Mars Science Laboratory
Big Mars Rover for Big Mars Science!
Mars Education program lesson plans include elements of inquiry based learning that are aligned to the National Standards and problem-based learning.
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Themed Units and Camps
NASA’s education specialists have developed themed units and camps of NASA content to help make your summer programming both exciting and meaningful. The selected units and camps are specific, hands-on, problem-based activities that are appropriate for the summer learning setting. These units and camps are designed to actively engage your students by providing:
• Opportunities for students to explore what they know.
• Flexible schedules for the delivery of content.
• Achievable learning goals.
• Opportunities for educators to become more comfortable delivering NASA content.
• A greater connection to NASA’s mission and its educational resources.
The Educator Resources section will help you select the themes and lessons most appropriate for your summer programming. The best place to start is to have a strong knowledge of your camp’s needs and your students’ abilities.
What to Consider When Selecting Content
• Are age-appropriate.
• Set high expectations for kids.
• Are standards-based.
• Interest and excite kids.
• Vary in length and approach.
• Take place in a logical sequence.
Check List:
1. Grade Level -- Make sure the lessons are appropriate for the student's ability.
2. Schedule -- Check to see if the lessons and activities will fit within your schedule.
3. Materials -- See what materials are needed for each lesson to ensure they are within your budget.
4. Alignment -- For a great experience, make sure the NASA lessons align with the theme of your program.
Themed Units
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Grades 4-6 |
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Life Science
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Physical Science
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Grades 7-9 |
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Earth and Space Science
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Engineering
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Quick Links to SoI Materials
Use the following lists to find all NASA Summer of Innovation lessons and professional development training modules.
Browse by:
› A-Z Index
› Grade Level
› Professional Development Training Modules
› Themed Units
Themed Camps
Introduction
The camp guides below provide examples of one-day, two-day and week-long programs. Each day contains six to eight hours of activities totaling more than 35 hours of instructional time. The camp template will help you develop an appropriate learning progression that focuses on the concepts necessary to engage in learning. The activities and experiences in the guides come from NASA’s vast collection of educational materials.
Themed Camp Guides
Aeronautics Camp
This camp centers on the mathematical and design principles of flight design.
Designing for Space Camp
This camp centers on developing an appropriate learning progression that focuses on the concepts necessary to learn about engineering.
Life Science Camp
This camp centers on the characteristics of living things, astrobiology, exoplanets and adaptations to the space environment.
Mars Exploration Camp
This camp centers on the past, present, and future exploration of Mars.
Mission to Planet Earth Camp
This camp centers on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, and geosphere of Earth.
Robotics Unplugged Camp
This camp centers on the engineering design process and how we can envision, develop and build robots to help us in our work.
Rocketry Camp
This camp centers on developing an appropriate learning progression that focuses on the concepts necessary to learn about rockets.
Solar System Adventures Camp
This camp centers on the scale, exploration and composition of the planets, moons and other objects.