Search Database

By Subject Area: Aeronautics/Astronomy/Space

• Organizations: Competitions

  Cubes in Space

  This is the only global competition, offered at no cost, for students 11-18 years of age to design and propose experiments to launch into space or a near space environment on a NASA sounding rocket and zero-pressure scientific balloon.

  NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

  In this academic competition, teams of students in grades 9-12 design, construct, and test technologies for mobility devices to perform in different extraterrestrial environments. They then compete with other teams at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, where first-, second-, and third-place winning teams receive $3,000, $1,000, and $500, respectively.

  Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge

  This robotics competition allows teams of high school students to create projects for use in aviation and aeronautics, cybersecurity and technology, energy and environment, or health and nutrition. Finalist teams receive a travel grant to present at the Innovation Summit at NASA”s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a change to win a $10,000 seed grant to develop their product or service.

• Organizations: Local

  EcoTarium (Worcester, MA)

  The EcoTarium is an ecology museum located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The museum includes a planetarium, animal exhibits, a "tree walk," train ride for young children, and many hands-on exhibits. Special educational programs are frequently offered. The mission of the EcoTarium is to promote appreciation, increase knowledge and foster stewardship of New England environments by stimulating learning about the world in which we live.

  Fiske Planetarium (Boulder, CO)

  There are interesting shows on astronomy, physics, and space science at the Fiske Planetarium. These are on a regular basis and are appropriate for children of all ages. "The planetarium environment has a unique "surround" environment provided by no other medium. It immerses the audience in a three-dimensional dome that is capable of reproducing the night sky at any place on Earth and any time in history."

  Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum (New York, NY)

  The Museum has many excellent exhibits ranging from actual artifacts to relevant installations about current events such as Intrepid Remembers 9.11 and Defending our Future. Ride in the A-6 Cockpit Simulator, visit the Virtual Flight Zone or spend all day on beautiful ships overlooking the Hudson River!

• Organizations: National

  Kennedy Space Center (Orsino, FL)

  Where else in the world do history and the future, nature and technology, young and old meet for an unforgettable and inspirational journey through space and time? The Kennedy Space Center has hosted millions of guests from around the world for more than 30 years -- telling the story of how the United States built a space program that launched men to the moon, orbited satellites that have improved our lives, and sent probes into distant space to solve the mysteries of the cosmos.

  NASA Virtual Skies

  Explore the exciting worlds of aviation technology and air traffic management. In each of the six content Modules students will acquire and employ decision-making and collaborative skills while applying principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Each section includes on-line activities complemented by downloadable print materials (PDF files) that can be used in the classroom to supplement the geography, mathematics and science concepts.

• Organizations: Regional

  Boston Museum of Science (Boston, MA)

  The Boston Museum of Science features permanent and changing exhibits on biology, astronomy, paleontology, geology and technology. It also has live animal exhibits, a planetarium and educational programs.

• Organizations: State

  Saturdays at Talcott Mountain Science Center (Avon, CT)

  TMSC's Saturday program reachs the needs of high-ability, high-interest students in grades 4-8, all areas of the state, and accepts both individual applications and students in local Gifted & Talented programs. Students meet for five Saturdays, and for an additional day's worth of enrichment programs for each course. Some programs will meet by arrangement (astronomy nighttime programs) and some even continue to 'meet' over the Internet during the week.

• Printed Materials: Books

  Endless Universe: Beyond the Big Bang

  In this book, authors Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok, both distinguished theoretical physicists, critique the Big Bang theory and recount the remarkable developments in astronomy, particle physics, and superstring theory that form the basis for a groundbreaking alternative, the “Cyclic Universe” theory.

  Mysteries of the Universe Book Set

  Written by a member of Mensa, these hardcover books are jam-packed with the how’s and why’s behind some of the world’s most puzzling phenomena.

  Neil Armstrong: Young Pilot

  This book is one of the Childhood Famous American biographies. It covers Neil Armstrong's life from early childhood until after Apollo 11.

  Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying

  This book is an excellent resource for someone who wants to become a pilot or for people who want to improve their piloting skills. It tells how to execute a number of maneuvers (which are not aerobatic). Also includes helpful diagrams that explain concepts such as lift, glide, climb, straight and level flight and the turn.

  The Cartoon Guide to the Universe (Vol. I & II)

  The Cartoon Guide to the Universe is one of many books in the Cartoon History series that spans various subjects. Whether you are a fan of history, comics, or both, The Cartoon History of the Universe is a great place to start.

  The Encyclopedia of Civil Aircraft

  This book describes and has many photos of most civil aircraft built in the world from the 1920's to the present day.

  The Sky is not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist

  Inspiring memoir by the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York. He is a wonderful role model for young people considering a career in science. This book is very readable and humorous.

