National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA STEM VIRTUAL TOOLKIT

2022
INSPIRE -ENGAGE -EDUCATE -EMPLOY

The Next Generation of Explorers
NASA STEM VIRTUAL TOOLKIT

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

How to Navigate NASA Resources

NASA has a wide variety of STEM resources that are available for formal educators, informal 

education settings, at-home use, self-directed learning, and for those who just want to learn 

more about space and aeronautics. This virtual toolkit is created to help you navigate many of 

NASA’s resources for a K-12 audience. Note that the resources in this toolkit are not allinclusive; many NASA resources can also be found through some of our partner organizations 

and new material is being created every day. The next section provides a brief overview of 

NASA’s structure, which may also help you find our many resources both listed here in the 

toolkit and the others.

NASA Structure and Programs

Mission Directorates, Office of STEM Engagement, NASA Centers and More

Like many large organizations, NASA has an organization and structure that allows for both 

national initiatives as well as more local and specialized work. For the components that most 

influence NASA’s STEM content, it is helpful to know that NASA is made up of five mission 

directorates that each have specific focus areas such as aeronautics research, space 

operations, and exploration systems development, along with our Office of STEM Engagement 

(OSTEM), which focuses on ways to bring relevant STEM content to students of all ages. In 

addition, NASA operates nine NASA Centers, several smaller satellite Centers, and our Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory, which is jointly operated by NASA and CalTech University. Some 

educational resources are created and available directly from mission directorates and NASA 

Centers, while others are created through OSTEM. Directorates, Centers, and OSTEM work 

together on many endeavors, yet each have unique focus areas and can engage STEM 

audiences differently. This also leads to products that can be found in multiple locations on our 

primary website and NASA Center websites.
Next Gen STEM

Within OSTEM you can find the Next Gen STEM program (NGS) that highlights four main areas of 

NASA exploration: Aeronaut-X (aeronautics), Earth, Moon, and Solar System and Beyond. This 

program’s mission is to spark and sustain interest in STEM in students in grades K-12 by 

connecting students and their formal and informal educators to NASA’s endeavors in exploration 

and discovery. NGS creates, delivers and curates NASA STEM products and experiences that 

make connections to NASA and fuel STEM learning and identity. We are committed to diversity, 

inclusion and equity. NGS strives to reduce the barriers to participation in STEM.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/index.html

SECTION 2: EDUCATOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STAYING 

CONNECTED

NASA Express

NASA Express is a “one-stop shop” weekly newsletter featuring 

updates from NASA and STEM associates about workshops, 

internships, and fellowships; applications for grants and 

collaborations; online professional development; student 

competitions; and more. Subscribe to get updates sent to your inbox 

each Thursday. Opportunities from across the NASA agency for 

educators, students, and organizations are a part of this weekly 

newsletter.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/Express_Landing. html

NASA EPDC

NASA’s Educator Professional Development Collaborative conducts 

much of NASA’s educator professional development. In-person, 

virtual, and hybrid opportunities, along with student and educator 

badging is available. Professional development connects educators 

of all types with NASA activities and lessons that are tied to our 

missions and programs including aeronautics, Earth, Moon, Solar 

System and Beyond, and more. Virtual professional development 

opportunities are available at no cost to participants.

https://www.txstate-epdc.net

- Synchronous Professional Development 

• Opportunities such as webinars, face-to-face, and 

conferences

https://www.txstate-epdc.net/event-post/

- Asynchronous Professional Development

• Opportunities thru earning badges for both educators 

and students

https://www.txstate-epdc.net/digital-badging

- QuickBits

• Demonstration video by a NASA Education Specialist 

explaining a Big Idea in Science Content or a Science and 

Engineering Practice. All videos are aligned to Next 

Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and include links 

to NASA resources and content.

https://www.txstate-epdc.net/quick-bits/
MIE Alliance

The Museum and Informal Education Alliance is a site dedicated 

to informal education and resources that are especially helpful for 

museums, science centers, camps, afterschool organizations, and 

anyone else who is looking for NASA resources that focus on a 

more informal approach to education.

https://informal.jpl.nasa.gov/museum/

NASA Connects

NASA Connects is an interactive space for educators to connect 

to resources, people, and other NASA opportunities. By creating 

an account, users can find collaborators and peers, build their 

own repository of NASA lessons and activities, stay up-to-date on 

student and educator opportunities, and more.

https://nasacentral.force.com/cop/s/

NASA Social Media

In our increasingly technologically-connected world, there are 

many ways to virtually join NASA on our adventures. We are 

active on most popular social media sites, and there is something 

for every interest.

https://www.nasa.gov/socialmedia

 

 
SECTION 3: ACTIVITY GUIDES AND RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS AND 

PARENTS

Highlighting NASA Resources

There are multiple ways to search for STEM content at NASA. Two primary search criteria are 

1.) by grade level/band and 2.) by topic. In the sections below, we provide a highlight of some of 

our favorite lessons and activities broken down by both grade level/band and by topic. In the 

next section, some of our great content is shared with you by topic. On our website, search 

tools make it easy to search using the criteria you prefer.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem

By Grade Level: 

NASA STEM for Grades K-4

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents/k-4/index.html

With multiple types of activities and ways to interact with NASA content, we work 

to reach students where they are. The main categories highlighted for a K-4 

audience below include: 

• Play It: This section contains a sample of the games elementary students 

can play that teach about aviation and space.

• Make It: In this section, hands-on activities are highlighted.

• Solve It: A variety of games and puzzles are a great way to help some 

students get engaged in STEM. This section contains some of our large 

selection of games and puzzles.

• Color It: Learning pages that are fun to color can be found here.

• Read It: Literacy and STEM are both crucial skills students need to learn. 

This section shares a small number of our programs that focus on both 

literacy and STEM.

• Explore It: These activities give students the chance to dig a bit deeper 

into one of our many STEM topics.

PLAY IT!!

Addition Blast Off

- Given a random number board, click on numbers that add up to a target 

number. The more numbers you use, the more points you earn. Keep 

going until you clear the board.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/addition-blast-off/index.html

Airplane High Low

- What Number am I thinking of? Chose a number and if you’re wrong, I’ll tell 

you if it is higher or lower. 

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/airplane-high-low/

Color Nature at NASA

- Nature is important to NASA. Learn about plans and animals that live at 

NASA Centers across the U.S. while exploring pictures. Click to paint and 

color the same picture.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/color-NASA/index.html
Explore Mars

- Drive a Rover on Mars by sending a sequence of commands. Choose 

rocks to investigate and collect data while doing any of 8 expeditions!

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/explore-mars/en/

Flip Time

- Test your memory and your clock skills. Match a digital clock reading with 

an analog clock. Keep the airplanes at an airport running on time.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/flip-time/

Jumbled Jets

- With airplanes mixed up on the runway, use patterns and combinations to

determine which planes are in the fleet and how they should be lined up.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/jumbled-jets/index.html

Rocket Builder

- Build a fleet of rockets. Click and drag on rocket parts to build one of five 

rockets given the rocket plans.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/rocket-builder/index.html

Space Lunch Game! 

- Learn about food groups and nutrition with this matching game. 

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/space-lunch/index.html

Star Fall

- Learn about stars. Use your knowledge to groups stars of the same color. 

Earn points as you remove stars before the timer runs out.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/star-fall/

What comes next?

- Look at a pattern. Determine what is missing. Complete the pattern.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/what-comesnext/index.html

MAKE IT!!

BEST Activity Guide: An Education Guide to the Engineering Design 

Process 

- NASA's BEST activities nurture development of 21st. century skills 

including communication, collaboration and innovation. The activities are 

flexible in terms of materials, time, students’ abilities, and resources. 

BEST Activity Guides couple NASA engineering content and themes to 

help teach students the engineering design process, and the guides reflect 

NASA’s role as a leader in space, technology, aeronautics, and science. 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/630755main_NASAsBESTActivityGuideK-2.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/630753main_NASAsBESTActivityGuide3-5.pdf
Build a Rocket and More with Shapes

- Try piecing together your own rocket design using triangles, squares and 

rectangles! Then, see what other designs you can build with these 

geometric shapes.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/build-a-rocket-and-more-withshapes/

Build Your Very Own Mars Helicopter!

