Take Part in NASA Research

NASA GLOBE Observer Intensive Observation Period: Urban Heat Island Effect/Surface Temperature

Audience: All educators, students, parents and caregivers

Observation Dates: Now through Tuesday, Dec. 31

Cities tend to be hotter than the rural areas that surround them. This Urban Heat Island Effect is the result of concrete, asphalt, and a lack of trees. The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program invites you to collect temperature data near you to help scientists better understand this phenomenon. During the month of December, collect data and share using the GLOBE Observer app or the GLOBE website.

Click here to learn more about the campaign and how to participate.

SPACE + FLIGHT

VENUS: THE PLANET WITH BATTERY ACID CLOUDS

This is what it would be like to walk on the surface of Venus.

Watch now

Exploring STEM career pathways in afterschool

Photo courtesy of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance

By Hannah Lakin, ACRES coach at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.

Without clear pathways into STEM careers, many young people—especially those from underrepresented communities—are missing out on opportunities in fields that are shaping the future. The ACRES program illuminates these pathways using virtual coaching to equip afterschool educators with strategies for facilitating career-connected STEM experiences with youth.

One of the eight ACRES modules focuses on connecting youth with STEM career pathways. ACRES frames these pathways as beginning with youth having relevant STEM experiences that nurture their STEM identity and progressing with integrated opportunities for career engagement. After experiencing several strategies along this continuum, educators choose a couple to practice with youth in their program. Then, they video-record their work with youth before returning to the cohort to reflect on their practice with peers and a coach. This approach leverages video sharing and feedback as a means of professional learning.

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ACTIVITIES

Make Cardboard Automata

Have you ever wondered how to create art with moving parts using nothing but cardboard, a few skewers, and some craft supplies? In this fun STEM activity, you will build an automaton, a machine that makes parts appear and disappear, move up and down, spin in circles, or all of these together. The instructions will show you how to build a moving caterpillar, but you can use your imagination to build any other animal or object you want! Read more

Find the Best Pinwheel Design

Wind energy is becoming more and more popular across the United States, maybe you have even seen a wind farm close to where you live! In 2015, approximately 7% of the electricity used in the U.S. was generated by wind, so who knows, when you switch on a light bulb in your house, that light might be coming from wind energy! Wind energy is generated by wind turbines. These machines can look like giant pinwheels, and their job is to turn energy from the wind into mechanical or electrical energy.… Read more

Explore Enzyme Activity with Toothpicks

Do you know what enzymes are? They are like little machines that carry out many different chemical reactions that are essential for nature and our bodies. For example, they help break down the food we eat, or help make yogurt and cheese! In this activity, you will simulate an enzymatic reaction and explore what factors affect the activity of an enzyme. You only need a few simple items, including your hands, lots of toothpicks, and a timer. Read more

Saturday, Dec. 21: Welcome Winter in the Northern Hemisphere by learning about the solstice.

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