out in the

evening.  

Suggested grade level  K‐12

Kit contents:

 1 Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized telescope with GoTo funcƟons

 10 Celestron Firstscopes   

 1 tripod

 1 large tub with Celestron Power Tank power supply, astronomy books in a wide

range of reading levels, starfinder charts, Celestron eyepiece and filter kit, and

instrucƟon manual  

 OpƟonal: Sky Scout: a star party in a case

Number of kits available:  1

Sky Scout

NexStar 4SE Firstscopes at star party  

paTelescope Educator  

Science and Math Content Standards UƟlized with This Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon: evidence, models,

and explanaƟon,  

Earth and Space Science:  objects in the sky; changes in the earth and sky; origin and evo‐

luƟon of the universe

History and Nature of Science:  science as a human endeavor; nature of scienƟfic

knowledge; historical perspecƟves
12

Suggested grade level: 5‐College

Kit contents:

 1 Coronado Personal Solar Telescope for direct sun

viewing

 2 SunspoƩers for indirect viewing  

 2 Solarscopes for indirect viewing

 12 Apple iPads with Space Weather apps, FaceƟme,

and iMovie

Number of Kits available:   3

Space Weather  

Educator Workshop

Time: 6 hours

Educators discover how students can

download images of the sun taken by

NASA satellites only minutes before, how

to use a variety of solar telescopes to

safely view sunspots, solar flares, and

coronal mass ejecƟons, and how to cap‐

ture, edit, and share student created

space weather forecasts online.

CreaƟng an iMovie about the Sun

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon: evidence, models,  

and explanaƟon,  

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Earth and Space Science: objects in the sky; changes in earth and sky; Earth in the solar sys‐

tem;

Science and Technology: understandings about science and technology
13

s‐

Suggested grade level:  6‐12

   Kit contents:

 ElectromagneƟc Spectrum Posters and AcƟvity Sheet

 Class set of Spectroscopes

 UV light, heat lamp, UV fluorescent bead, and infrared thermometer for staƟon

acƟvity  

 H2, Ne, He, and N spectrum gas tubes

 Tour of the ElectromagneƟc Spectrum DVD

   

    Number of Kits available:   1

  

Making the Invisible Detectable

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

Educators learn content and acƟviƟes to teach stu‐

dents about  the ElectromagneƟc Spectrum.  At

the workshop, teachers will make the invisible de‐

tectable during a five staƟon acƟvity. Topics cov‐

ered include sources of electromagneƟc radiaƟon,

how to detect electromagneƟc radiaƟon, how life

on Earth is affected due to electromagneƟc emis‐

sions, and the ElectromagneƟc Spectrum.  ParƟcipants will engage in hands– on

acƟviƟes including the use of a spectroscope to observe the emission spectrum

of several gases. A fun poster acƟvity, which can be used to introduce the topic

to students, will also be provided.

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with Making the Invisible Detectable Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: systems, order and organizaƟon

Physical Science: light, heat, electricity and magneƟsm; properƟes of maƩer; transfer of

energy

Earth and Space Science: interacƟons of energy and maƩer.

Measurements and Data: Convert like measurement units within a given measurement

system
14

Suggested grade level:  K‐6

Kit contents:  

 Echo the Bat DVD

 Amelia the Pigeon CD

 Biodiversity Cards

 Origami Bats

 Set of Echo the Bat books

 Teacher Binder with background con‐

tent and acƟviƟes

 Materials to do many of the acƟviƟes

in the teacher binder

Number of kits available:  1

Echo the Bat/Amelia the Pigeon

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

Bats, pigeons, and NASA satellites employ “remote sensing” to view  the Earth.  

This workshop provides educators with ways to explore remote sensing and bio‐

diversity with a construcƟvist approach.  AcƟviƟes are organized around three

units: Understanding Light, Remote Sensing, and Biodiversity.

AcƟviƟes are provided in two formats, one for K‐3 and one for 4– 6 grade levels.