- NASA is sending a helicopter to Mars! This helicopter is called Ingenuity 

and is designed to test whether or not flight is a good way to study distant 

bodies in space. We have sent spacecraft to other planets, but this is the 

first aircraft that will fly on another world. In this activity, you will learn about 

this amazing feat of engineering as you build your own Mars helicopter 

model.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/build_your_own_mars_

helicopter.pdf

Build Your Own Spacecraft

- How would you like to be the chief engineer for an important NASA 

mission? Design the latest and greatest satellite. Your satellite could help 

study things happening on Earth, take pictures of planets in our solar 

system, keep an eye on our sun, or even find planets elsewhere in the 

universe!

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/build-a-spacecraft/en/

Make a Cloud Mobile

- Learn about different types of clouds. Then follow a video to learn how to 

create your own cloud mobile.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/cloud-mobile/en/

Make a Comet on a Stick!

- Learn about comets and them make your own comet that you can fly 

around the room!

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/comet-stick/en/

Make a Galactic Model

- A galaxy is a grouping of stars. All but a few stars in the universe live in 

galaxies. Make your own collection of beautiful galaxies and suspend 

them on a mobile.

https://space place.nasa.gov/galactic-mobile/en/

Make an Ocean Ecosystem Dessert

- Learn more about some of the plants and animals of the ocean ecosystem! 

With this activity, make a cool and tasty version of the ocean ecosystem!

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/ocean-ecosystem/

Make Universe Slime

- Did you know that our universe is stretching out in all directions? It's true! 

Ever since the universe began about 13.8 billion years ago, it's been 

stretching out and expanding. In this activity, you’ll make your own 

stretchy universe slime.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/universe-slime/en/
Make a Straw Rocket

- Create a paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw – then, 

modify the design to make the rocket fly farther!

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-straw-rocket/

Make and Color a Paper Airplane

- Learn to make paper airplanes. Print the pattern and watch the video to 

make a paper airplane and learn about NASA airplanes.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/make-and-color-a-paperairplane.html

Make Your Own X-59

- X-59 (QueSST) One of NASA’s newest experimental aircraft, the X-59 

(QueSST) is designed to lower the noise created by planes flying faster 

than the speed of sound. Make a paper airplane version of the X-59.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/make_your_own_x59_directions.pdf

SOLVE IT!!

Earth’s Seasons and the Sun: A Crossword Puzzle

- Each year, Earth makes a complete trip around the Sun! Learn about our 

planet’s journey and important points along its orbit. Visit the two websites 

to find clues to solve this crossword puzzle!

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/seasons-crossword-puzzle.html

Forward to the Moon with Artemis

- Play word and number puzzles, spot the difference, coding, tracing, and 

other activities as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo, we look 

forward to NASA’s new Artemis mission that will land the first woman, the 

first person of color and the next man on the surface of the moon. 

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/forwardmoonexplorerac

tivities-1.pdf

International Space Station Puzzles

- Challenge your word and math skills while you learn about the 

International Space Station. Download and print these crossword and 

emoji math puzzles. Emoji math uses icons and popular emojis in place of 

numbers, letters and variables in a math problem. Themed puzzles 

celebrate Nov. 2, 2000 as the first day of continuous habitation of humans 

living and working on the station.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/iss-puzzles.html

ISS Activity Book

- Learn about the International Space Station thru fun activities. Excite your 

students’ imaginations and engender in them an interest in math and 

science, culminating in their pursuit of space-related careers or hobbies.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/iss_activity_book.pdf

Junior Ranger Spaceflight Explorer—Explorer's Activity Guide

- Play word and number puzzles while learning about the Moon, space 

vehicles that will take humans to the Moon and to Mars, and national parks 
across the United States. NASA and National Park Service made this 

booklet of fun activities. The printable booklet has math puzzles, thought 

questions, spot the difference pictures, matching puzzles, scrambled words 

and anagrams. Take the pledge and put your name on the certificate.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/junior-ranger-spaceflight.html

Junior Pilot Program: X-59 (K-5)

- Join Orville D. Squirrel as he explores the science of sound and NASA’s X-59 

experimental aircraft. Stories, activities, and games are a part of this booklet, 

which is available in both English and Spanish.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/junior-pilot-print.pdf

(English)

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/junior-pilot-spanish.pdf

(Spanish)

SCaN Message Decoder Activities

- The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program has 

antennas around the world and satellites in space to help guide and 

exchange important information for all NASA spaceflight missions. 

Astronauts, mission controllers, and scientists rely on SCaN to transmit 

message from Earth to space and back in order to communicate. These 

activities allow students to decode secret messages!

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/communications/outreach/stud

ents/scan_message_decoder

Space Math @ NASA

- Visit this NASA resource to download hundreds of math problems featuring 

a behind the scenes look at NASA press releases and discoveries. The 

problems range from simple scaling and proportions to algebra and 

calculus, and cover topics spanning all NASA science and engineering 

activities. You can search for problems by grade level, topic, space 

science topic, or NASA mission. There are so many possibilities.

https://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Space Tech Fun Pad

- Technology Drives Exploration. Play word and number puzzles, spot the 

difference, coding, tracing, matching and other activities as you learn about 

NASA Technology.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/space_tech_funpad_tag

ged.pdf

COLOR IT!!

A-Z Commercial Crew Coloring Sheets

- Learn about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program as you work thru these Ato-Z activity sheets that you can also color.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/a-z-activity-sheets.pdf

High Flyers Alphabet Activity Book

- The High Flyers Alphabet Activity book introduces basic aeronautics terms. 

Students can color and practice letter writing, learn new words, solve 
simple addition problems, and more. Available in English and Spanish.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/high-flyers.html

NASA Coloring Pages

- Color and learn about our solar system using these coloring pages. 

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/coloring-pages/en/

Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) A-to-Z

- Learn all about Space Communications and Navigation from A-to-Z! 

Explore an animated gallery or an image gallery or print an A to Z coloring 

book. There are also A to Z trading cards and a classroom poster.

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/communications/outreach/stud

ents/a_to_z

Space Launch System Coloring Book

- Learn about the Space Launch System with coloring and puzzles.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/sls_coloring_book_080

72019_508.indd_.pdf

READ IT!!

Astro-Not-Yets 

- Read along as the Astro-Not- will learning about the International Space 

Station and Commercial Crew Program while learning about microgravity.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/edu_ngs_np-2021-09-

009a_astro-not-yets_microgravity_storybook_web508_5-22.pdf

Earth Observatory (EO) KIDS

- EO Kids is written for audiences aged 9 to 14. It is published with support 

from NASA’s Landsat, Terra, and Aqua missions. Read all about a variety 

of Earth science topics like hurricanes and air pollution and experiment 

with exciting hands-on activities with EO Kids.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/blogs/eokids/

GLOBE Program

- Since its founding on Earth Day 1994, the Global Learning and 

Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program has been 

providing students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to 

meaningfully contribute to our understanding of the Earth system and 

global environment. Through interdisciplinary activities and inquires into 

the various Earth spheres, GLOBE gives students a hands-on approach to 

the scientific method, as citizens conduct real-world research. Elementary 

level activities through adult opportunities are a part of the program. A 

sample of the many elementary activities are found below.

Note that each elementary activity also includes a storybook.

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe

GLOBE Air Quality

• Students will investigate why aerosols and other types of air 

pollution affect the color of the sky. They'll also learn how to 

describe the sky color and the underlying conditions in the 

atmosphere. 

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/air-quality
GLOBE Clouds

• Students will explore how different types of clouds can be described 

via analogy. As they start understanding how to observe clouds, 

they'll create models of the different cloud types and contrails. 

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/clouds

GLOBE Earth System

• Students will examine how water, air, soil, and living creatures 

interact within the Earth system. They'll also learn the importance of 

each role to the planet's ecology. Includes a storybook as well as 

activities.

