Current Opportunities
Click on your grade level to find things you can do with NASA. Check this page often for new items.
Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
Higher Education
Grades K-4 Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
New Horizons Kids Club
New Horizons wasn't the only voyage launched on Janurary 19, 2006. The New Horizons team welcomes five new "Pluto Pals." The five students were born on the same day the spacecraft started on its historic journey the outer solar system.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
New Horizons Kids Club
New Horizons wasn't the only voyage launched on Janurary 19, 2006. The New Horizons team welcomes five new "Pluto Pals." The five students were born on the same day the spacecraft started on its historic journey the outer solar system.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
Grades 5-8 "Kids in Micro-g" Challenge (Grades 5-8)
"Kids in Micro-g" is a student experiment design challenge geared toward grades 5-8. Its purpose is to give students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment or simple demonstration that will have observably different results when performed in the classroom and aboard the International Space Station. Experiment proposals may be submitted by educators on the behalf of student groups. Proposals may be submitted via e-mail or postal mail through Feb. 19, 2010.
No Boundaries Project and Student Contest (Grades 5-12)
NASA has teamed with USA TODAY Education to create the "No Boundaries" project and national student competition. This project is designed to help students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The No Boundaries Web site includes a Teacher Toolkit and step-by-step instructions for teachers to implement the project in the classroom. Students are encouraged to enter their projects in the No Boundaries National Competition. The contest deadline is April 15, 2010.
Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
"Kids in Micro-g" is a student experiment design challenge geared toward grades 5-8. Its purpose is to give students a hands-on opportunity to design an experiment or simple demonstration that will have observably different results when performed in the classroom and aboard the International Space Station. Experiment proposals may be submitted by educators on the behalf of student groups. Proposals may be submitted via e-mail or postal mail through Feb. 19, 2010.
No Boundaries Project and Student Contest (Grades 5-12)
NASA has teamed with USA TODAY Education to create the "No Boundaries" project and national student competition. This project is designed to help students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The No Boundaries Web site includes a Teacher Toolkit and step-by-step instructions for teachers to implement the project in the classroom. Students are encouraged to enter their projects in the No Boundaries National Competition. The contest deadline is April 15, 2010.
Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
Rock Around the World
Mars scientists are asking students from around the world to help them understand the red planet. Send in a rock collected by you or your classroom from your region of the world, and we will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then everyone can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars.
Grades 9-12 Balloonsat High Altitude Flight Competition (Grades 9-12)
NASA invites student teams nationwide to design and build an experiment or technology demonstration to be sent to the near space environment of the stratosphere, an altitude of 100,000 feet. To participate, teams of four or more students in grades 9-12 must submit a research or flight demonstration proposal by Feb. 19, 2010. In May 2010, the Balloonsat High Altitude Flight Competition winning projects will launch on a NASA weather balloon.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Grades 9-12)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites high school students to envision the benefits of an amphibious tiltrotor vehicle with civilian applications. The contest is open to teams or individuals. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited high school, secondary school or home school. International students may participate but are not eligible for cash prizes. The deadline for final projects has been extended to March 15, 2010.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
No Boundaries Project and Student Contest (Grades 5-12)
NASA has teamed with USA TODAY Education to create the "No Boundaries" project and national student competition. This project is designed to help students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The No Boundaries Web site includes a Teacher Toolkit and step-by-step instructions for teachers to implement the project in the classroom. Students are encouraged to enter their projects in the No Boundaries National Competition. The contest deadline is April 15, 2010.
2010 Green Aviation Student Competition (Grades 9-12)
NASA invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce fewer harmful emissions and make less noise. High school individuals or teams are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video. Top-scoring video entries may be aired on NASA Web sites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. Entrants must be full-time students at accredited secondary institutions. Entries must be submitted by May 1, 2010, or Dec. 15, 2010.
Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
NASA invites student teams nationwide to design and build an experiment or technology demonstration to be sent to the near space environment of the stratosphere, an altitude of 100,000 feet. To participate, teams of four or more students in grades 9-12 must submit a research or flight demonstration proposal by Feb. 19, 2010. In May 2010, the Balloonsat High Altitude Flight Competition winning projects will launch on a NASA weather balloon.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Grades 9-12)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites high school students to envision the benefits of an amphibious tiltrotor vehicle with civilian applications. The contest is open to teams or individuals. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited high school, secondary school or home school. International students may participate but are not eligible for cash prizes. The deadline for final projects has been extended to March 15, 2010.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
No Boundaries Project and Student Contest (Grades 5-12)
NASA has teamed with USA TODAY Education to create the "No Boundaries" project and national student competition. This project is designed to help students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The No Boundaries Web site includes a Teacher Toolkit and step-by-step instructions for teachers to implement the project in the classroom. Students are encouraged to enter their projects in the No Boundaries National Competition. The contest deadline is April 15, 2010.