Science and Math Content Standards UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon;  

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Physical Science: Light, heat and magneƟsm

Life Science:  Organisms and environments, populaƟons and ecosystems; diversity and

adaptaƟons of organisms;  behavior of organisms

Science In Personal and Social PerspecƟves: changes in environments; environmental

quality

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves

Measurement and Data: represent and interpret data

StaƟsƟcs and Probability: summarize and describe distribuƟons
15

Suggested grade level: K‐8

Kit contents:

 18‐20 Dinosaur models that are in propor‐

Ɵonal size to one another

 Dinosaur replica egg, claws, teeth, and oth‐

er body parts

 Dinosaur coprolite

 A selecƟon of books about dinosaurs, Paleontology video

 InformaƟon  and acƟviƟes about remote sensing and how these techniques led

to the discovery of the Chicxulub Crater

 Fossils of organisms living at the same Ɵme as the dinosaurs

 Teacher binder with content and acƟviƟes

Number of Kits available:  2  

NASA, Remote Sensing, and Dinosaurs

Educator Workshop    

Time: 3 hours

The Carnegie Museum’s model dinosaurs and dinosaur part replicas form the basis  

to explore what we know about dinosaurs and how we know it. AcƟviƟes include

“What’s In a Name?” “Bones,” “Direct Hit At

The K‐T Boundary” and more.

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, con‐

stancy and explanaƟon: evidence, models, and

explanaƟon, evoluƟon and equilibrium

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Life Science: organisms and life cycles; characterisƟcs of organisms; organisms and environ‐

ments; structure and funcƟon in living systems; diversity and adaptaƟons of organisms  

History and Nature of Science: science as a human endeavor; nature of science; historical

perspecƟves

Measurement and Data: represent and interpret data

StaƟsƟcs and Probability: summarize and describe distribuƟons
16

Suggested grade level:  5‐8

Kit contents:

 Launch plaƞorms

 Cut balsa wood

 Glue guns with glue sƟcks

 Water boƩles

 Teacher guide with back‐

ground content and acƟviƟes

Number of Kits available:   2

  

Engineering Design Challenge

Launch Plaƞorms

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

The engineering design process used by NASA engineers forms the backbone of this

workshop.  Design and build a model thrust structure (the porƟon of the structure

that aƩaches the engine to the rest of the spacecraŌ) that is as light as possible, yet

is strong enough to withstand the load of a “launch to orbit” three Ɵmes. Design,

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon: evidence, models,

and explanaƟon,  form and funcƟon

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Physical Science: properƟes and changes of properƟes in maƩer, moƟons and forces, trans‐

fer of energy

Science and Technology:  abiliƟes of technological design
17

Engineering Design Challenge

Thermal ProtecƟon System

Suggested grade level:  5‐12

  Thermal ProtecƟon System Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

Educators learn the engineering design process used by NASA engineers.   Space

vehicles have thermal protecƟon systems to protect against the heat of re‐entry

into a planet’s atmosphere.  Design and build a shield that withstands a propane

torch!

Kit contents:  

 Ring stands

 Propane torch

 Materials to design a heat shield

 Safety goggles

 Infrared thermometer

 Teacher binder with background content,

instrucƟons, and handouts

Number of kits available:  2

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon;  

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Physical Science:  properƟes of objects and materials; light, heat and magneƟsm, transfer

of energy; interacƟons of energy and maƩer

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design
18

IntroducƟon to GPS

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

Handheld GPS units are used as tools to teach

mathemaƟcs, geography, and science.  Topics

covered include the science behind the units—

including how global posiƟoning satellites are

posiƟoned in orbit, how signals are trans‐

miƩed and received between satellites and

ground staƟons and handhelds, how accuracy

is determined and more.  Other topics covered

include how to use GPS units, geocaching, and

an engaging lesson to determine the circum‐

Suggested grade level:  5‐12

   Kit contents:

 Case of 20 GPS units

   

    Number of Kits available:   4

Many informal educators such as

ScouƟng organizaƟons and 4‐H clubs

use the GPS kits  

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: change, constancy and explanaƟon: evidence, models,

and explanaƟon,  

Science and Technology:  understanding about science and technology

Earth and Space Science:  objects in the sky
19

Planetary Geology

Educator Workshop

Time: 4 hours

General acƟviƟes for scale of  distance and volume in the Solar System as well

as planet specific acƟviƟes are provided.  Also included are NASA missions in‐

formaƟon and acƟviƟes.  This kit is hands‐on and construcƟvist oriented and

can lead to a deep understanding of not only the formaƟon but the conƟnuing

geological processes occurring in our Solar System.