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/earth-system

GLOBE Seasons

• Students will discover how hummingbirds deal with seasonal 

changes. To broaden their scope, they'll use science journals to 

describe the changes in their own local environment as it cycles 

through the different seasons. Includes a storybook as well as 

activities.

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/seasons

GLOBE Water

• Students will learn how to describe a creek by making observations, 

taking measurements, and investigating its macroinvertebrates. To 

accomplish this, they'll be introduced to measurement tools like 

rulers and magnifying glasses. 

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/water

Leveled Readers and More

- NASA Aeronautics’ leveled readers series brings the history of American 

aviation to life by highlighting the accomplishments of famous and 

historical aviators and the options for STEM careers as seen through the 

stories of contemporary NASA aeronautics experts. Stories at a variety of 

reading levels, along with supplemental videos, sound clips, and support 

pages help bring these stories to life.

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/leveled-readers

Story Time from Space

- Astronauts on the Space Station read stories to and conducting science 

experiments for the children of Earth as the world rotates below. While in 

space, astronauts are videotaping themselves reading various children’s 

books to the children of Earth. There are additional activities and resources 

beyond the story time videos.

https://storytimefromspace.com/library/

Why Do We Explore?

- Follow along on the computer to find out reasons to explore. Read the 

story to yourself or have it read to you.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/why-do-weexplore/index.html
You Are Going

- You Are Going, illustrated by former NASA intern Shane Tolentino, shares 

a glimpse into future Artemis missions. Learn all about the elements that 

will help make Artemis possible: the powerful Space Launch System 

rocket, the Orion spacecraft, the Gateway, and so much more.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/you-are-going/

EXPLORE IT!!

Airplanes and Flying

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k4/more_to_explore/Airplanes-and-Flying.html

Astronauts

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k4/more_to_explore/Astronauts.html

Earth

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k4/more_to_explore/Earth.html

Jumbled Jets

- The airplanes are mixed up on the runway. Using patterns and 

combinations, determine which planes are in the fleet and how they should 

be lined up.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/jumbled-jets/index.html

International Space Station

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k4/more_to_explore/International-Space-Station.html

Moon to Mars

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/more_to_explore/moon-tomars.html

NASA’s Our World – a part of NASA EClips

- A collection of both videos and educator guides. The educator guides 

provide examples of ways that teachers may effectively use video 

segments as an instructional tool. All lessons are presented in the 5E 

delivery model and are aligned to national standards for science, math, 

and technology.
https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/resources/guides#Full_Guide_grades_K5_Our_World

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/video/ourworld

Planets and Moons

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/more_to_explore/Planetsand-Moons.html

Stars, Constellations, and Astronomy

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/more_to_explore/StarsContellations-Astronomy.html

Weather and Climate

- Check out this website to find games to play, videos to watch, things to 

make and stories to read for students in grades K-4.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/more_to_explore/Weatherand-Climate.html

What did Hubble See on Your Birthday?

- Hubble explores the universe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means 

it has observed some fascinating cosmic wonder every day of the year, 

including on your birthday. Enter any month and date to find out!

https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/what-did-hubble-see-on-yourbirthday
NASA STEM for Grades 5-8

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents/5-8/index.html

Like our K-4 resources, we similarly categorized some of our most popular STEM 

activities for our grades 5-8 audience by category. These include: 

• Build It: There are many hands-on activities in this section.

• Play It: Engage students with a selection of games.

• Watch It: Some say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Videos can say 

even more. In this section, we’ve put together some of our favorite awardwinning videos for students.

• Explore It: These activities give students the chance to dig a bit deeper 

into one of our many STEM topics.

• Solve It: A variety of games and puzzles are a great way to help some 

students get engaged in STEM. This section contains some of our large 

selection of games and puzzles.

BUILD IT!!

BEST Activity Guide: An Education Guide to the Engineering Design 

Process 

- NASA's BEST activities nurture development of 21st. century skills 

including communication, collaboration and innovation. The activities are 

flexible in terms of materials, time, students’ abilities, and resources. 

BEST Activity Guides couple NASA engineering content and themes to 

help teach students the engineering design process, and the guides reflect 

NASA’s role as a leader in space, technology, aeronautics, and science. 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/630754main_NASAsBESTActivityGuide6-8.pdf

BEST Next Generation Activity Guide: Technology Demonstration Missions

- An additional set of BEST activities designed with NASA’s Technology 

Demonstration Missions. The missions provide revolutionary, crosscutting 

technologies that could advance NASA’s mission in space and benefit 

science and industry here on Earth. The missions include Green Propellant 

Infusion Mission (GPIM), Deep Space Atomic Clock, Low Density Super 

Sonic Decelerator and several more.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/best/activities.html

Build an Anemometer

- Measure wind speed with a homemade anemometer. Test it and then learn 

about the importance of wind speed when flying an airplane.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/build-an-anemometer.html

Build Your Own Universe Exploration Fleet

- There are several spacecrafts exploring our Universe. You can build paper 

versions of many of them right here on Earth. These include the Compton 

Gamma Ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space 

Telescope, OSIRIS-Rex and several more. 

https://science.nasa.gov/kids/the-universe/universe-spacecraft-papermodels
Changing Pressure 

- You can understand Bernoulli's principle, which explains how a change in 

air pressure helps lift airplane wings.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/changing-pressure.html

Edible Model of the Sun

- The Sun is a dynamic and active star. If you look at it with a telescope, or 

even with a pin-hole camera or special eclipse glasses, you can see 

features on the sun that are moving and changing. (Remember you should 

never look directly at the sun!) Participants will make an edible model of 

the Sun’s outer layers using cookies and toppings.

https://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2007/materials/solar_cookie.pdf

Get your Gummy Greenhouse Gases!

- Molecules are tiny structures that make up just about all matter—including 

you! Molecules themselves are made of atoms, the basic building blocks of 

matter. Using just four kinds of atoms as building blocks, you can 

construct many different types of molecules. In this project, you will build 

models of some gas molecules. These kinds of gas molecules are part of 

the air. They are called greenhouse gases.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gumdrops/en/

Impact Craters 

- Create your own impact craters! When astronauts visit the Moon for the 

Artemis III missions, they will be able to study the craters that may contain 

water and ice. Testing and studying these craters may help NASA identify 

areas on the Moon that are rich in water and other resources to determine 

how to best use those materials while on the lunar surface.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/impact-craters.html

Lifecycle of a Star Bracelets and Bookmarks

- All stars have a lifecycle and the James Webb Space Telescope will be 

able to help us see these cycles better than we have ever been able to 

before. Learn more about a star’s lifecycle as you build either a bracelet or 

a bookmark with different color beads highlighting each stage in the cycle.

https://webb.nasa.gov/education/SeeingStarlightMadScience.8.11.21.pdf

https://webb.nasa.gov/education/JWSTLifeCyclesActivity.pdf

Make a Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator

- Students use their knowledge of the phases of the Moon to assemble a 

printable Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator. They can then use the 

tool to look up the phase of the Moon for any day of the year and predict 

when and where the Moon will be visible.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/make-a-moon-phases-calendarand-calculator/

Make a Scale Solar System

- Have you ever wondered about the sizes of planets in the solar system or 

the distances between them? In this project, you will create your own scale 

model of the solar system by learning how to calculate scale distances, the 

relative sizes of planets, or both. Then, use beads and string, sidewalk 
chalk, or your own creative choice of materials to build a model you can 

explore – or maybe even wear!

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-scale-solar-system/

Make A Straw Plane

- You can build an airplane that has ailerons, elevators, and a rudder. These 

parts will help you control your plane better. You can then adjust these 

parts to see how the flight of your plane changes.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/make-a-straw-plane.html

Make Oreo Moon Phases!

- Learn about the Phases of the moon. Use Oreo cookies to demonstrate 

the different phases of the moon.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/oreo-moon/en/

Space Origami: Make Your Own Starshade

- Imagine trying to photograph a planet from trillions of miles away. Now 

imagine that planet is in another solar system, where the bright light of its 

parent star is outshining everything around it. This is what new technology 

from NASA is trying to do – capture the first images of planets outside our 

solar system – and you can make your own model of the spacecraft using 

origami!