2010 Green Aviation Student Competition (Grades 9-12)
NASA invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce fewer harmful emissions and make less noise. High school individuals or teams are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video. Top-scoring video entries may be aired on NASA Web sites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. Entrants must be full-time students at accredited secondary institutions. Entries must be submitted by May 1, 2010, or Dec. 15, 2010.
Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Student Opportunity: Odyssey of the Mind
The Earth Observing System Project Science Office is sponsoring an Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem -- Earth Trek. Teams will design and build a small vehicle that will visit four locations. Each time it leaves a location, the vehicle will look different. After leaving one of the locations, it will appear to be a group of vehicles traveling together. The team's performance will incorporate the visits to the locations, the environments and the changes in appearance of the vehicle.
Higher Education 2010 Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program (Higher Education)
The Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program pairs qualified undergraduate students with NASA-funded investigators at research locations across the U.S. for eight weeks during the summer. Undergraduate students majoring in geology or related sciences are eligible to apply. Students graduating in 2010 who have not yet started graduate school are also eligible. Preference is given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applications are due Feb. 12, 2010.
NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program (Higher Education)
The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program sponsors up to 10 interns per year to do research at NASA centers, NASA-sponsored laboratories, and academic institutions. Interns will carry out research with a NASA-sponsored investigator for eight weeks. Applicants must be enrolled in graduate school. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2010.
Student Opportunity: National Space Biomedical Research Institute's Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences (Higher Education)
The NSBRI-sponsored training program in space life sciences enables students to work toward a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M is currently recruiting participants for fall 2010. Students will pursue doctoral degrees in kinesiology, nuclear engineering (health physics) or nutrition, or a M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. in medical sciences. Application packages are due Feb. 15, 2010.
Student Opportunity: 2010 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (Higher Education)
Caltech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, or SURF, project introduces undergraduate students to research under the guidance of seasoned mentors at Caltech or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project, and to write research proposals. Caltech faculty or JPL staff review the proposals and recommend awards. Students work over a 10-week period in the summer. The application deadline is Feb. 22, 2010.
NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition (Higher Education)
NASA is challenging undergraduate and graduate student teams to design, build, and compete an excavator that could be used on the moon. NASA's Lunabotics Mining Competition will be held at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 25-28, 2010. All of NASA's Excavator Design, Build and Compete Project Funds have been awarded for the 2010 Lunabotics Mining Competition. Register for the Lunabotics Mining Competition by Feb. 28, 2010. Registration is limited to 24 teams from U.S. universities.
2010 NASA Postdoctoral Program (Higher Education)
The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers qualified postdoctoral scientists and engineers the opportunity to engage in ongoing NASA research. These one- to three-year fellowship appointments advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems and astrobiology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the dissertation. Applications are due March 1, 2010.
Pre-Service Teacher Institute at NASA's Johnson Space Center (Higher Education)
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is hosting a Pre-Service Teacher Institute, July 12-23, 2010. This two-week residential session is for early childhood and elementary education majors preparing to teach grades K-8. Participants will interface with NASA personnel and tour NASA facilities while learning to incorporate NASA's cutting-edge research into lesson plans. Full-time undergraduate students in their junior or senior year are invited to apply. Applications are due March 15, 2010.
2010 Faculty Institutes in NASA Earth and Space Science Education (Higher Education)
These free two-day workshops assist university and community college faculty in preparing future teachers in science education. NASA Earth and space scientists and educators share authentic inquiry activities, data and resources related to key topics from national science standards. The workshops will take place Jan. 12-13, 2010, in Sacramento, Calif., and March 25-26, 2010, in Baltimore, Md. Participants receive a stipend and develop implementation plans.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Higher Education)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites undergraduate and graduate students to research and design a civilian amphibious tiltrotor vehicle. The vehicle must be able to take off and land on water or land; carry up to fifty passengers; cruise at 300 knots; and cover 800 nautical miles. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. International students may participate but are not eligible for certain prizes. The deadline for final papers has been extended to May 10, 2010.
Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
2010-11 Green Aviation Student Competition (Higher Education)
NASA invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce fewer harmful emissions and make less noise. Undergraduate- and graduate-level individuals or teams are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video. Top-scoring video entries may be aired on NASA Web sites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. Top students may also earn a paid internship at a NASA center. Entries must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2010, or May 1, 2011.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.
The Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program pairs qualified undergraduate students with NASA-funded investigators at research locations across the U.S. for eight weeks during the summer. Undergraduate students majoring in geology or related sciences are eligible to apply. Students graduating in 2010 who have not yet started graduate school are also eligible. Preference is given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Applications are due Feb. 12, 2010.
NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program (Higher Education)
The NASA Planetary Biology Internship Program sponsors up to 10 interns per year to do research at NASA centers, NASA-sponsored laboratories, and academic institutions. Interns will carry out research with a NASA-sponsored investigator for eight weeks. Applicants must be enrolled in graduate school. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2010.