Suggested grade level:  2‐12

Kit contents:  

 Mars Themis AcƟviƟes

 Cratering pans with flour, cocoa powder, balls, meas‐

uring tapes,  

rulers and other tools

 13 samples of meteorites and Exploring Meteorite

Mysteries Guide

 Explore Jupiter’s Family Secrets binder with acƟviƟes

 Mars, Jupiter, and Moon  binders with acƟviƟes;  

 DVD’s, CD’s, and books on Planetary Geology

 Posters of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,  Moons of

Saturn and Jupiter

 Solar System Lithography Set

 InformaƟon on Solar System missions such as

Juno, Cassini, Messenger, Dawn, and New

Horizons

Number of kits available:  1

Exploring the topography of Mars Science and Math Content Standards  

               UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon;

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Physical Science: posiƟon and moƟon of objects; properƟes and changes of properƟes in

maƩer, moƟons and forces, transfer of energy

Earth and Space Science: objects in the sky;  changes in earth and sky;  Earth’s history;

Earth in the Solar System;  origin and evoluƟon of the Earth system

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves
20

Suggested grade level:  5‐8

Kit contents:

 Materials to do all 12 sessions for 24 students

 Modeling the Universe; Cosmic Survey;  Telescopes;  Invisible Light

 Spectroscopes;  Stars Part 1 and 2; Cosmic ConnecƟon to the Ele‐

ments

 Galaxies;  Black Holes;  Cosmic

Quilt; Modeling the Universe Part 2

Number of kits available:  2

  

AŌerschool Universe

Educator Workshop  

Time: 4 hours

AU is a 4 hour workshop that teaches

about black holes, galaxies, composiƟon

and scale of the universe, and the lives of

stars.  These topics are covered using

hands‐on and kinestheƟc modeling acƟv‐

iƟes that keep students engaged and ac‐

Ɵve parƟcipants in learning about the

universe.  AU is great for the classroom

or aŌerschool programs.   

All materials are provided

Science and Math Content Standards  

               UƟlized with This Kit

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: systems, order, and organizaƟon; change, constancy and

measurement;  evoluƟon and equilibrium

Physical Science: posiƟon and moƟon of objects; properƟes and changes of properƟes in

maƩer, moƟons and forces, transfer of energy

Earth and Space Science:  origin and evoluƟon of the universe

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves
21

ht

Living and Working in Space

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

This workshop covers three topics: Food for Extended Stays off Earth, Working in

Space, and Playing in Space.

Learn to grow seeds in your classroom that have

flown in space and compare the resulƟng plants to

plants grown from seeds that remained on Earth.  

The seeds are grown in growth chambers that keep

all variables constant, except of course what hap‐

pened to the seeds before being placed in the hydro‐

ponic chamber.   This workshop teaches the princi‐

ples of growing food without soil and offers many

other ideas for plant study in the classroom.

Posters, gloveboxes, and acƟviƟes are provided for

studying how astronauts safely work on tasks outside

of a spacecraŌ.  Also provided is a kit that compares how toys work in the gravity

of Earth compared to the microgravity of outer space.

Suggested grade level:  K‐12

Kit contents:  

 Cinnamon basil seeds that were flown to outer space

 Cinnamon basil seeds that remained on Earth

 Hydroponics chamber

 Toys in Space kit

 Space Food Kit

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon;  

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Life Science: characterisƟcs of organisms;  life cycles of organisms;  regulaƟon and behavior

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves
22

Suggested grade level:  5‐12

NEED Energy Kits available:

 Science of Energy  

 Solar Energy Kit

 Wind Energy Kit

 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Kit

Number of kits available:  1 of each

NEED Energy Kits

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

The Energy Series Workshops are based on materials and teacher/student

guides from the NaƟonal Energy EducaƟon Development Project

(www.need.org).   

Science of Energy:  this is first in the series and builds the foundaƟonal

knowledge of energy types and transformaƟons through hands‐on acƟviƟes.

