National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

April 2024 NASA Aeronautics No. 35 

Monthly STEM Newsletter 

INSIDE 

Celebrate Earth Month 

Dream with Us Design 

Challenge 

_ 

University Leadership 

Initiative, NASA 

Internships, and more! 

April 2024 

April showers are headed to various places this month and so are we, Aeronauts! 

Enjoy the rain and celebrate Earth Month. NASA looks out for planet Earth with 

missions to help preserve and protect her. Speaking of looking out, look out for a total 

solar eclipse on April 8th. Check out our Aero Crew Highlight of the month, Orville D. 

Squirrel, our flight ambassador who promotes STEM and a greener tomorrow with 

greener aviation. Don’t miss the Dream with Us design challenge deadline at the end 

of this month--get your team(s) together and submit your projects before the end of 

April. New student internship projects are available and don’t miss your chance to 

apply for challenges and other opportunities. Learn more about how you can stay up 

to date with new flights and opportunities to engage with NASA Aeronautics. 

Do you need to see more of something or have a new idea for upcoming newsletters? 

Let us know! Do you know someone else who needs this monthly update? Share the 

good news and sign up for our monthly STEM newsletter. Have questions or want to 

be removed from the list? Send an email to april.a.lanotte@nasa.gov or 

holly.o.gutierrez@nasa.gov. 

www.nasa.gov 

This image of the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse was taken from

Madras, Oregon. Credit: NASA/Nat Gopalswamy 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__ 

__ 

1 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Day 

April 22, 2024 

Earth Day comes every year on April 22nd. Although 

there is just one Earth Day, the month of April is a time to 

raise awareness of environmental issues that affect our 

home planet. 

In 1970 Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin created 

Earth Day to force lawmakers and congressman to take 

action to protect earth. Although he had the passion to 

make changes to protect the earth, the senator couldn’t 

do things on his own. 

Senator Nelson needed help to bring awareness to the 

country. He recruited activist Denis Hayes to help 

organize campus and public events. April 22nd was 

chosen because it fell between spring break and final 

exams for university students, allowing better flexibility for 

student participation. Hayes recruited a staff of volunteers 

to lead demonstrations throughout the country helping to 

bring to light the need for action against lax 

environmental rules and regulations. Due to Senator 

Nelson’s and Hayes’ passion, they inspired over 20 million 

Americans to demonstrate against the actions of 

industrial development that led to poor climate and Earth 

conditions. After many public demonstrations and the 

determination of dedicated citizens, the government 

formed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

to help tackle environmental issues. 

Since then, the EPA has worked to ensure there is clean 

water, land, and air. All around the world people have 

marked this month as a time to be conscious of the 

environmental impact humans make on this planet. 

Various groups bring awareness to the human carbon 

footprint that can affect Earth without us knowing we are 

doing harm. The creation of the EPA paved way for other 

environmental laws such as the clean water act, clean air 

act, National Environmental Education Act, and the 

Occupational Safety and Health Act. 

Earth is our home planet, and it’s up to all of us to help 

her thrive for generations to come. Join NASA this month 

in looking after the earth. Check with your local library 

and community centers on ways you can reduce your 

carbon footprint. 

Aeronautics Crew Highlight 

Orville D. Squirrel, NASA Aeronautics 

Ambassador 

Orville D. Squirrel is the official STEM Ambassador 

for everyone who is part of NASA’s aeronautics 

research programs. He travels around the United 

States sharing the excitement and benefits of 

NASA’s work to transform aviation for the 21st 

century. Read on to learn more about Orville. 

Hello, everyone. My name is Orville. I am a flying 

squirrel, part of the scientific tribe known as 

Pteromyini. Members of my family have served as 

ambassadors for NASA’s Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate for a very long time. I am 

proud, happy, and thrilled to be the current 

representative of everyone who is part of the 

second ‘A’ in NASA, which stands for Aeronautics. 

As a flying squirrel, it’s only natural that I represent 

the NASA Aeronautics family. I know all about 

flying. Well, maybe gliding is more accurate. 

Unlike other types of squirrels, I have a furred skin 

membrane that goes all the way from my wrists to 

my ankles. When I leap from the top of a tree, I can 

stretch out that extra skin and catch the wind so I 

can glide. Just like an airplane, my tail helps 

provide stability. It's a pretty cool way to get 

around. 

