Glenn High School Capstones
Hydrology
NASA Glenn Research Center is always looking for dynamic new ways to connect students with the mission content of the Agency. The Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) has an interest in providing high school students with opportunities which they can pursue research in support of capstone projects based upon real NASA science and engineering mission content.
Hydrology
NASA’s stewardship of water resources includes management of drinking water, irrigation, storm water, wastewater, wetlands, and other related natural resources issues. Our goal is not only to conserve the water itself, but also to protect the natural resources that the water supports. NASA Glenn Research Center has collaborated with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program to complete and monitor the restoration of Abram Creek that is part of the Rocky River Watershed. The goal of the restoration is to sustain local natural resources for future generations to improve water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support.
Capstone Summary
For this capstone, students will utilize NASA GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) protocols to collect data on water resources near their school to determine the water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support. Students will take readings twice a month to determine levels of dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and pH levels and determine what kind of aquatic life than can be supported based on the data. Students will upload their data into the GLOBE database to support the scientific efforts of the GLOBE project. If time permits, students may also conduct the GLOBE alkalinity, electrical conductivity, and Freshwater macroinvertebrates protocols as well.
Test Rig Components and Specifications
Students will complete the GLOBE training modules to become certified student observers, register school with GLOBE, and upload results of completed protocols. Test materials used for GLOBE protocols include bur are not limited to Test Meter Pancellent TDS PH EC Temperature, LaMotte 5860-01 Dissolved Oxygen Kit,, LaMotte Nitrate-Nitrogen Test Kit, 4491-DR-01 Model WAT-DR Total Alkalinity, and a Liquid-In-Glass Thermometer.
Key Dates
- August 4, 2023 – Applications for the 2023-24 school year are open
- September 22, 2023 – Fall application deadline, applications are due.
- September 29, 2023 – Schools notified of fall application results
- October 17, 2022, 9:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. – Educator Professional Development (on-site and/or virtual)
- October 24, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Virtual Kick-Off with NASA Subject Matter Expert(s)
- January 5, 2024 – Winter application deadline, applications are due
- January 12, 2024 – Schools notified of winter application results
- February 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Virtual Subject Matter Expert Connection
- April 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Capstone Culminating Event including student design presentations and corresponding lab tour on-site at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Participating schools unable to attend and/or outside the region will have an opportunity to present virtually.
2023 – 2024 Application Process
To apply please complete both the NASA Gateway application and the Supplemental application form as follows:
To access the 2023–2024 NASA Gateway application, please click here.
To access the 2023 – 2024 Supplemental application form, please click here.
After downloading and completing the Supplemental Application Form, please save it and upload the completed form as an attachment as part of the NASA STEM Gateway application. Both application forms must be completed to be considered for this opportunity.
Contact Information
Gerald Voltz
Education Program Specialist
Email: GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
Phone: (216) 433-6656