• Printed Materials: Periodicals/Reports & Studies

  Astronomy Magazine

  This best-selling astronomy magazine includes articles on celestial objects, astronomical history, cosmology, and more. There is also an "Astronomy 101" section for beginning astronomers.

• Schools & Programs: Math & Science Programs

  Academy for Science & Design (Nashua, NH)

  Designed for students in grades 7 through 12 specializing in science, mathematics, engineering and design, this open enrollment public charter school offers seven areas of specialization, ranging from Architecture to Computer Science to Aeronautics and more.

  Art of Inquiry

  Art of Inquiry is an online school that presents unique interactive, multi-year astrobiology curriculum for bright 9-12 yr old students. Students are welcomed into an open field of space science, fostering their curiosity and sense of wonder. The courses are developed and taught by Julia Brodsky, an astrophysicist by training with many years of experience teaching International Space Station astronauts and flight controllers as well as K-12 students.
  

• Schools & Programs: Public

  Raisbeck Aviation High School (Tukwila, WA)

  Raisbeck Aviation High School is a public, coed day school located in Tukwila, Washington. It is the state's first aviation-themed high school—an innovative, high performance school. The mission of the school is to prepare students for college, work, and citizenship through a personalized, rigorous, and relevant learning experience that is facilitated in the context of aviation and aerospace.

• Schools & Programs: Saturday Program

  Space Voyage Academy - Summer Programs, Weekend Programs (Littleton, CO)

  Space Voyage programs bring to life the importance of math and science, reinforces concepts identified in academic content standards, build confidence through genuine achievement and offer a fun place for kids to imagine the possibilities, learn and grow. Parents of gifted children report that the program is challenging and supportive of their gifted children. The Summer Camp offers 10 weeks to choose from for ages 5-16.

• Summer Programs: International

  Space Camp Russia

  This camp provides a unique place where you can experience Soviet Union/Russian space development — from its dramatic past and exciting present to its compelling future. It is one of the places on Earth where visitors can see International partners’ astronauts and cosmonauts train together for their space missions. Cosmonaut Training Center will tell you the story of former USSR space history and current Russia’s manned space flight program, giving guests an out-of-this-world experience like no other.

• Summer Programs: Midwestern Region

  Advanced Astronaut Training Camp (Woodstock, IL)

  Located at The Challenger Learning Center in Woodstock, IL, this camp is for highly gifted math and science students ages 9-13. Future scientists and mathematicians explore the depths of the universe as they train, prepare and execute a simulated “Rendezvous with a Comet” space mission. Participants research, interview and assume their assigned roles.

  Illinois Aerospace Institute (Urbana, IL)

  This one week residential summer camp is open to eligible rising 9th-12th grade students. Students attend classroom discussions on aerospace engineering, put their knowledge into practice through laboratory experience and workshops, and attend academic fieldtrips.

• Summer Programs: Northeastern Region

  Talcott Mountain Science Center - Summer Program (Avon, CT)

  In addition to a school and saturday programs for "intellectually excited" students, the Talcott Mountain Science Center also offers a summer day camp. The summer program theme varies each year.

• Summer Programs: Northwestern Region

  RealFlight

  This cd-rom is a Radio Controlled Model Aircraft flight simulator. It is very useful if you want to learn how to operate a radio controlled aircraft.

• Websites & Other Media: Commercial

  Star Theater Pro Home Planetarium

  Enjoy the starry nights from the comfort of home with this home planetarium.

  The Great Courses

  The more than 500 Great Courses are crafted for lifelong learners with engaging, immersive learning experiences in a wide variety of subjects from science and mathematics to philosophy, history, literature and economics to cooking and photography. The world’s greatest teachers have a team of experts who collaborate on crafting a customized and entertaining educational journey that’s both comprehensive and fascinating. There are no exams. No homework assignments. No prerequisites. Customers can choose the format that fits their life: video or audio, discs or digital. Watch on a television, laptop or tablet, or listen to audio files on a mobile device.

• Websites & Other Media: For Educators

  NOVA Education - Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

  NOVA Education tailors NOVA's digital resources for educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics including life science, earth and space science, and physical science. The free educator library is produced according to teaching standards and includes videos, audio segments, lesson plans, and interactives designed to facilitate effective classroom integration.

• Websites & Other Media: For Fun

  Kids Talk Radio

  Kids Talk Radio is all about STEM, STEAM and STEAM++ (science, technology, engineering, visual and performing arts, mathematics, computer languages and foreign languages). Kids Talk Radio aims to provide workshops, afterschool and distance programs dedicated to helping students in grades 5 through 12 participate in high-motivational project-based learning. These services are provided at school sites and or through distance learning to local, national and international students and teachers. This site is also the home of "The Occupy Mars Learning Adventures."