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/space-origami-make-your-ownstarshade/

Spaghetti Anyone? Building with Pasta

- You have 18 minutes to build the tallest freestanding structure to support a 

marshmallow for at least 15 seconds. Though a marshmallow might not 

seem like a significant mass to support, find the challenge when 

constrained to using spaghetti and tape. When building a spaghetti 

structure, these are the same forces, like gravity and wind, that engineers 

have to take into consideration when working on Deep Space Network 

antennas. Brainstorm ideas, discuss strengths/weaknesses, then select a 

design to build, test and make sure that it can support the marshmallow.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/spaghetti-anyone/

Tornado in a Bottle

- Simulate a tornado inside a plastic bottle and observe the creation of a water 

vortex by swirling water in a bottle. Then, learn why pilots must consider 

weather before flying an airplane.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/tornado-in-a-bottle.html

PLAY IT!!

Addition Blast Off

- Given a random number board, click on numbers that add up to a target 

number. The more numbers you use, the more points you earn. Keep 

going until you clear the board.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/addition-blast-off/index.html
Airplane High Low

- What Number am I thinking of? Chose a number and if you’re wrong, I’ll tell 

you if it is higher or lower. Keep trying until you get the right number. How 

many tries do you need?

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/airplane-high-low/

DSN Uplink-Downlink: A DSN Game

- How does NASA talk to its faraway spacecraft? With the big antenna 

dishes of the Deep Space Network (DSN)! In this game you’ll use these 

big antennas to send information to — and receive information from —

NASA’s robotic explorers in the solar system and beyond. Scientists call 

this process “uplinking” and “downlinking.” An antenna "uplinks" 

instructions to a spacecraft and "downlinks" the spacecraft's data and 

images back to Earth.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/dsn-game/en/

Explore Mars

- Drive a Rover on Mars by sending a sequence of commands. Choose 

rocks to investigate and collect data while doing any of 8 expeditions!

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/explore-mars/en/

Flip Time

- Test your memory and your clock skills. Match a digital clock reading with 

an analog clock. Keep the airplanes at an airport running on time.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/flip-time/

Rocket Builder

- Build a fleet of rockets. Click and drag on rocket parts to build one of five 

rockets given the rocket plans.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/rocket-builder/index.html

Scope It Out

- The Webb Telescope may be unusual in appearance - but it has a lot in 

common with simple tube-shaped telescopes. Play the "Scope It Out!" game to 

find out more! Scope It Out! includes an introduction to telescopes and two 

matching games. Be sure to pay attention as you go - the information contained 

in each level will help you solve the puzzles in the next round. This game is best 

suited for teens and interested adults.

https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/content/features/educational/scopeItOut/index.html

Smart Skies

- Using hands-on activities and visualization activities, students learn about 

distance-rate-time through the lens of air traffic control. The companion 

app, Sector 33, allows students to try their hand at increasingly complex air 

traffic control situations.

https://smartskies.nasa.gov/

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/Sector33/iOS/index.html
Star Fall

- Learn about stars. Use that knowledge to groups stars of the same color. 

Earn points as you remove as many stars before the timer runs out.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/star-fall/

WATCH IT!!

#AskNASA

- In this playlist, NASA experts answer your questions about space 

exploration, science and aeronautics. Check out #AskNASA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2aBZuCeDwlRbJhDIkKXilZRz9ur

4VVAA

#BackToSchool with NASA Science

- As you get ready for the new school year, consider adding a little space to 

your curriculum. This playlist features videos exploring the solar system, 

hands-on activities for future explorers, science explainer content and 

much more from NASA!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2aBZuCeDwlQHIpnkmRVKL_VQCOIsCS_

Dancing Uranus

- In the dance of our solar system, one planet has moves like no other. Find 

out how Uranus' tilt puts it in a league all its own.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/video/dancing-uranus/

Earth Observatory (EO) KIDS

- EO Kids is published with support from NASA’s Landsat, Terra, and Aqua 

missions. Read about a variety of Earth science topics like hurricanes and 

air pollution and experiment with exciting hands-on activities with EO Kids.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/blogs/eokids/

How do NASA Astronauts Communicate Nonverbally in Space?

- How can astronauts in space communicate with each other if their 

communications channels were to go down or become busy? NASA 

astronauts explain a few nonverbal ways to communicate to one another 

that they learned as they were training to live and work on the International 

Space Station. Can you guess what they're trying to say?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOpVTlrTYXw

NASA's Guide to Near-light-speed Travel Guide

- So, you've just put the finishing touches on upgrades to your spaceship, 

and now it can fly at almost the speed of light. We're not quite sure how 

you pulled it off, but congratulations! Before you fly off on your next 

vacation, however, watch this handy video to learn more about near-lightspeed safety considerations, travel times, and distances between some 

popular destinations around the universe.

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/13653
NASA’s Field Guide to Black Holes

- Thinking about doing some black hole watching the next time you’re on an 

intergalactic vacation, but you’re not quite sure where to start? Well, look 

no further! This series of videos shows you everything you need to know. 

With topics ranging from basic black holes, to fancy black holes, to giant 

black holes and their companions, you’ll be more than ready for your next 

adventure. In addition to the videos, you can also download a printable 

guide that has even more information.

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/13834

NASA’s Real World – a part of NASA EClips

- A collection of both videos and educator guides. Educator Guides provide 

examples of ways teachers may effectively use video segments as an 

instructional tool. All lessons are presented in the 5E delivery model and 

are aligned to national standards for science, math, and technology.

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/resources/guides#Full_Guide_grades_6-

8_Real_World

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/video/realworld

What is a Black Hole?

- A black hole is an area of such immense gravity that nothing -- not even 

light -- can escape from it.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/black-holes/en/

EXPLORE IT!!

A Guide to Climate Change for Kids

- Have you heard people talk about climate change? Ever wondered what it 

is and why we care about it so much? NASA scientists have been studying 

Earth’s climate for more than 40 years. We used what we’ve learned in that 

time to answer some of your biggest questions!

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/kids-guide-to-climate-change/

Citizen Science Projects

- NASA’s citizen science projects are collaborations between scientists and 

interested members of the public. Through these collaborations, volunteers 

(known as citizen scientists) have helped make thousands of important 

scientific discoveries. Want to work on some real NASA science? Click on 

this link to check out multiple science projects. 

https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscience

Code a Mars Rover Driving Game

- Use Python to code a game that simulates how NASA explores Mars using 

rovers. Your game will challenge players to drive a Mars rover from one 

location to another while avoiding hazards.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/code-a-mars-rover-driving-game/

GLOBE Observer (Citizen Scientists)

- You don’t have to be a professional scientist to conduct valuable research. 

Contribute meaningful data, learn about our changing world, and join an 

international network of citizen scientists and researchers working together 

to solve Earth’s biggest natural mysteries. This citizen science app 
allowing students to take observations and contribute to the Global 

Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) 

community around the world.

https://observer.globe.gov/

How do exoplanets get their names?

- Exoplanet names can look long and complicated at first, especially in 

comparison to names like Venus and Mars. But they have a logic behind them 

that is important to scientists cataloging thousands of planets.

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/faq/20/how-do-exoplanets-get-their-names/

How to Do a Science Fair Project

- In this video series, a JPL scientist, engineer, and educator team up to help 

students learn how to observe the world around them and ask questions 

about the things they observe. Students will learn how to take those 

observations and turn them into a successful science fair project.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/how-to-do-a-science-fair-project/

Mission: Biomes

- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different part of 

the world? What would the weather be like? What kinds of animals would 

you see? Which plants live there? By investigating these questions, you 

are learning about biomes. A biome is a community of plants and animals 

living together in a certain kind of climate. Scientists have classified 

regions of the world into different biomes. Your mission, should you

choose to accept it, is to investigate biomes, then test your knowledge 

about the biomes by completing each mission.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/biome

Mission to Mars Student Challenge

- Get K-12 students exploring Mars with NASA scientists, engineers, and the 

Perseverance rover as they learn all about STEM and design their very 

own mission to the Red Planet! Everything you need is right here –

including guided education plans, expert tips, and resources from NASA.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/mission-to-mars-student-challenge/

MyNASAData

- NASA offers petabytes of global Earth science data collected from 

satellites but accessing these data in a traditional (or virtual) science 

classroom can be tricky. Since 2004, My NASA Data has supported 

students and teachers of grades 3-12 in analyzing and interpreting NASA 

mission data. Join My NASA Data as we strive to support your integration 

of authentic Earth data in your instruction.

https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/

Our Solar System Lithograph Set

- This lithograph set features images of the planets, the sun, asteroids, comets, 

meteors and meteorites, the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud, and moons of the 

solar system. General information, significant dates, interesting facts, and 

brief descriptions of the images are included.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/Our_Solar_System_Lithograph_Set.html
Trace Space Back to You

- Have you ever wondered why space exploration should matter to you? Or 

how the work of NASA scientists and engineers affects your daily life? 

