Glenn High School Capstones
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.
Goals
This activity supports NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement strategic goals:
- Build a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with NASA’s people, content, and facilities.
- Attract diverse groups of students to STEM through learning opportunities that spark interest and provide connections to NASA’s mission and work.
Scope
Students utilize a PowerPoint template to include the capstone objective, approach/process, conclusions, materials and cost list, technical diagrams, and references. While NASA Glenn provides the technical expertise and guidance to complete the capstone, schools are expected to utilize the existing resources that are available at their institutions for the successful implementation of the capstone. This includes the development and fabrication of test rigs used for testing as well as the completed capstone project. NASA Glenn has currently developed five High School Capstones that can be accomplished within one academic year. These capstones are in the areas of Acoustic Damping, Hydrology, Power Management and Distribution, Remote Sensing of Harmful Algal Blooms, and Simulated Lunar Operations.
In addition, NASA Glenn may seek High School students to participate in long-term research and engineering capstones that requires a student commitment for up to two years. The application process for these capstones will be posted on this website as they become available.
Eligibility/Requirements
This opportunity is open to Ohio high school students in grades 9-12. Students must have a teacher sponsor from their school contact the activity point of contact below for more information.
Featured Content
The following virtual capstones are available for the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Acoustic Damping – How can we reduce noise pollution from jet engines? Design a sample acoustic liner and test your design in an impedance tube.
- Hydrology – How clean is your nearby watershed? Use Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) protocols to test for dissolved oxygen, nitrates, PH and more.
- Power Management and Distribution – How can we develop a smart power system for future space stations? Design a distributed control unit that reroutes power and performs automatic shutdown procedures.
- Remote Sensing of Harmful Algal Blooms – How can we detect harmful algae? Use an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAM) to detect and collect algae samples.
- Simulated Lunar Operations – How can we use tires without air? Design wheels that can work in extreme environments and test your design on a 4-wheel drive rover in an adjustable-tilt testbed with a sandy terrain.
Contact Information
Gerald Voltz
Education Program Specialist
Email: GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
Phone: (216) 433-6656
Glenn Research Center – Office of STEM Engagement
This event is featured as a part of NASA Glenn’s Student STEM Events.