Hydrogen:  Learn NEED’s H2 Educate materials, generate H2, build and run

fuel cell cars and more.

Solar:  Enable learners to explain the differences in series and parallel cir‐

cuits, construct photovoltaic arrays, and understand PV as an energy source.

Wind: Use acƟviƟes from the Kid Wind Project to dispel myths about wind

energy and electricity and learn to conduct your own “Spin Off” compeƟƟon.

           Science and Math Content Standards  

                          UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Physical Science: PosiƟon and moƟon of objects; properƟes and changes of properƟes in

maƩer, moƟons and forces, transfer of energy

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves

Measurement and Data: represent and interpret data
23

Suggested grade level:  K‐12

GLOBE Workshops available:   

Elementary GLOBE

Cloud types, cloud cover, and contrails

Soil moisture, profiles, bulk density, etc.

Water Quality using LaMoƩe Kits

GLOBE, Probes, and GIS using Pasco Probeware

Surface Temperature and GIS

MUCH MORE!

The GLOBE Program

Educator Workshop

Time: 3‐6 hours

GLOBE is a worldwide partnership of teachers, stu‐

dents, and scienƟsts working together to provide op‐

portuniƟes for student to use research quality obser‐

vaƟons in their studies and to contribute their environ‐

mental observaƟons for research scienƟsts and other

GLOBE students to use.

Using Infrared Thermome‐

ters to study surface tem‐

peratures.

GLOBE Water Quality  

Backpack Kits

Science and Math Content Standards  

UƟlized with This Kit

Unifying Concepts and Processes: form and funcƟon; change, constancy and explanaƟon;:  

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Science and Technology: abiliƟes of technological design
24

Kindernauts

Educator Workshop

Time: 3 hours

Educators enable students to suit up and explore space as NASA astronauts

with this kit. Workshop parƟcipants will interact in mulƟple acƟviƟes that

enable students to learn about the solar system, rockets, and careers.

Suggested Grade Level: Kindergarten and Pre K

Kit Contents:

 Junior Space Suits

 Floor Puzzles

 Books about Space

 Giant, Cardboard Rocket Ship

 Many space acƟviƟes

Number of Kits Available:  2

Science and Math Content Standards

UƟlized with this Kit

Science As Inquiry: abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry.

Unifying Concepts and Processes: Systems, order, and organizaƟon, change, con‐

stantcy and measurement; evoluƟon and equilibrium.

Physical Science: posiƟon and moƟon of objects; properƟes and changes of prop‐

erƟes in maƩer, moƟons and forces, transfer of energy.

Earth and Space Science: origin and evoluƟon of the universe.

History and Nature of Science: historical perspecƟves
25

All student workshops are FREE and will be conducted

at the NASA IV & V Educator Resource Center.   

 Workshop can be scheduled between 9:00AM –

5:00PM and may be 3‐5 hours long depending on

the workshop requested.

 Groups should have a minimum of 8 students and a

maximum of 18 students from grades 5th‐8th.  

 Chaperones will be responsible for the transporta‐

Ɵon of the students and provide lunch before or

during the workshop.   

Workshops Available

 Rocketry

 RoboƟcs

 Living & Working in Space

 Planetary Geology

 Making the Invisible DetecƟble

 AviaƟon

Benefits of Student Workshops

 MeeƟng engineers from NASA’s IV&V  facility

 Hand’s on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,

and MathemaƟcs) acƟviƟes

 Unique workshops your students, scouts, and club

members will remember for a long Ɵme.  

Student Workshops
26

Student Workshops

                               

         Rocketry

                                Time: 4 hours

Students will learn about the early studies of

rocketry up through the current use of rockets by

NASA and will simulate a rocket’s performance

using RockSim soŌware.  Force, drag, liŌ, and

Newton’s Three Laws of MoƟon are some of the

physics principles that students will be exploring during the process of building

and launching a model rocket.   

                 

RoboƟcs                                                                       

Time:  4 hours

Students will learn the definiƟon of a robot and

how they are used in our everyday lives by

NASA.  Students will learn basic programming

skills using a LEGO NXT robot to uƟlize mathe‐

maƟcal problems to solve a maze and capture a

satellite using a roboƟc arm.  At the conclusion

of the of the workshop, the students will visit

the JSTAR lab in the NASA IV&V Facility to see how NASA is using roboƟcs.