“Spinoffs” are commercial products and services derived from NASA 

technology.

https://homeandcity.nasa.gov/

SOLVE IT!!

Earth’s Seasons and the Sun: A Crossword Puzzle

- Each year, Earth makes a complete trip around the Sun! Learn about our 

planet’s journey and important points along its orbit. Visit the two websites 

to find clues to solve this crossword puzzle!

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/seasons-crossword-puzzle.html

Forward to the Moon with Artemis

- Play word and number puzzles, spot the difference, coding, tracing, and 

other activities as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo, we look 

forward to NASA’s new Artemis mission that will land the first woman, the 

first person of color and the next man on the surface of the moon. 

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/forwardmoonexploreract

ivities-1.pdf

International Space Station Puzzles

- Challenge your word and math skills while you learn about the International 

Space Station. Download and print these crossword and emoji math 

puzzles. Emoji math uses icons and popular emojis in place of numbers, 

letters and variables in a math problem. Themed puzzles celebrate Nov. 2, 

2000, as the first day of continuous habitation of humans living and working 

on the station.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/iss-puzzles.html

ISS Activity Book

- Learn about the International Space Station through completion of fun 

activities. We hope to excite your students’ imaginations, and engender in 

them an interest in math and science, culminating in their pursuit of spacerelated careers and/or hobbies.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/iss_activity_book.pdf

Junior Ranger Spaceflight Explorer—Explorer's Activity Guide

- Play word and number puzzles while you learn about the Moon, space 

vehicles that will take humans to the Moon and to Mars, and national parks 

across the United States. NASA and the National Park Service made this 

booklet of fun activities. The free, printable booklet has math puzzles, 

thought questions, spot the difference pictures, matching puzzles, 

scrambled words and anagrams. Take the pledge to become a Spaceflight 

Explorer Junior Ranger, and put your name on the certificate.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/junior-ranger-spaceflight.html

SCaN Message Decoder Activities (K-2, 3-4, 6-8)

- The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program has 

antennas around the world and satellites in space to help guide and 
exchange important information for all NASA spaceflight missions. 

Astronauts, mission controllers, and scientists rely on SCaN to transmit 

message from Earth to space and back in order to communicate. These 

activities allow students to decode secret messages!

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/communications/outreach/stud

ents/scan_message_decoder

Space Tech Fun Pad

- Technology Drives Exploration. Play word and number puzzles, spot the 

difference, coding, tracing, matching and other activities as you learn about 

NASA Technology, NASA Space craft and NASA Spinoffs.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/space_tech_funpad_tag

ged.pdf
NASA STEM for Grades 9-12

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents/9-12/index.html

For students in grades 9-12, a large portion of activities and opportunities include 

not just interaction and hands-on STEM, but also a look ahead towards the 

future, careers, and what’s next. For high school students, they may be looking 

for inspiration and for some, preparation for post-secondary opportunities. The 

categories we’ve highlighted with some of our high school-level activities include:

• Get Involved: “I’m interested in NASA and in STEM, now what?” 

Resources here show students what they can do to get more involved.

• Solve It: NASA focuses on solving problems. This section allows high 

school students the opportunity to solve problems of their own.

• Build It: There are many hands-on activities in this section.

• Explore It: Activities and resources to allow high school students to dig 

deeper into specific topics are the focus of this section.

GET INVOLVED!!

Citizen Science Projects

- NASA’s citizen science projects are collaborations between scientists and 

interested members of the public. Through these collaborations, volunteers 

(known as citizen scientists) have helped make thousands of important 

scientific discoveries. Want to work on some real NASA science? Click on 

this link to check out multiple science projects. 

https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscience

Lower the Boom Citizen Science Activity

- Acting as citizen scientists, students use a free mobile app to collect and 

submit levels of ambient noise. 

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/nasas-lower-the-boom-citizenscience-activity.html

GLOBE Observer (Citizen Scientists)

- You don’t have to be a professional scientist to conduct valuable research. 

Students can contribute meaningful data, learn about our changing world, 

and join an international network of citizen scientists and researchers who 

are working together to help solve some of Earth’s biggest natural 

mysteries. This citizen science app allows students to take observations 

while also contributing to the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit 

the Environment (GLOBE) community around the world.

https://observer.globe.gov/

Mission: Biomes

- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different part of 

the world? What would the weather be like? What kinds of animals would 

you see? Which plants live there? By investigating these questions, you 

are learning about biomes. A biome is a community of plants and animals 

living together in a certain kind of climate. Scientists have classified 

regions of the world into different biomes. Your mission, should you 

choose to accept it, is to investigate biomes, then test your knowledge 

about the biomes by completing each mission.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/biome
Mission to Mars Student Challenge

- Explore Mars with NASA scientists, engineers, and the Perseverance rover 

as they learn all about STEM and design their very own mission to the Red 

Planet! Everything you need is right here – including guided education 

plans, expert tips, and resources from NASA.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/mission-to-mars-student-challenge/

MyNASAData

- NASA offers petabytes (1 million gigabytes) of global Earth science data 

collected from satellites; however, accessing all of these data in a 

traditional (or virtual) science classroom can be tricky. Since 2004, 

MyNASAData has supported students and teachers in grades 3-12 with 

analyzing and interpreting NASA mission data. 

https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/

SOLVE IT!!

Earth’s Seasons and the Sun: A Crossword Puzzle

- Each year, Earth makes a complete trip around the Sun! Learn about our 

planet’s journey and important points along its orbit. Visit the two websites 

to find clues to solve this crossword puzzle!

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/seasons-crossword-puzzle.html

International Space Station Puzzles

- Challenge your word and math skills while you learn about the International 

Space Station. Download and print these crossword and emoji math puzzles. 

Emoji math uses icons and popular emojis in place of numbers, letters and 

variables in a math problem. Themed puzzles celebrate Nov. 2, 2000, as the 

first day of continuous habitation of humans living and working on the station.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/iss-puzzles.html

Space Math @ NASA

- Visit this NASA resource to download hundreds of math problems featuring 

a behind the scenes look at NASA press releases and discoveries. The 

problems range from simple scaling and proportions to algebra and 

calculus, and cover topics spanning all NASA science and engineering 

activities. You can search for problems by grade level, topic, space science 

topic, or NASA mission. There are so many possibilities.

https://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/

BUILD IT!!

BEST Activity Guide: An Education Guide to the Engineering Design 

Process 

- NASA's BEST activities nurture development of 21st. Century Skills 

including communication, collaboration, and innovation. The activities are 

flexible in terms of materials, time, and students’ abilities. guides couple 

NASA engineering content to teach students the engineering design 

process while demonstrating NASA’s role as a leader in space, technology, 

aeronautics, and science. While labeled for middle school, these activities 

are great for high school students and beyond.

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/630754main_NASAsBESTActivityGuide6-8.pdf
BEST Next Generation Activity Guide: Technology Demonstration Missions

- An additional round of BEST activities designed to directly related to 

NASA’s Technology Demonstration Missions. The missions provide 

revolutionary, crosscutting technologies that could advance NASA’s 

mission in space and benefit science and industry here on Earth. Missions 

include Green Propellant Infusion Mission, Deep Space Atomic Clock, Low 

Density Super Sonic Decelerator and more. While labeled for middle 

school, these activities are great for high school students and beyond.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/best/activities.html

Build a Tetrahedral Kite

- Build a kite with levels of pyramid shapes from household items such as 

straws, glue, yarn and tissue paper.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/build-a-tetrahedral-kite.html

Build-It-Yourself: Satellite!