  Maryland Science Center (Baltimore, MD)

  Located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, this Science center features three floors of exhibits and demonstrations, as well as the Davis Planetarium and an IMAX theatre. Exhibits rotate seasonally, and many of the exhibits feature hands-on and interactive demonstrations.

  Stellarium

  Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. It is being used in planetarium projectors. Just set your coordinates and go.

• Websites & Other Media: Informational

  American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

  This site offers interactive activities that describe aircraft parts and illustrate pitch, roll and yaw. There are also experiments including how to make an "edible Wright Flyer," a "Mars soil experiment," and one showing how jet propulsion works. There is a puzzles and games page and a section on the history of flight from 19 different countries, an image gallery and pioneer profiles with photos.

  Bad Astronomy

  This site is devoted to correcting misconceptions about astronomy. Includes explanations of scientific errors presented in the news, movies, TV and classrooms. There is a section called "Bite-size" astronomy with concise, informal explanations of different concepts.

  Closer to Truth - Television Series

  This site for the TV science talk show Closer to Truth, brings scientists, scholars and artists to debate fundamental issues. Topics discussed include quantum physics, defining human consciousness, ethics and civility, societal changes created by the Internet and much more.

  From Stargazers to Starships

  This is an online book that covers Astronomy of the Earth's Motion in Space, Newtonian Mechanics, The Sun, Spaceflight and Spacecraft, and a Math Refresher. It was originally intended for high schoolers, but the author has fleshed out many sections and some information is at the college level. The author also has a number of resources at this link: http://www.phy6.org/readfirst.htm

  NASA - For Educators

  This section of the NASA website is dedicated to educators. Search hundreds of resources by subject, grade level, type and keyword. These lesson plans and teaching materials support a STEM curriculum. Also, browse STEM-related professional development opportunities, webinars, workshops, and ways for educators and their students to get involved with NASA.

  NASA Education

  NASA's education program strives to "inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics" by supporting education in the Nation's schools and to "engage the public in shaping and sharing the experience of exploration and discovery" by supporting informal education and public outreach efforts. NASA's commitment to education places special emphasis on these goals by increasing elementary and secondary education participation in NASA projects; enhancing higher education capability in STEM disciplines; increasing participation by underrepresented and underserved communities; expanding e-Education; and expanding NASA's participation with the informal education community.
  

  NASA Kids' Club

  This site is a directory with links to NASA sites for kids, including NASA kids, Starchild, Earth Science for kids, and others. Resources vary from very basic to more advanced.

  PlanetsforKids.org

  Planets for Kids is a website designed by kids for kids to serve as a free astronomy network with lots of interesting facts, pictures and diagrams.

  The North American Sundial Society (MD)

  This site is the home of the North American Sundial Society, with information about sundials and their use in modern times.

  World Science Festival (WSF)

  The World Science Festival brings together great minds in science and the arts to produce live and digital content that presents the wonders of science and the drama of scientific discovery to a broad general audience. The Festival’s flagship live event is an annual weeklong celebration and exploration of science in New York City. World Science U is the Foundation’s online education arm where students and lifelong learners can dive more deeply through artfully produced digital education content presented by world-renowned scientists.

  Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company & Museum of Pioneer Aviation

  If you're after knowledge and know-how, this website offers pioneer aviation history, hands-on aviation adventures, virtual expeditions and timely information. There are six operational Wright aircraft in the virtual hangar. Check out the complete engineering drawing of the 1902 Wright Glider and links to other informational sites related to aviation and the Wright Brothers.

  Zooniverse

  The Zooniverse is home to the Internet's largest, most popular and most successful citizen science projects. The primary motivation behind Zooniverse projects is to collect data on well-defined research questions, however with hundreds of thousands of people worldwide participating in these projects, it generates amazing potential for education. Projects within the Zooniverse provide an excellent resource for inquiry-based learning within the classroom or at home.

• Websites & Other Media: Learning Tools

  Center for Astronomy Signal Processing and Electronics Research (CASPER), (Berkeley, CA)

  This site contains informative content on extra terrestrial research, including papers written about CASPER projects and technologies. Find out more about a workshop CASPER offers to teach people how to use their open source hardware and software libraries to build instrumentation such as correlators, beam formers and spectrometers.

  Student Guide

  StudentGuide.org is a collection of useful resources for students to assist their scholastic goals. This website contains articles on hundreds of student-related topics to help them improve their study habits, writing skills, organizational and analytical skills.

  Understanding the Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy

  In video download or DVD format, this visually rich course is designed to provide a nontechnical description of modern astronomy, including the structure and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe as a whole. It includes almost all of the material in the first two astronomy courses for The Teaching Company, produced in 1998 and 2003, but with a large number of new images, diagrams, and animations. The discoveries reported in the 2003 course are integrated throughout these new lectures, and more recent findings (through mid-2006) are included, as well.