So how did I wind up working for NASA? My family 

has lived in coastal Virginia for a very long time. 

Way back in December 1903, my ancestor Samuel 

was hunting for food to store for the approaching 

winter. He was sitting atop a giant tree and spotted 

something good to eat in a neighboring tree. It 

was right on the edge of how far he thought he 

could fly to reach it. He decided to go for it and 

jumped as hard as he could. 

It was a blustery fall day. So windy, that when 

Samuel was in the air a huge gust suddenly took 

him higher and farther than he had ever flown 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW K-12 Opportunities and Resources! 

2024 Dream with Us Design Challenge 

OPEN NOW! Closes April 30th, 2024 

The 2024 Dream with Us design challenge closes April 

30, 2024! For students ages 13-18, this team-based 

challenge gives students a chance to share their vision for 

the future of aviation with NASA experts. This year’s 

theme is focused on natural disasters--students are 

developing new and improved ways aviation can help 

with natural disaster response. 

Sign up to join us for virtual learning sessions to find out 

more about the Dream with Us challenge and how to 

apply through NASA’s STEM Gateway. 

Educator session: April 15, 2024 @ 7pm ET 

Sign-up form: https://forms.gle/1PnfoVQtpdhHqyQp7 

Student session: April 17, 2024 @ 2pm ET 

Sign-up form: https://forms.gle/FDuuULyeBc3enPLE7 

Students may attend the student session independently 

or educators can bring whole groups to learn more and 

ask questions. Use the educator session form or student 

session form to sign up. Session links will be posted on 

the 2024 Dream with Us challenge page. 

Challenge submissions will be accepted March 1 – April 

30, 2024. Learn more about the challenge and NASA’s 

ACERO project on the Dream with Us Design Challenge 

webpage. 

NEW! STEM Activity 

X-66 Jr. Pilot Program 

The Jr. Pilot program helps K-5 learners understand 

the work of NASA’s new experimental aircrafts using 

STEM activities and puzzles. The NEW X-66 Jr. Pilot 

before. By the time he was able to glide to a safe 

landing, he found himself on a beach in North 

Carolina. Before him was a device of some sort. 

There were two long panels, one above the other, 

that were slightly curved in a way that reminded 

him of the shape of a bird’s wings. Smaller “wings” 

were placed in front and another set, twisted so 

they were straight up and down, were attached 

behind. Being a flyer himself, he could imagine 

that he was staring at a giant bird made of wood, 

fabric, and metal wires. ‘You know, if this thing 

were to get moving fast enough it just might take 

off,’ Samuel thought to himself. 

Yup. That’s right. My distant grandpa landed right 

in the middle of the Wright Brothers getting ready 

to make the first powered airplane flight in history. 

He was so amazed by what he witnessed that he 

was determined to be a part of this new adventure 

in flight. In fact, every family member from then on 

was named after famous pilots. I was named for 

Orville, who was pilot on the first flight at Kitty 

Hawk. 

A few years later, in 1915, the National Advisory 

Committee for Aeronautics was created as the 

home for the nation’s aviation research efforts. 

(This organization in 1958 became the basis from 

which NASA was created.) Its first laboratory – 

known today as the Langley Research Center – 

opened in 1917 right in Samuel’s backyard in 

Virginia. From then on, Samuel and his 

descendants enjoyed a front row seat watching 

aviation develop. In addition to being NASA 

Aeronautics’ smallest fans and biggest 

cheerleaders, our expertise in gliding has come in 

handy to NASA engineers several times 

throughout history. These adventures remain 

family legends, at least for now. 

The most important thing to know about me is that 

I love what I do. It’s so exciting to travel around the 

country and meet people who are as interested in 

aviation as I am. The best times are when I can help 

my friends at NASA Aeronautics talk about what 

they are doing to enable new options for safe air 

travel that are more accessible, faster, and 

sustainable than ever before. 

If we should ever run into each other, feel free to 

say hello and pose for a selfie. Or you can print out 

a picture of me and take me on your travels! 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

book has STEM activities all about sustainable 

aviation. The X-66 is part of NASA’s Sustainable 

Flight Demonstrator project. Its new design, 

materials, and technology will help NASA gather 

data towards a future with zero emissions. Have a 

successful start to Earth Month by checking out the 

sustainable flight edition of the Jr. Pilot Program 

HERE. A Spanish version is in development and will 

be available soon! 