- An educational game for high school and college age students, where they 

get to be the scientist by building their own satellite. 

https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/features/educational/buildItYourself/index.html

Build Your Own Mars Rover 

- The JPL Open-Source Rover is an open source, build it yourself, scaled 

down version of the 6 wheel rover design that JPL uses to explore the 

surface of Mars. The Open-Source Rover is designed almost entirely out of 

consumer off the shelf (COTS) parts. This project is intended to be a 

teaching and learning experience for those who want to get involved in 

mechanical engineering, software, electronics, or robotics.

https://opensourcerover.jpl.nasa.gov/#!/signup

https://github.com/nasa-jpl/open-source-rover

EXPLORE IT!!

Aeronautics for Introductory Physics (9-college)

- An inquiry based approach to teaching introductory physics, this guide

engaged students in 21st century skills, higher level inquiry, and the 

context of aeronautical research and flight to teach introductory-level 

physics.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/aero-intro-physics_0.pdf

The Cosmological Red Shift – Changing the light from a galaxy

- Students learn about the redshift unit of measurement in astronomy, and 

solve a simple linear equation to explore how the light from very distant 

galaxies is reddened compared to nearby galaxies.

https://jwst.nasa.gov/education/7Page45.pdf

High School Experiments in Infrared Astronomy

- This Guide will present a variety of basic information about infrared light, 

including hands-on experiments and mathematical problems that will 

quickly make you an ‘Expert’ in the basic science being carried out by the 

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It will also present information 

gathered by the predecessors to JWST such as the Spitzer Space 
Telescope. Educators will find this guide a helpful adjunct to the concepts 

being taught at high school-level in the areas of light, space science and 

applied mathematics.

https://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/SMBooks/IRGuide.pdf

Infographics

- Infographics use striking, engaging visuals to communication information 

quickly, clearly, and concisely. They provide a combination so imagery, 

data visualizations, and minimal text that provide easy-to-understand 

overview.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/infographics

https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/infographics.html

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/armd-18x24-

infographics-aero-toolkit-06-2020.pdf

https://chandra.si.edu/graphics/resources/illustrations/atoms_infograph.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/iss20_infographic_david

_20200713_compressed.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/iss20_celebrating_20_y

ears.pdf

Leveled Readers and More

- NASA Aeronautics’ leveled readers series brings the history of American 

aviation to life by highlighting the accomplishments of famous and historical 

aviators and the options for STEM careers as seen through the stories of 

contemporary NASA aeronautics experts. Stories at a variety of reading 

levels, along with supplemental videos, sound clips, and support pages 

help bring these stories to life.

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/leveled-readers

Living in the Age of Airplanes

- The National Geographic documentary, “Living in the Age of Airplanes” is a 

story about how the airplane has changed the world. This educator guide 

provides activities for students to explore the social and scientific advances 

in the speed and distance of human travel, as well as NASA’s contributing 

role in aviation.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/Living-in-the-age-of-airplanesresource-guide.pdf

NASA’s Launchpad – a part of NASA eClips

- NASA’s Launchpad is a collection of both videos and educator guides. 

Educator Guides provide examples of ways teachers may effectively use 

video segments as an instructional tool. All lessons are presented in the 5E 

delivery model and are aligned to national standards for science, math, and 

technology.

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/resources/guides#Full_Guide_grades_9-

12_Launchpad

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/video/launchpad
Scope It Out

- The James Webb Space Telescope may be unusual in its appearance - but it 

has a lot in common with simple tube-shaped telescopes. Play the "Scope It 

Out!" game to find out more! Scope It Out! includes an introduction to 

telescopes and two matching games. Be sure to pay attention as you go - the 

information contained in each level will help you solve the puzzles in the next 

round. This game is best suited for teens and adults.

https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/content/features/educational/scopeItOut/index.html

VR 360 Tour

- Grab a set of 360 goggles to explore virtual field trips to take students 

along on a journey into the heart of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program 

(CCP). From visiting the NASA centers where the program first began, 

and the Boeing and SpaceX facilities where next-generation human-rated 

spacecraft and rockets are being developed and tested for flight and so 

much more.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLStC43yAV6zQvFdRe4ch2I8ihBuqTylJf
By Topic

For those of you who are looking for STEM materials by topic, the following section provides materials 

arranged by some of NASA’s primary themes: Aeronautics, Earth Science, Moon/Artemis, Solar 

System and Beyond, and Space Technologies.

AERONAUTICS

The materials in this section focus on aeronautics research and the 

work NASA does to help shape the future of flight.

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/aeronautics/index.html

NASA is Reinventing Aviation (2022) Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYIcba7PIlk

Explore Flight

Flight Log Experience

- Create your own virtual flight log and fly your name with us on X-planes 

and more. Includes associated lessons and activities to aeronautics 

lessons, opportunities to earn virtual endorsements, access to lessons and 

activities about mapping, and the chance to build a virtual flight log are part 

of the program.

https://www.nasa.gov/flightlog/

Aeronautics for Pre-K

- Aeronautics for Pre-K is a collection of six STEM learning modules based 

upon children’s books. These resources are most appropriate for story 

times at educational/science centers, libraries, and pre-K through early 

elementary classrooms. Each module focuses on a single children's story 

book, followed by a STEM thematic lesson, including topics associated 

with gliders in nature (form and function), balloons (sinking and floating, 

weight), parachutes (fluid thickness and drag), kites (surface area and lift), 

helicopters and airplanes (force and thrust), and world flyers (geography 

and global trade).

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/k-12/aero-for-prek

Aeronautics for Introductory Physics (9-college)

- An inquiry approach to teaching physics, this guide engaged students in 

21st century skills, higher level inquiry, and the context of aeronautical 

research and flight to teach introductory-level physics.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/aero-intro-physics_0.pdf

NASA STEM 

Engagement
Aeronautics@Home:

- Hands-on aeronautics themed activities, videos, puzzles and games that 

can be completed at home without any formal instruction. Also includes 

educational activities and lessons in a separate section.

https://www.nasa.gov/aero-at-home

Coloring Pages

- Coloring Pages including the “High Flyers Alphabet Book.” Available in 

English and Spanish, a variety of coloring pages and an alphabet book 

provide introductory level aeronautics content along with early literacy 

skills.

https://www.nasa.gov/aero-at-home (“Color It!” section)

Design Challenges

- Throughout the year, NASA Aeronautics hosts several design challenges. 

Some challenges are for post-secondary and university students. Others 

are for a K-12 audience. This link provides one location for all challenges.

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/innovation-challenges

Educator Resources

- This web page contains a variety of different resources for educators that 

focus on aeronautics. All grade levels are represented in this section, 

including pre-K.

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/description/

Leveled Readers and More

- NASA Aeronautics’ leveled readers series brings the history of American 

aviation to life by highlighting the accomplishments of famous and 

historical aviators and the options for STEM careers as seen through the 

stories of contemporary NASA aeronautics experts. Stories at a variety of 

reading levels, along with supplemental videos, sound clips, and support 

pages help bring these stories to life.

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/leveled-readers

Lithographs and Bookmarks

- Lithographs, or mini-posters, are available for many of NASA Aeronautics’ 

programs and missions. We also have printable bookmarks. Many are also 

available in multiple languages.

https://www.nasa.gov/aero/nasa-aero-lithographs.html

https://www.nasa.gov/aero-at-home (“Read It!” section)

NASA Museum in a Box

- Hands-on K-12 lessons and activities that focus on physical science and 

the science of flight. Includes background information for each topic 

covered, materials lists consisting of everyday materials, step-by-step 

instructions with pictures, and handouts when appropriate. 

