NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Event Focus

When you think of NASA, what careers come to mind? Did you immediately think of astronauts? Thousands of NASA employees, contractors, and industry partners work together to send astronauts safely into space. How might different career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics help support NASA?s Vision for Exploration?

Description

This module is appropriate for video conference AND web conference presentation.

It is wonderful to read about different careers at NASA. But what if you could talk to a person who actually works at NASA? That is exactly what the students participating in this videoconference get to do. In this videoconference students learn about many of the career opportunities to them at NASA with a focus on NASA careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Instructional Objectives

 

Engage	Learners share with each other about some of the careers they are interested in pursuing.
Explore	Learners compare differences and similarities with jobs and careers.
Explain	Learners discover some of the many careers available at NASA and compare to earlier discussed careers of interests.
Elaborate	Learners examine and discuss their possible path to working at NASA.
Evaluate	Learners demonstrate their understanding by producing a career brochure that can be shared with the class.

Sequence of Events

Pre-Conference Activities

• As measured by the pre- and post-assessments in the NASA Careers Education Guide (link below), students will develop an increased awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Using the career debrief sheet, students will reflect upon STEM careers presented during the videoconference. This will be evident through discussions occurring during the videoconference.

NASA Careers Education Guide (PDF) For additional resources visit: DLN Module Website for NASA Careers Videoconference Activities Topics covered during the event:

• The many Careers at NASA
• The difference between a job and a career
• What does an Engineer do?
• NASA Scientist
• NASA Astronaut
• Working for NASA
• What does NASA look for in its workforce?

Post-Conference Activities Post-conference Activities Students will summarize the information gained from the videoconference and conduct their own research in order to creating brochure that will be made available to the student body. This brochure can be shared with the class or put on display within the school.

Standards

Science and Technology In Society - Content Standard F:

As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding that:

• Scientists and engineers work in many different settings, including colleges and universities, businesses and industries, specific research institutes, and government agencies.

Module Connection: This module will help students explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

History and Nature of Science - Content Standard G:

As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of Science as a Human Endeavor.

• Women and men of various social and ethnic backgrounds—and with diverse interests, talents, qualities, and motivations—engage in the activities of science, engineering, and related fields such as the health professions. Some scientists work in teams, and some work alone, but all communicate extensively with others.

• Science requires different abilities, depending on such factors as the field of study and type of inquiry. Science is very much a human endeavor, and the work of science relies on basic human qualities, such as reasoning, insight, energy, skill, and creativity--as well as on scientific habits of mind, such as intellectual honesty, tolerance of ambiguity, skepticism, and openness to new ideas.

Module Connection: Teamwork is essential in today’s multifaceted work force. It takes a team of people to safely launch an astronaut in space.

National Standards for Technological Literacy

Standard 17 - Students will develop an understanding of, and be able to select and use, information and communication technologies. Grade Level 6-8:

H. Information and communication systems allow information to be transferred from human to human, human to machine, and machine to human.

J. The design of the message is influenced by such factors as intended audience, medium, purpose, and the nature of the message.

Module Connection: Students will use videoconferencing to share their beliefs and opinions to others about STEM careers.