Objectives:
Students will demonstrate an understanding of careers with NASA.
Students will demonstrate a better understanding of the qualifications, education, and duties of NASA researchers.
Focus Questions:
What is it really like to work on a NASA aerospace project? Who works on aerospace projects for NASA? What is their background and how did they become qualified for their jobs?
Length:
45-60 minutes
Grade Level:
7-12
NASA Mission:
Aeronautics Research, Science, Space Operations, Exploration Systems
National Science Standards:
Science
In Personal And Social Perspectives
Science And Technology In Society (5-8)
Science And Technology In Local, National, And Global Challenges (9-12)
History And Nature Of Science
Science As A Human Endeavor (5-12)
NASA Presenters:
Tom
Benson - Thomas.J.Benson@nasa.gov
Richard DeLombard - Richard.DeLombard@nasa.gov
Nancy Hall - Nancy.R.Hall@nasa.gov
Kenwyn Long
Heather McEwen - Heather.K.McEwen@nasa.gov
Bryan Palaszewski - Bryan.A.Palaszewski@nasa.gov
Judy
VanZante - Judith.K.VanZante@nasa.gov
Matt
Melis or Matt
Melis - Matthew.E.Melis@nasa.gov
(You will be told
which presenters are available for your session.)
Advanced Preparation:
Participants should read the presenters' biographical information prior to the presentation and draft questions for the presenters.
Build
a Freestanding Tower
Materials: one 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper for each team, Scotch tape,
scissors
Directions: Complete the activity and be prepared to discuss your results
during the event. Separate your students into teams of 3-4 students. Each
team has 10 minutes to build the tallest freestanding tower they can out
of one 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper and Scotch tape.
Rules: The tape cannot be used to tape the tower to the floor.
The paper can be cut with the scissors.
The tower must stand for 5 seconds.
Review a PowerPoint presentation (download).
Links to NASA Career
Information:
NASA Jobs, Employment in our Nation's Space
Program (MS_Word Document)
NASA
Careers
Astronaut
Trading Cards
Who
Is It?
What is it really like to work on a NASA aerospace project? Who works on aerospace projects for NASA? What is their background and how did they become qualified for their jobs? These and other questions are answered during this presentation for students. Selected NASA aeronautical engineers, scientists, and project managers are available for this career exploration session.
Suggested post-conference activity:
Grades 5-8: Let's Go Team! Students work together as a team to complete two team-building activities.
Careers
Launch
a Career in Engineering Bookmark
Grades 7-12:
Teamwork
in Aerospace. Students work together as a team to complete a team-building
activity. (several variations available)
Advanced Notice Recommended:
4 weeks
Frequency of Presentation:
Once a month
Availability of Presenters:
Varies