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources/museum-in-a-box

Smart Skies 

- Using hands-on activities and visualization activities, students learn about 

distance-rate-time through the lens of air traffic control. The companion 
app, Sector 33, allows students to try their hand at increasingly complex air 

traffic control situations.

https://smartskies.nasa.gov/

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/Sector33/iOS/index.html

STEM Learning Modules

- The series of three modules contain activities, videos, and a wide variety of 

STEM materials that focus on a science concept and tie to a current NASA 

aeronautics mission or project.

Advanced Air Mobility

• Coding and drones in society

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/stem/AAM

Quesst X-59 Module

• The science of sound

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/stem/X59

X-57 Electric Airplane

• Electricity and circuits

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/stem/X57

X-59 Maker Bundle

- This series of activities encourages students of all ages and ability levels to 

“make” with us. Includes coloring sheets, paper airplanes, a 3D paper 

model, and 3D print files. 

In English and Spanish.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/x-59-maker-bundlev8.pdf

Next Gen STEM: Aeronaut-X

- Discover how NASA’s technological breakthroughs of today transforms 

tomorrow’s future with Aeronaut-X. Aeronaut-X STEM activities focus on 

cutting-edge aeronautics content that will encourage our future aviation 

explorers to take a deep dive into the world of a new generation of flight.

This site includes activity guides for educators and instructional support 

videos. 

Some materials are available in Spanish as well.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/aeronaut-x/index.html

STEM Toolkits: Sustainable Aviation

- This toolkit contains a compilation of lessons, activities, videos, and 

resources that help you teach about sustainability in aviation. Includes 

activities that focus on electricity and circuitry as well. 

https://www.nasa.gov/sustainable-aviation-toolkit
EARTH SCIENCE

NASA uses the vantage point of space to increase our understanding 

of our home planet, improve lives, and safeguard the future. Earth 

Science STEM lessons and resources include citizen science 

opportunities as well as activities related to climate and sustainability.

https://science.nasa.gov/

Explore Earth

STEM Earth Toolkit

- This resource is filled with curated Earth Science K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 lesson 

plans, videos, and educational activities to engage and inspire the next 

generations

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/earth-toolkit.html

Citizen Science Projects

- NASA’s citizen science projects are collaborations between scientists and 

interested members of the public. Through these collaborations, volunteers 

(known as citizen scientists) have helped make thousands of important 

scientific discoveries. Want to work on some real NASA science? Click on

this link to check out multiple science projects. 

https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscience

Earth Observatory

- Explore your backyard or the other side of the Earth with EO Explorer. For 

more than 20 years, the Earth Observatory has published stories from all 

over our planet. Now we encourage you to explore those stories in a 

different way: by location.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/map#2/0.0/-0.2

Earth Observatory (EO) KIDS

- EO Kids is written for audiences aged 9 to 14. It is published with support 

from NASA’s Landsat, Terra, and Aqua missions. Read all about a variety 

of Earth science topics like hurricanes and air pollution and experiment 

with exciting hands-on activities with EO Kids.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/blogs/eokids/

GLOBE Observer (Citizen Scientists)

- You don’t have to be a professional scientist to conduct valuable research. 

Contribute meaningful data, learn about our changing world, and join an 

international network of citizen scientists and researchers working together 

to solve Earth’s biggest natural mysteries. This citizen science app 

allowing students to take observations and contribute to the Global 

Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) 

community around the world.

https://observer.globe.gov/

GLOBE Program

- Since its founding on Earth Day 1994, the Global Learning and 

Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program has been 

providing students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to 
meaningfully contribute to our understanding of the Earth system and 

global environment. Through interdisciplinary activities and inquires into 

the various Earth spheres, GLOBE gives students a hands-on approach to 

the scientific method, as citizens conduct real-world research. Elementary 

level activities through adult opportunities are a part of the program. A 

sample of the many elementary activities are found below. 

Note that each elementary activity also includes a storybook.

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe

GLOBE Air Quality

• Students will investigate why aerosols and other types of air pollution 

affect the color of the sky. They'll also learn how to describe the sky 

color and the underlying conditions in the atmosphere. 

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/air-quality

GLOBE Clouds

• Students will explore how different types of clouds can be described via 

analogy. As they start understanding how to observe clouds, they'll 

create models of the different cloud types and contrails. 

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/clouds

GLOBE Earth System

• Students will examine how water, air, soil, and living creatures interact 

within the Earth system. They'll also learn the importance of each role 

to the planet's ecology.

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/earth-system

GLOBE Seasons

• Students will discover how hummingbirds deal with seasonal changes. 

To broaden their scope, they'll use science journals to describe the 

changes in their own local environment as it cycles through the different 

seasons.

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/seasons

GLOBE Water

• Students will learn how to describe a creek by making observations, 

taking measurements, and investigating its macroinvertebrates. To 

accomplish this, they'll be introduced to measurement tools like rulers 

and magnifying glasses. 

https://www.globe.gov/web/elementary-globe/overview/water

Mission: Biomes

- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different part of 

the world? What would the weather be like? What kinds of animals would 

you see? Which plants live there? By investigating these questions, you 

are learning about biomes. A biome is a community of plants and animals 

living together in a certain kind of climate. Scientists have classified 

regions of the world into different biomes. Your mission, should you choose 

to accept it, is to investigate biomes, then test your knowledge about the 

biomes by completing each mission.
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/biome

MyNASAData

- NASA offers petabytes of global Earth science data collected from 

satellites but accessing these data in a traditional (or virtual) science 

classroom can be tricky. Since 2004, My NASA Data has supported 

students and teachers in analyzing and interpreting NASA mission data. 

Join My NASA Data as we strive to support your integration of authentic 

Earth data in your instruction.

https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/
ARTEMIS

With Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first 

person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore 

more of the lunar surface than ever before. We will collaborate with 

commercial and international partners and establish the first longterm presence on the Moon. Then, we will use what we learn on and 

around the Moon to take the next giant leap: sending the first 

astronauts to Mars.

https://stem.nasa.gov/artemis/

Explore Humans in Space

Commercial Crew Program STEM Mission Toolkit

- Learn and teach more about NASA’s commercial crew program with this 

toolkit that contains activities, bulletin board ideas, stories, and multimedia.

- https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/commercial_crew/ccpstemtoolkit

Host an Artemis Watch Party

- Host a virtual Artemis launch watch party and let us know about it! Then 

print out a virtual Artemis passport and add a stamp to it when Artemis 

launches.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artemis-i-registration-144043131885

(watch party registration)

https://nasa-externalocomm.app.box.com/s/kafmie6ynk50h8ewbm3r9w2zz0fub88s (passport)

Artemis Student Challenges

- Student challenges that range from the “Spacesuit User Interface 

Technologies for Students” challenge to the “First Nations Launch” to 

“Micro-g NEXT” ask students to help NASA solve some of the toughest 

challenges in space exploration.

https://stem.nasa.gov/artemis/

Teach Artemis with the “Artemis STEM Learning Pathway”

- NASA’s Artemis I STEM Learning Pathway of STEM resources and readyto-use content comes in eight weekly themes. Each week’s resources can 

be used individually or in combination to create a lesson plan tied to the 

learning series’ weekly theme. Not only will you build your students’ STEM 

skills; you will join NASA in launching the next era of human exploration.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/sign-up-to-receive-stemresources-for-upcoming-artemis-I-test-launch.html

Space Station

- For over twenty years, longer than our K-12 students have been alive, the 

International Space Station (ISS) has been orbiting Earth. The space 

station is also a unique science laboratory. Several nations worked 

together to build and use the space station. NASA is using the space 

station to learn more about living and working in space. These lessons will 

make it possible to send humans farther into space than ever before.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html

Space Station Explorers: 

- The International Space Station labs and experiments are managed by the 

ISS National Laboratory. Their Space Station Explorers program is made 

up of educator Space Station Ambassadors, lesson plans and activities, 

higher education opportunities, STEM guides, and at-home activities.

https://www.issnationallab.org/stem/

STEM on Station / STEMonstrations

- This series of short videos (typically less than five minutes) demonstrate 

STEM concepts—except they are done on the International Space Station. 

Topics such as simple machines, the five senses, the moment of inertia, 

Newton’s First Law of Motion and more are demonstrated by NASA 

astronauts.