In Development 

Wildfire STEM Toolkit: We need your help! 

NASA Aeronautics is a part of the agency’s Wildland 

Fire Management Initiative to help prevent, predict, 

and manage wildland fires. We are gathering 

information from educators like you to make sure we 

add what you need to an educator’s toolkit. Help us 

out by completing the survey, which can be found 

HERE. 

Post-Secondary Student and Internship 

Opportunities 

NEW! University Leadership Initiative (ULI) 

The University Leadership Initiative (ULI) is a 

collaboration between NASA Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate and university student programs 

to create new innovative ideas for current NASA 

projects and the future of aviation. To learn more 

about ULI’s Round 8 of opportunities, register HERE 

to attend the workshop on April 3, 2024, from 1 – 3 

pm ET. Submit your Round 8 proposals by May 29, 

2024 through NASA NSPIRES. 

Professional Development 

Come See Us in Person! 

Join NASA for Solar Eclipse events on April 

8th. 

Great Lakes Science Center 

Cleveland, OH on April 6 – 8, 2024: Join the 

Total Eclipse Fest 2024 hosted at the Great 

Lakes Science Center in partner with NASA 

Glenn Research Center. This three-day event 

will feature hands-on activities, performances, 

speakers, and more. 

Indy Motor Speedway 

Indianapolis, IN on April 8, 2024: Head to 

the Indiana Motor Speedway to see the total 

solar eclipse with NASA. Engage in STEM 

activities, racing cars, and other happenings 

throughout the day. 

Louise Hays Park 

Kerrville, TX on April 8, 2024: The Kerrville 

Parks and Recreation Department are 

partnering with NASA to host The Kerrville 

Eclipse Festival. Enjoy live music, children’s 

programming, and more than 4 minutes of 

totality during this event. 

Virtual Opportunities 

NASA Dream with Us Design Challenge 

Virtual Educator Info Session: April 15, 

2024 @ 7pm ET Learn more about the Dream 

with Us Design Challenge and its real-world 

applications. Learn how this challenge can 

support you and your students in both formal 

and informal learning environments. Use this 

form to tell us you plan to attend an educator 

learning session. The session link will be 

available on the challenge page. 

Virtual Student Info Session: April 17, 2024 

@ 2pm ET Learn more about the Dream with 

Us Design Challenge and how to apply 

through NASA’s STEM Gateway platform. 

Educators may bring whole groups or 

4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deadline April 5th! NASA Internships 

Apply for a 

NASA 

internship 

including 

multiple 

opportunities 

within the 

Aeronautics 

Research 

Mission 

Directorate for 

the Fall 2024 

session (an Aeronautics STEM Educator and an Aero 

Communications Intern). Find STEM and non-STEM 

projects at various NASA centers that offer inperson, virtual, and hybrid opportunities. Whatever 

you are interested in studying, NASA has a place for 

you! Get your application in by April 5, 2024, and 

join NASA experts this fall to find solutions, create 

new innovations, and break barriers towards a 

brighter future. 

NEW! Advanced Air Vehicles Program Fellowship 

NASA Aeronautics is seeking proposals from 

accredited US institutions for research training 

grants to support independently-conceived 

research projects by highly qualified graduate 

students to help advance NASA’s mission. 

Proposals are due April 30th, 2024. 

Design Challenges and Grant Proposals 

Next round opening soon! University Student 

Research Challenge 

Join the NASA University Student Research 

Challenge family and collaborate with peers to 

contribute to the evolving field of aeronautics! 

NASA is seeking creative ideas and concepts 

students may attend independently. Use this 

form to tell us you plan to attend a student 

learning session. The link to the session will be 

posted on the Dream with Us page. 

Sign up, today! Flight Log 

Sign up for Flight Log today and get 

notifications on new upcoming flights straight 

to your inbox. Earn an endorsement code for 

your flight log when you complete activities 

and join NASA Aeronautics STEM 

engagements online and in-person. We have 

new flights and opportunities being added to 

Flight Log all the time, and before we know it, 

your name can be flying on the X-59 first 

flight!! Add your email to our contact list to 

stay up to date on upcoming flights and other 

opportunities. It’s a great time to fly with us! 

NASA CONNECTS: Are you interested in 

other professional development 

opportunities? Create a new account or log in 

to find a session that interests you. 