Science and Math Content Standards met by Rocketry and RoboƟcs

*Science as Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

*Unifying Concepts and Processes:  evidence, models, and explanaƟon;

change, constancy, and measurement

*Physical Science:  moƟons and forces   

*Geometry:  solve real‐world and mathemaƟcal problems involving angle  

*Measurement and Data:  convert like measurement units within a given

measure system

*RaƟos and ProporƟonal:  employ unit rates and raƟos to explain proporƟonal‐

italƟes in real‐world situaƟons
27

              Living and Working in Space                                                                          

    Time:  3 hours

From adequate nutriƟon to muscle loss, stu‐

dents will learn the importance of wearing a

space suit, the inconvenience of compleƟng

everyday acƟviƟes, and how to stay physical‐

ly fit.  We will even explore how to play bas‐

ketball in space!  During the workshop, the students will enjoy a virtu‐

al tour of the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at Johnson Space Flight Center in

Houston, TX.      

                    Planetary Geology                                      

       Time:  3 hours    

Students will study the surface of the planets in the

solar system to get an idea about when and how the

planets were formed.  Students will engage in hands‐

on activities to study craters, volcanoes, and geo‐    

logic features on Mars from data obtained by                 

NASA space crafts.                                                                  

  

Science and Math Content Standards met by Living & Working in Space

and Planetary Geology

*Science as Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

*Unifying Concepts and Processes:  evidence, models, and explanaƟon; change,

constancy, and measurement

*Life Science:  Structure and funcƟon in living systems; diversity and adaptaƟons of

organisms

*History and Nature of Science:  historical perspecƟves

*Earth and Space Science:  objects in the sky; changes in earth and sky; Earth’s  

history; Earth in the Solar System; origin and evoluƟon of the Earth system  

*Physical Science:  posiƟon and moƟon of objects; properƟes and changes of prop‐

erƟes in maƩer, moƟons and forces, transfer of energy

Student Workshops
28

                          Science Content Standards met by AviaƟon

*Science as Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

*Unifying Concepts and Processes:  evidence, models, and explanaƟon; change, constancy,  

and measurement

*Physical Science:  moƟons and forces   

*History and Nature of Science:  Science as the human endeavor

Making the Invisible Detectable

Time: 4 hours

Students will make the invisible detectable in five

staƟons of hands‐on acƟviƟes which include how

to detect different sources of electromagneƟc radi‐

aƟon, how life is affected by electromagneƟc emis‐

sions, and the ElectromagneƟc Spectrum.  Students

will use spectroscopes to aid them in observing the

Student Workshops

Science Content Standards Met with Making the Invisible Detectable  

Science As Inquiry:  abiliƟes necessary to do scienƟfic inquiry

Unifying Concepts and Processes: systems, order, and organizaƟon

Physical Science: light, heat, electricity and magneƟsm; properƟes of maƩer; transfer of  

energy

Earth and Space Science: interacƟons of energy and maƩer.

                               AviaƟon                                                                 Time: 4‐5hours

Students will learn about the work of the IV&V Pro‐

gram and how it has helped the field of aviaƟon

from NASA soŌware engineers.  EducaƟon special‐

ists from the MACC and the ERC will introduced the

students to the basic principles of weight and bal‐

ance, Newton’s Laws of MoƟon, and Bernoulli’s Prin‐

ciple through hands‐on acƟviƟes such as designing, producing, and tesƟng

Styrofoam airfoils in a wind tunnel at 40mph.  Students will then  examine the

control surfaces of modern and model planes to learn how these are used to

maneuver aircraŌs.  Students will have the opportunity to fly NASA’s own E‐

flight Alpha 450 aircraŌ with the safe use of a buddy‐box system at Meredith

Field or near‐by the NASA ERC on WVHTCF property.  
29

,  

Notes

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________
30

Educator Workshops Equipment Loan Program 

Student Workshops STEM Competitions 

Community Outreach Internships 

For more information about Educational 

Opportunities at NASA IV&V, contact: 

erc@ivv.nasa.gov or 304-367-8436