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstrations
SOLAR SYSTEM and BEYOND 

As NASA missions explore our solar system and search for new 

worlds, they are finding water in surprising places. Water is but one 

piece of our search for habitable planets and life beyond Earth, yet it 

links many seemingly unrelated worlds in surprising ways. NASA is 

looking to answer key questions about our home planet, neighboring 

planets in our solar system and the universe beyond. Activities in this 

section help students search for answers about Earth, the Solar 

System, and beyond.

Explore Solar System and Beyond

HUBBLE

- Even though the Hubble Space Telescope is nearing the end of its 

lifespan, educational resources from the Hubble team are still valid and 

can be used to teach more about stars, the electromagnetic spectrum, and 

how we explore.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/hubble-resources.html

Mars Exploration Program

- Explore Mars with NASA. Whether its in Mars’ atmosphere with the 

Ingenuity helicopter, or on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover, or through 

the InSight Lander, NASA is constantly exploring more about the Red 

Planet’s mysteries. A variety of resources for K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 are 

available.

https://mars.nasa.gov/

https://mars.nasa.gov/participate/marsforeducators/ (education resources)

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

- NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has been deployed and is located 

past the Moon. Visit the site’s education section for lesson ideas 

differentiated for formal and informal education situations, activities for 

students, and special features.

https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/

LUCY

- Launched in October of 2021, Lucy will be the first space mission to 

explore a population of small bodies known as Trojans. Trojans provide a 

unique, never-before-explored sample of the remnants of our early Solar 

System. Share videos, animations, activities, stories, and more.

http://lucy.swri.edu/ (about Lucy)

https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/1895/lucy-mission-resources/

(resources)

Heliophysics

- NASA’s Heliophysics Science Division conducts research on the Sun, its 

extended solar-system environment (the heliosphere), and interactions of 

Earth, other planets, small bodies, and interstellar bas with the 

heliosphere. Check out this extensive STEM resource archive.

https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/heliophysics/eduresources
SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Technology drives exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond. 

NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) develops 

transformative space technologies to enable future missions. STMD 

engages and inspires thousands of entrepreneurs, researchers, and 

innovators, creating a community of America’s best and brightest 

working on the nation’s toughest challenges.

Explore Space Tech

First Woman

- The first issue of a 3-part series, the graphic novel First Woman follows the 

story of Callie as she sets out to become the first woman on the Moon. 

Resources include a printable graphic novel, app, audio book, and more. 

Available in English and Spanish.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/calliefirst/

NASA Home and City

- This interactive web page allows users to see what NASA technology can 

be found in their homes and in the cities and towns where they live. 

https://homeandcity.nasa.gov/

MEDLI2 Student Activity

- In this activity, students design, build, and test a heat shield for your Mars 

mission using the Engineering Design Process.

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/Design_Test_a_Heat_Shield

_for_Your_Mars_Mission

Mission to Mars Student Challenge

- Get K-12 students exploring Mars with NASA scientists, engineers, and the 

Perseverance rover as they learn all about STEM and design their very 

own mission to the Red Planet! Everything you need is right here –

including guided education plans, expert tips, and resources from NASA.

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/mission-to-mars-student-challenge/

Space Tech Activities at Home

- A compilation of activities and resources that can be completed at home.

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/Space_Tech_Activities_at_H

ome/

Tech Logic Series

- You Can’t Take It All With You: In this series of engineering design 

activities, students compare traveling to Mars to exploring different places 

on Earth. They then design and test small model shelters using simulated 

in-situ resources found on Mars.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/you_cant_take_it_all_wi

th_you_grades_k-5_educators_tagged.pdf (K-5)

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/you_cant_take_it_all_wi

th_you_grades_6-12_educators_tagged.pdf (6-12)
SECTION 4: VIDEO RESOURCES

If you’ve ever used NASA videos, you won’t be surprised to learn 

that NASA earns awards every year for high quality, engaging 

videos and multimedia resources. You can find videos that help 

explain complex topics, can be used to inspire and excite students,

and even learn how you, as an educator, can conduct lessons and 

activities.

NASA YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLA_DiR1FfKNvjuUpBHmylQ

NASA STEM Stars

This middle school video series highlighting one of our subject 

matter experts per episode is broadcast live, then made available on 

our NASA STEM Stars site.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/nasa-stem-stars/index.html

NASA eClips

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/

Mars in a Minute

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL56421C9A51D1F427

Other inspiring videos

- 7 Minutes of Terror: The Challenges of Getting to Mars 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki_Af_o9Q9s

- 29 Days on the Edge

https://youtu.be/uUAvXYW5bmI

- Future Frontier

http://youtu.be/Uv3K9ij_-bI

- How to use the Bathroom in Space

https://youtu.be/3VoeRAR0YgE

- Karen Nyberg Shows How You Wash Hair in Space

https://youtu.be/uIjNfZbUYu8

- NASA Aeronautics’ “The Quiet Crew” career video series

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiuUQ9asub3QzXTLxiW

kei0b_2FAO6NqM

- Spacesuits for the Next Explorers (Full feature)

https://youtu.be/vPkamuLqwM8

- We Are NASA

https://youtu.be/WeA7edXsU40

- We Go as the Artemis Generation
https://youtu.be/dOKKkV-30dE

- We Are the Explorers

https://youtu.be/e7DEw70LVWs

- Walking On Air

https://youtu.be/hWz5ltE_I4c
SECTION 5: STEM @ HOME

SpacePlace

NASA’s Space Place is a website dedicated to kids in upper 

elementary school. Games, videos, and activities that can be 

done at home are a part of the site, and it is available in Spanish 

as well. A section for parents and educators also provides more 

resources and links.

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/

NASA at Home

Explore NASA right at home, no experience necessary! E-books, 

videos and podcasts, virtual tours and apps, and activities for 

kids and families can all be found here.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/nasaathome/index.html

Aero@Home

Started during the height of the COVID pandemic, NASA’s 

Aeronautics@Home page contains links to aeronautics-based 

hands-on activities, videos, puzzles and games, and even 

educator guides. The activities can be completed by just about 

anyone with little guidance and often use everyday materials.

https://www.nasa.gov/aero-at-home
SECTION 6: CAREERS

Ask SME: Close-up with a NASA Subject Matter Expert

Ask SME videos are professionally developed to capture a 

glimpse of NASA SME's personal interests and career journeys. 

Each can be used to spark student interest and broaden their 

ideas of the STEM workforce.

https://nasaeclips.arc.nasa.gov/careerconnection

Careers website

For nine years in a row, NASA has been named the “Best Place to 

Work in the Federal Government.” Do you want to know why or 

how people come to NASA? Check out this site to begin your tour.

https://www.nasa.gov/careers

Internships

Internships are not just for students interested in engineering; 

NASA needs photographers, graphic designers, and all types of 

jobs in-between. While the internships are quite competitive, they

are available in the spring, summer, and fall each year. NASA 

has a variety of internships that start in high school at age 16 and 

go through post-graduate studies.

https://intern.nasa.gov/ 

Women@NASA

NASA is dedicated to supporting a diverse pool of students and 

those interested in careers at NASA and in STEM. This includes 

two sites that support women in STEM and at NASA. Inspiring 

videos and other resources can be found here.

https://www.nasa.gov/women

https://women.nasa.gov/
OTHER 

En Español 

Many NASA lessons, activities, resources, and videos are also 

available in Spanish. These can be found within each resource 

and coming soon, a site devoted solely to resources in Spanish.

(Coming soon)

Other Searchable Sites

- JPL Educator

• https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/

- NASA Wavelength

• https://science.nasa.gov/learners/wavelength

- MyNASAData

• https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/search?keys=

This virtual STEM toolkit was created, in part, to support educational programs within the Choctaw 

Nation of Oklahoma. For any questions related to the above resources, please contact April Lanotte 

april.a.lanotte@nasa.gov or Barbie Buckner barbie.buckner@nasa.gov. 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Headquarters

300 E. Street, SW 

Washington, DC 20546

EP-2022-06-550-HQ