Teaching From Space

A high school student interviews the crew of the International Space Station

Learn more about how you and your students can get involved in real space missions.

NASA Office of Education

Astronaut Barbara Morgan observes a student working on a computer

Visit the NASA Education website. You'll discover a wealth of information including a list of current opportunities; education related feature stories; and contact information for project representatives.

› Education

Future NASA Programs

The NASA emblem floats above the words 'Commercial Crew & Cargo'

NASA's Commercial Crew and Cargo Program invests financial and technical resources to encourage the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable and cost-effective space transportation capabilities.

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Highlights

Rocket Science 101

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to launch a NASA spacecraft with NASA's Rocket Science 101!

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America's New Paths in Space

A half century since it launched the first American to orbit, NASA has embarked on two parallel paths of future spaceflight.

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A woman helps a student prepare a foam rocket for launch

How to Build and Launch a Foam Rocket

Download this activity guide and watch a how-to video for students about designing and launching rubber-band-powered rockets.

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NASA Announces New Space Launch System

The Space Launch System is an advanced heavy lift vehicle that will be capable of sending humans beyond Earth's orbit.

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Rockets to Racecars

Tour the NASA garage to learn about heat-resistant paint, fire-resistant materials and other NASA spinoffs that have helped the racing industry.

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Space Shuttle Program Commemorative Patch

Space Shuttle -- A Mighty Machine

It began as a dream and has captivated students for 30 years.

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Special Announcement

NASA RECOMMENDS DISCONTINUATION OF STUDENT ROCKET ACTIVITY

Recently, an air pressurized paper rocket launcher being used by an educator failed. This launcher is described in NASA's Rockets Educator Guide, publications EG-2011-11-223-KSC, pp. 86-90 and EG-2008-05-060-KSC, pp. 86-90. NASA completed an engineering investigation into the failure and determined that the launcher, or design equivalents, should not be used. NASA has removed the launcher design from its website and its education curriculum. Individuals and organizations should immediately discontinue use of the launcher published in the referenced NASA publications. The point of contact for additional information is James Stofan, Deputy Associate Administrator for Education Integration at nasaedpartners@nasa.gov. We request that your organization assist NASA in disseminating this information as widely as possible throughout the education community.

How Do Rockets Stack Up?

Compare the parts of a model rocket with the parts of five NASA launch vehicles. Credit: NASA

Welcome, future rocket scientists!

How does a model rocket stack up against the big guys? Select a rocket and find out.

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Basic Steps to Launch a Rocket

1. Main Engine ignites and liftoff occurs.
2. Solid rocket boosters burn off their fuel and separate from the rocket.
3. Booster burns off fuel and jettisons from the rocket. The second stage or engine is revealed.
4. Second stage ignites and pushes the rocket farther along its path.
5. Payload fairing jettisons and reveals the payload.
6. The payload separates from the rocket and begins its mission in space.