NASA Now Minutes

NASA Now
NASA Now Minutes are excerpts from the weekly current events program available for classroom use at the NASA Explorer Schools Virtual Campus. Teachers can preview upcoming programs each week on the NES YouTube channel.

› NASA Now Minutes

Bring NASA Into Your Classroom With NASA Now Videos

    Introduce your students to some of NASA’s most fascinating people and get a front-row seat to NASA’s missions, research and facilities with weekly NASA Now classroom videos!

    What is a NASA Now classroom video?

    Show your students what a scientist, engineer, or technician looks like, what they sound like, and what kinds of work they do! Each week, students will see real people putting the science, technology, engineering and mathematics they learn in school to work for NASA missions, research and careers.
    • NASA Now classroom videos are 7-10 minutes long and are captioned for accessibility.
    • Videos can be used as activating strategies to spark student interest in daily lessons.
    • Each video comes with vocabulary words, discussion questions and career information.
    • New videos are posted each week in the NASA Now Classroom Videos section of the Virtual Campus.
    • All NASA Now classroom videos may be found in a searchable archive on the Virtual Campus and are available throughout the year.
    • Videos can be streamed online or downloaded for playing in classrooms without an Internet connection.
    What are teachers saying about the NASA Now classroom videos?

    “Kids are highly motivated by NASA Now. They like the quick pace. I like the links to STEM content.”
       – Natalie Francis, Hiatt Middle School

    “I like how there is a common structure in all the videos. They are short and sweet. As a teacher, I like the pre- and post- questions.”
       – Juliet KovachHam, Ellen Ochoa Learning Center

    “It is really cool to see how these things work, building the shuttles and rovers, seeing inside the training of astronauts and the desk workers that have small tasks that make a big difference.”
       -- Student, Sleeping Giant Middle School

Sample of a NASA Now Classroom Video



    Join us in the Icing Research Tunnel at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, when aeromechanical engineer and icing specialist Judith VanZante gives a tour and explains how engineers apply simple concepts in physical science to create windy, cold and wet conditions for aircraft. VanZante explains the hazards of ice on aircraft, how it is formed, and why research on ice plays a major role in aeronautics.

    Grade Level: 9-12

    Words to Know:
      -- Drag
      -- Leading edge
      -- Lift
      -- Turboprop

    Questions to Ask Before Watching the Video:
    1. List all of the atmospheric conditions you can think of that could threaten the safety of an aircraft.
    2. Have you ever been delayed at an airport because your aircraft needed "de-icing"?
    3. Do you think an aircraft can keep flying if ice forms on its wings? Why or why not?
    Questions to Ask After Watching the Video:
    1. What atmospheric conditions must the Icing Research Tunnel simulate to create icing?
    2. What effect does ice have on an aircraft?
    3. Describe two ice protection systems already in use on aircraft.
    Related Resources:

    Career Information:
    Judith VanZante is an aeromechanical engineer and icing specialist who grew up in a small rural town in Michigan. She earned her doctorate in aerospace engineering and attended college at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and the University of Southern California. She trains pilots on how to handle their aircraft in icing conditions. She finds her job very rewarding because she knows she could be saving lives.

    Connection to NASA:

NES Recognition

    Did you know you could be recognized for using the NASA Now classroom videos? NES offers incredible, multiday educational workshops and educator experiences for teachers who demonstrate an innovative use of NES materials in the classroom. For more information, visit our Recognition Overview section.

    › Get more information

Are you ready to join NES?


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    It's easy!

    To be a participant in NES, you must be a U.S. citizen. You must have a current valid education certification as an administrator or educator in a state or nationally accredited education institution (grades 4-12) in the United States or a U.S. territory, or a Department of Defense or Department of State school.

    Join over 1,000 teachers in the NES experience.

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How-to Video Tutorial

    How to Utilize NASA Now: NASA Explorer SchoolsLearn how to use the built-in search function which includes optional filtering and a "browse all" function to locate the exact NASA Now classroom video programs within the Virtual Campus.

    › Watch video