Did you know? 

April is National Kite Month. Celebrate by using 

one of NASA’s kite activities to make your own kite 

and fly it on an awesomely windy day. Build a 

tetrahedral kite, learn how kites teach learners 

about the principles of flight, and more. Check 

your local library or community center to find out if 

there are any kite festivals to join other kite flying 

enthusiasts. 

April 5th is National Peeps Day. That’s right, the 

colorful, sugar-coated marshmallows have their 

5 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

relevant to NASA Aeronautics from interdisciplinary 

student teams. 

• Receive up to $80,000 to pursue your ideas 

• Gain technical and entrepreneurial experience 

• Open to all majors and interdisciplinary teams 

(engineering, business, etc.) 

• Interface with NASA experts and receive 

exposure to the aerospace industry 

The solicitation window for this round is closed but 

stay tuned for more information for the next round 

when proposals are due June 20, 2024. 

own day! Here at NASA Aeronautics, we not only 

love to eat Peeps, but we love to use them for 

science. Check out the High-Flying Peeps: 

Designing a Pressure Suit activity to learn about 

the pressures of altitude and how aircraft and 

space suits protect pilots and astronauts from the 

dangers of high flying. 

April 8th will feature a total solar eclipse that will 

pass through various parts of the United States. A 

total solar eclipse is when the moon passes 

between the sun and earth completely blocking 

out the sun. Learn more about the eclipse HERE. 

April 26th is World Pilot’s Day. Celebrate their 

contribution to aircraft safety and innovation. Learn 

more with NASA’s Flight Log program about the 

pilots and crew that pioneer the future of aviation 

through research and unwavering dedication. 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links to our Aeronautics STEM Resources: 

Aeronautics Research Resources: (all ages) This link takes you to a wide variety of educator resources, 

Aeronautics@Home, ebooks, National Academies Reports, webinars, lithographs and mini posters, the NASA 

Aeronautics Research Institute, and more. 

Aeronautics@Home: (K-12) This web page contains aeronautics-based activities, videos, games, and more that can 

be completed at home, in the classroom, or in any number of settings. Topic areas include: “Build It!” “Explore It!” 

“Watch It!” “Solve It!” “Color It!” and “Aero Educator Resources”. Coming soon: “Read It!” and “Do It!” 

Aeronautics Innovations Challenges: Keeping up with our many design challenges and opportunities for both postsecondary and K-12 can be tough. In response, we created a “one-stop shop” to pull them all together in one 

location. 

Flight Log Experience: (K-12, post-secondary, general public) Sign up to send your name with NASA Aeronautics on 

X-planes, UAS flights, and more as you build your virtual NASA flight log. Earn virtual endorsement stamps and 

mission patches and access aeronautics STEM activities and resources. Educators can sign up their entire class. 

NASA Express Sign-Up: (K-12, post-secondary) Have you signed up for NASA’s NASA EXPRESS weekly newsletter? 

This newsletter contains the latest information for educators (K-12 and post-secondary) about new resources, design 

challenges, internships, and workshops. It is THE go-to for the latest STEM news. 

Aeronaut-X: (K-12) Our Next Gen STEM: Aeronaut-X team provides new and exciting STEM activities that focus on 

cutting-edge aeronautics education and the future of flight. 

Museum and Informal Education Alliance: (Informal Educators and Museums) Not in a classroom? Looking for 

informal education materials? Join NASA’s Museum and Informal Education Alliance, where you have access to 

NASA resources—including aeronautics—for your program, organization, museum, science center, or library. Find 

out about events happening near you and in the virtual world, and let the MIE Alliance help you build your 

programs! Access to guest speakers, the latest announcements about grant programs, and an active community 

network allow you to connect with other like-minded people in a supportive, engaging, and aerospace-focused 

neighborhood. 

NASA Aeronautics for Educators Facebook Page: (K-12, post-secondary) Join our NASA Aeronautics for Educators 

Facebook page, where the latest aeronautics updates, professional development opportunities, lessons and ideas 

are freely shared. 

NASA Connects: (K-12, post-secondary) NASA Connects is a network of educators who come together to 

collaborate, share NASA resources, and create personal collections of materials that can then be shared with others. 

Members can join groups tailored to their specific interests. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Headquarters 

300 E. Street, SW 

Washington, DC 20546 

www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch 7