Student Opportunity: National Space Biomedical Research Institute's Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences (Higher Education)
The NSBRI-sponsored training program in space life sciences enables students to work toward a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. at Texas A&M University and focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M is currently recruiting participants for fall 2010. Students will pursue doctoral degrees in kinesiology, nuclear engineering (health physics) or nutrition, or a M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. in medical sciences. Application packages are due Feb. 15, 2010.
Student Opportunity: 2010 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (Higher Education)
Caltech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, or SURF, project introduces undergraduate students to research under the guidance of seasoned mentors at Caltech or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project, and to write research proposals. Caltech faculty or JPL staff review the proposals and recommend awards. Students work over a 10-week period in the summer. The application deadline is Feb. 22, 2010.
NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition (Higher Education)
NASA is challenging undergraduate and graduate student teams to design, build, and compete an excavator that could be used on the moon. NASA's Lunabotics Mining Competition will be held at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 25-28, 2010. All of NASA's Excavator Design, Build and Compete Project Funds have been awarded for the 2010 Lunabotics Mining Competition. Register for the Lunabotics Mining Competition by Feb. 28, 2010. Registration is limited to 24 teams from U.S. universities.
2010 NASA Postdoctoral Program (Higher Education)
The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers qualified postdoctoral scientists and engineers the opportunity to engage in ongoing NASA research. These one- to three-year fellowship appointments advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems and astrobiology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the dissertation. Applications are due March 1, 2010.
Pre-Service Teacher Institute at NASA's Johnson Space Center (Higher Education)
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is hosting a Pre-Service Teacher Institute, July 12-23, 2010. This two-week residential session is for early childhood and elementary education majors preparing to teach grades K-8. Participants will interface with NASA personnel and tour NASA facilities while learning to incorporate NASA's cutting-edge research into lesson plans. Full-time undergraduate students in their junior or senior year are invited to apply. Applications are due March 15, 2010.
2010 Faculty Institutes in NASA Earth and Space Science Education (Higher Education)
These free two-day workshops assist university and community college faculty in preparing future teachers in science education. NASA Earth and space scientists and educators share authentic inquiry activities, data and resources related to key topics from national science standards. The workshops will take place Jan. 12-13, 2010, in Sacramento, Calif., and March 25-26, 2010, in Baltimore, Md. Participants receive a stipend and develop implementation plans.
Art and Design Contest: Life and Work on the Moon (Grades 9-12 and Higher Education)
NASA invites high school and college students from all areas of study, including the arts, industrial design, architecture, and computer design, to submit their work on the theme "Life and Work on the Moon." Entries will be accepted in four categories: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, digital and literature. Entries will be evaluated on their artistic qualities and on whether they depict a valid scenario. Prizes include awards and exhibit opportunities. Entries are due April 15, 2010.
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition (Higher Education)
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program invites undergraduate and graduate students to research and design a civilian amphibious tiltrotor vehicle. The vehicle must be able to take off and land on water or land; carry up to fifty passengers; cruise at 300 knots; and cover 800 nautical miles. Participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. International students may participate but are not eligible for certain prizes. The deadline for final papers has been extended to May 10, 2010.
Hitch a Ride on the Glory Satellite (All Grade Levels)
Do you want to hitch a ride on NASA's next climate monitoring satellite? Join the Glory mission, which will launch no earlier than Oct. 1, 2010, by surfing over to the Send Your Name Around the Earth Web page. Names will be recorded on a microchip built into the satellite, and you will get a printable certificate from NASA acknowledging your participation. There are already 226,323 names on the chip, but there's still plenty of room. You may not submit your name more than once.
2010-11 Green Aviation Student Competition (Higher Education)
NASA invites students to propose ideas and designs for future aircraft that use less fuel, produce fewer harmful emissions and make less noise. Undergraduate- and graduate-level individuals or teams are asked to submit a well-documented paper and a short video. Top-scoring video entries may be aired on NASA Web sites, and students may win a trip to an aviation event. Top students may also earn a paid internship at a NASA center. Entries must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2010, or May 1, 2011.
"From Earth to the Universe" Exhibit (All Grade Levels)
"From Earth to the Universe" is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of the universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects that are known to exist -- planets, comets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and the clusters in which they congregate -- and are being exhibited in over 250 locations throughout the world in 2009 and 2010. Over 60 countries are scheduled to host a FETTU exhibit.
Send Your Name to Mars (All Grade Levels)
NASA invites you to submit your name to be included on a microchip that will be sent to Mars as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, scheduled to launch in 2011. The Mars Science Laboratory is a rover that will assess whether Mars ever was, or still is, an environment able to support microbial life. Participants can print a certificate of participation and view a map showing where other contributors are from.