NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Image above: The cochlear implant, pioneered by NASA engineer Adam Kissiah, selects speech signal information, then sends electrical pulses to the patient's ear. Credit: NASA

NASA Spinoffs - From NASA to Life! Do you have any of these items in your home: Smoke detectors, bar codes, cordless tools, invisible orthodontic braces, football helmet padding? If so, then you are a recipient of NASA technology. The benefits from technology invented for NASA's space missions affect millions of people here on Earth every day. During the week of November 15 through November 21, 2004, NASA will feature some of its award-winning educational programs related to benefits from space on NASA TV.

NASA TV Education Schedule
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This 'Extra' feature highlights educational products, multimedia, materials and Web sites related to "Spinoffs - What's in It for U.S.?"

The 1958 Space Act stipulated that NASA's vast body of scientific and technical knowledge should also "benefit mankind." Those benefits are commonly referred to as "NASA Spinoffs." These resources will take your students through Web pages about spinoffs.

Also included are activities about the process of invention. What exactly sparks the desire to create something new? Is it the need to make something better? How do you move from a concept to an actual product?
 
NASA Educational Multimedia Materials

Image above: NASA develops multimedia resources for educators.

Visit the Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE) which serves as the worldwide distribution center for NASA-produced multimedia materials. CORE offers 'Education Modules' which are bundled by topic and may include CD-ROMs, videotapes, educator guides, posters, lithographs, books, lesson plans, bookmarks, fact sheets, slide sets and activity kits.

For materials related to NASA Technology and Spinoffs, click on 'Search Catalog' and enter the keywords Destination Tomorrow or technology.
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Online Educational Activities

Play the Spinoffs Memory Game (Grades 5-8) What do all the things pictured in this game have in common? They all use technologies or materials that were originally developed for the space program. + View site

Put Your Own Spin on Technology (Grades 5-8) In this activity students learn about some of the useful, life-saving products that came about through research from the space program and invent a new space technology spinoff. + View PDF + Download viewer

What Has NASA Done for You? (Grades 5-Adult) Click on different areas of the picture to learn about spinoffs. Be sure and scroll down because information will appear at the bottom of the page. + View site

Color Me (All Grade Levels) NASA satellite spacecraft provide benefits to those on Earth by providing data about events that affect our lives, such as wildfires and weather. You can find out about NASA Satellites right here. + View site

Tutorials

What Have We Done For You Lately?
Learn how NASA's research has made an impact on our everyday lives.
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Naming an Invention
A lot of hard work goes into the process of designing new and useful things. Giving a new invention a name adds to the interest that it will receive, so proceed carefully!
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Overview of the Wright Brothers Invention Process
Orville and Wilbur Wright are two of America's most well known inventors. They are famous for their scientific processes of research and experimentation.
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An Invention Timeline
The first U.S. patent was issued in 1790. Read about other inventions and think about how your life has been affected by them.
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Cool Sites and Hot Activities

Benefits of the Space Program This Web site provides a down-to-Earth look at what the space program has done for you, your neighbors, America and the world. Explore these pages and feel at home with NASA technology. + View site

Inventions From Space Satellite dishes, fire-fighting equipment, sun glasses and space pens are just a few of the items listed on this page about spinoffs from the space program. + View site

Science and Technology Journalism Challenge Students from K-12 can enter this competition from the NASA Student Involvement Program. Participate by preparing a print or video journalism piece related to Spinoffs. + View site

Brainteasers These brainteasers can help you develop your creative thinking, an important skill for inventors. Try to solve each puzzle in the least number of moves possible. + View site

Inventors Wanted Enter this challenge for Space Day. Your students must research how humans will live on and explore the Moon. Then they should invent, design, and build an item that could make life or work on the Moon easier. + View site

My Marvelous Invention Write about and draw an invention using this student activity page. + View site

Interact with NASA!

Images / Videos / Webcasts / Interactive

Technology Transfer and Spinoffs Image Gallery
Take a look at these pictures of NASA spinoffs.
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Thanks, Apollo!
Flip through this online storybook to learn about some of NASA's benefits to people on Earth.
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The Case of the Wright Invention
Travel back in time with the tree house detectives to learn about the process of invention from two of the greatest inventors of all time, Orville and Wilbur Wright.
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Who Invented the Aeroplane?
Read about the lives of the Wright Brothers, watch the short video, try the activities and then take the quiz.
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Who Invented the Windshield Wiper?
Who actually came up with the idea of a windshield wiper?
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History of Flight
These early inventors didn't have modern technology and communication methods to help them with inventions.
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Videos showcased in the November 2004 Education File Schedule to support " Spinoffs - What's in It for U.S.?" are:

• The Serendipity Machines


• Destination Tomorrow™ Programs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15


• Safety First


• Better Health From Space to Earth


• Bouncing to Mars


• First Look


• New Views

Videos are available from the Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE).
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Additional Resources

NASA Publication: "Spinoff"
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NASAexplores - Search for benefits or inventions
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NASAexplores - Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks Activity
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NASAexplores - Who Thought of That?
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The NASA/NASCAR Connection
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Spinoffs Data Base
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Benefits From Exploration
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NASA Technology Portal
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New Technologies
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Apollo's Contributions to America
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Spinoffs From the Space Shuttle Program
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The Best of NASA's Spinoffs
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NASA Solutions
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Space Technology Hall of Fame
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Join the NASA Education EXPRESS mailing list to receive announcements of new NASA educational publications, Central Operation of Resources for Educators (CORE) multimedia materials and other opportunities for educators.


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