NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Mathematics is an essential component of contemporary science and engineering. Exploring Space Through Math will help students in grades 7-12 develop a deeper understanding of key mathematical concepts, and learn how to apply those concepts in the context of space exploration. This project can be a valuable supplemental component to the Mathematics curriculum as it exposes students to the limitless options in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM fields.

The focus of Exploring Space Through Math project is to promote inquiry through real world applications. Doing so will place students in the role of NASA scientists, engineers and researchers who work in teams to accomplish tasks. This project will promote cooperative learning, problem-solving and the use of technology.

Problems in this project follow the 5-E’s Instructional Model with a segment for each phase of instruction - Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend and Evaluate. This model is based on the constructivist approach, which says that learners build or construct new ideas on top of their old ideas.

Note: Often a problem is suitable for use in multiple math courses. Suggestions are shown next to the title.

TECHNOLOGY NOTE: NASA's Exploring Space Through Math project partnered with Texas Instruments to provide technology specific versions of some of the series problems. On this website you will find these problems are designated by the type of technology used: TI-Nspire™ technology and/or TI-84 Plus™ technology.

These problems, as well as other activities using TI technology, can also be found at the › TI Activity Exchange → and from the › TI Math Nspired website →.